The impact of using an IoT-based automatic solar panel cleaner on building energy performance

Abstract

Abstract Solar energy is a great provider of renewable environmentally friendly energy. Thanks to solar technologies, it converts sunlight into electrical energy using multiple devices such as photovoltaic cells. The generated electrical energy can be used for multiple purposes such as commercial, industrial, and domestic uses. Generating electrical energy without releasing toxic gases is considered one of the biggest advantages of using solar energy. While solar panels are a reliable source of clean electrical energy, their power output can be decreased due to the lack of maintenance and especially cleaning. The efficiency of solar panels decreases by more than 40% due to the lack of cleaning. That is why routine cleaning is crucial to ensure the optimum performance of them. Providing an automatic solar panel cleaning system will ensure that routine maintenance is done and the electricity output is optimum. Integrating the use of photovoltaic cells in buildings helps improve the energy performance and energy efficiency of buildings. This research paper aims to determine the impact of integrating an internet of things (IoT)-based automatic solar panel cleaner and measure the energy efficiency of using it. The IoT-based automatic solar panel cleaner contributed to raising the solar panel power wattage by 89.33% in a hot desert climatic region.