2026-08-01 JOURNAL OF ELECTROSTATICS 2026 142(卷), null(期), (null页)
Dust accumulation on solar panels significantly reduces their efficiency, leading to electricity generation losses. Conventional water-based cleaning systems are often impractical, particularly in desert regions where many solar power plants are installed. Additionally, mechanical brush-based cleaning systems can cause surface scratches, reducing panel transparency and long-term performance. In this study, an automatic robotic wiper system based on the electrostatic principle is developed for efficient dust removal from solar panel surfaces. The system employs a high DC voltage of 1000 V applied to this wiper electrode that generates a corona wind and exterminates the dust particles. Servo motors control the movement of the wiper, aligning dust removal in a single direction. A metal mesh structure is also integrated into the wiper design to ensure uniform electric field distribution and prevent dust particles from flying backwards during operation. The wiper blades clean the panel and the cleaning efficiency of over 95% have been achieved in the system. The proposed system is lightweight, energy-efficient, and easy to install. The system is pre-programmed to operate automatically after installation. This approach offers a practical and sustainable solution for maintaining solar panel efficiency in dust-prone environments.