Electric Field-Based Self-Cleaning Systems for Solar Panels
50 patents in this list
Updated:
Solar panel efficiency drops by 15-30% annually due to dust and debris accumulation, with losses reaching 40% in arid regions after just one month of exposure. Field measurements show that traditional cleaning methods consume 1-5 liters of water per square meter and require regular maintenance cycles that impact operational costs.
The fundamental challenge lies in developing cleaning mechanisms that can operate continuously without consuming significant energy or resources while maintaining the delicate optical and electrical properties of the photovoltaic surface.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including nanostructured surfaces with electrostatic dust collection, integrated rotating film systems, and automated brush mechanisms with precision control. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation across different environmental conditions while minimizing water consumption and maintenance requirements.
1. Circular Solar Panel with Automatic Tracking and Integrated Self-Cleaning System
Hunan Xin Taiyang New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., 2024
Circular solar panel with enhanced efficiency through automatic tracking and self-cleaning mechanisms. The panel features a base, a support plate with a compression tank, a fixing plate, a solar cell panel, and a follower rotation mechanism. The mechanism employs a light tracker to automatically rotate the solar cell panel to follow the sun's movement, while a self-cleaning system ensures optimal panel surface cleanliness through a built-in cleaning mechanism. This innovative design enables the solar panel to maintain optimal performance even in variable weather conditions.
2. Foldable Solar Panel System with Integrated Self-Cleaning Mechanism and Compact Storage Configuration
ZHEJIANG XINGYU ELECTROMECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 浙江星煜机电科技股份有限公司, 2024
A self-cleaning foldable solar panel system that enables both efficient energy generation and environmental protection. The system comprises multiple solar panel units connected in a folded configuration, allowing them to be easily deployed and stored. The panels feature a unique foldable design that enables them to be compactly stored when not in use, while their integrated cleaning mechanism automatically removes debris and contaminants through a proprietary self-cleaning technology. This enables the system to maintain optimal performance while minimizing environmental impact.
3. Detachable Electrostatic Dust Collection Device with Moving Static Electricity Bar and Integrated Drying Module for Solar Panels
Shin Jong-hwan, SHIN JONG HWAN, 2024
A detachable cleaning device for solar panels that utilizes electrostatic dust collection to maintain power generation efficiency. The device features a static electricity generating bar that attracts and removes dust particles from the solar panel surface, while a power supply unit charges the bar with static electricity. The bar moves along the solar panel's surface in a controlled manner, generating static electricity as it moves, and a drying module is positioned behind to remove any remaining moisture. The device is designed for easy installation and removal, making it ideal for existing solar panels without the need for additional equipment.
4. Photovoltaic Module with Integrated Dual-Brush and Liquid Supply Cleaning Mechanism
NEW ENERGY BRANCH OF HUANENG QINGHAI POWER GENERATION CO LTD, 2023
A photovoltaic module with integrated cleaning system that addresses the common issue of dust accumulation on solar panels. The system comprises a mounting frame with a dual-brush cleaning mechanism positioned on one side, and a liquid supply system positioned on the other side of the mounting frame. The dual-brush mechanism provides mechanical cleaning action, while the liquid supply system delivers cleaning agents to the mounting frame. This integrated solution eliminates the need for separate cleaning systems and provides continuous, automated cleaning to maintain optimal solar panel performance and prevent system degradation.
5. Solar Panel System with Rotating Protective Film and Integrated Contaminant Removal Mechanism
RYU JUNG-HAN, 2023
Solar panel device that automatically removes contaminants from the surface of solar panels while maintaining power generation. The device features a rotating panel protection film that can be adjusted to open or close the solar panel's upper surface. The film is mounted on a vertical rotation shaft that moves along the panel's surface, with a cleaning brush attached to its end. When contaminants are detected, the film automatically blocks the solar panel's surface, while the brush removes debris through rotation. The device continuously monitors power generation and surface contamination levels, automatically switching between protection and cleaning modes.
6. Solar Panel Assembly with Integrated Automatic Dust Removal System and Control Unit
NANTONG YOUTUO NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Nantong Youtuo New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., 2023
A solar panel with automatic dust removal system that eliminates manual cleaning and improves efficiency. The system features a mounting frame with a dedicated cleaning plate slot and a control unit integrated into the frame. When a solar panel is installed, the control unit automatically activates the cleaning plate to remove accumulated dust from the panel surface. The cleaning plate is positioned above the solar panel, allowing for efficient dust removal while maintaining panel alignment. This integrated cleaning solution enables rapid panel installation and maintenance, while maintaining optimal panel performance.
7. Hinged Dual-Panel Photovoltaic System with Symmetrically Driven Rotating Cloth Cleaning Assembly
SHEYANG ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO LTD, SHEYANG POWER SUPPLY BRANCH OF STATE GRID JIANGSU ELECTRIC POWER CO LTD, Sheyang County Electrical Industry Co., Ltd., 2023
A self-cleaning solar photovoltaic panel that enables continuous cleaning without mechanical intervention. The panel comprises two hinged panels connected by a central joint, with a drive assembly that enables both panels to be folded and overlapped. A cleaning assembly with a rotating cloth, driven by the drive assembly, moves along the joint to clean the photovoltaic surfaces. The drive assembly features a unique configuration where the drive shafts are positioned symmetrically on either side of the panel, with the rotating belts wrapped around them. This arrangement allows the cleaning assembly to effectively clean both panels simultaneously while maintaining operational integrity.
8. Multi-Layer Photovoltaic Panel with Integrated Brush Cleaning and Folding Mechanism
Sangmyung University Cheonan Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, SANGMYUNG UNIVERSITY CHEONAN COUNCIL FOR INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, 2023
Solar power generation device with automatic cleaning function that minimizes output loss due to soiling by removing contaminants from the photovoltaic panel. The device comprises a multi-layered photovoltaic panel with a cleaning member installed under the photovoltaic panel that automatically removes contaminants through a brush-shaped cleaning mechanism. The cleaning mechanism is integrated into a folding mechanism that enables the device to fold and unfold the photovoltaic panels while maintaining optimal performance. The device incorporates features such as a sliding guide rib system, a sliding guide rib system, and a sliding guide rib system to facilitate precise positioning and movement of the panels during cleaning.
9. Photovoltaic Panel with Nanostructured Conductive Surface for Electrostatic Dust Collection
YU XINHUA, 2022
A self-cleaning photovoltaic panel system that eliminates dust accumulation through a novel electrostatic dust collection mechanism. The system features a transparent panel with a nanostructured surface that incorporates conductive nano-protrusions with the lotus leaf effect. When exposed to air, these nano-protrusions ionize dust particles, which are then attracted to the conductive sheets through electrostatic forces. The system incorporates a dust removal component that captures and removes the collected dust particles, while a detection component monitors the collection process and automatically controls the dust removal mechanism.
10. Solar Photovoltaic Panel with Integrated Liquid-Based Self-Cleaning Mechanism
JIANGSU TIAEC OPTOELECTRONICS MAT CO LTD, 2022
Solar photovoltaic panel with self-cleaning functionality and a method for using the same. The panel incorporates a self-cleaning mechanism that utilizes a liquid cleaning system to maintain its surface cleanliness. The cleaning system employs a liquid suction pump to extract cleaning solution from a storage tank, which is then sprayed onto the panel surface through multiple spray heads. This integrated cleaning system ensures efficient and uniform surface wetting, preventing dust accumulation and maintaining photovoltaic efficiency.
11. Solar Panel with Integrated Self-Cleaning Mechanism and Centralized Power Mounting System
State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Co., Ltd. Guannan County Power Supply Branch, GUANNAN POWER SUPPLY BRANCH OF STATE GRID JIANGSU ELECTRIC POWER CO LTD, 2022
A self-cleaning solar panel that enables continuous maintenance without the need for separate cleaning tools. The panel features a unique mounting system with a central support rod that houses the power mechanism, with eight L-shaped rods connecting to a counterweight. When the panel is installed, the counterweight supports the power mechanism, allowing the L-shaped rods to swing around the mounting frame. A rotating brush mechanism attached to the power mechanism's output shaft completes the cleaning process. The system automatically returns the L-shaped rods to their original position, ensuring continuous operation while minimizing maintenance needs.
12. Solar Panel with Rotating Mount and Integrated Water Jet Flushing Mechanism
ZENG PING, 2022
A self-cleaning roof solar panel for electric vehicles that removes impurities and dust through a novel flushing mechanism. The panel features a mounting system with a rotating shaft connecting the solar panel to the mounting seat, and a flushing mechanism integrated into the mounting seat. The flushing mechanism incorporates a water jet system with strategically placed nozzles that direct water flow to the solar panel's surface, where it effectively removes impurities and dust without compromising the panel's performance.
13. Solar Panel with Integrated Rotating Base and Automated Dust Collection System
Gansu Province Installation Construction Group Co., Ltd., GANSU INSTALLATION AND CONSTRUCTION GROUP CO LTD, 2022
A solar power panel with an integrated dust collection system that automatically cleans the panel surface. The system comprises a rotating base with solar panels arranged on it, a drive device that powers a blower and dust removal mechanism, and a specialized brush design that enables efficient dust collection. The brush features a curved surface with strategically positioned water outlets to direct cleaning solution and debris away from the panel. The system is integrated with the panel's existing electrical components, eliminating the need for manual cleaning and reducing labor costs.
14. Solar Cell Panel Coating with Titanium-Infused Glass Microspheres for Enhanced Hydrophobicity and Photocatalytic Activity
TIANJI SCIENCE AND TECH LIMITED CO, 2022
A self-cleaning solar cell panel with improved durability and maintenance capabilities through the incorporation of titanium-containing glass microspheres in the surface coating. The microspheres enhance the coating's hydrophobicity and photocatalytic properties, enabling effective dust and pollutant removal while maintaining the panel's optical performance. The microspheres replace conventional solid glass microspheres, offering a cost-effective solution for maintaining the self-cleaning functionality over extended periods.
15. Solar Panel System with Lateral and Angular Adjustable Self-Cleaning Mechanism
Zhejiang OSD New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., ZHEJIANG OUSHENGDA NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022
A self-cleaning solar panel system that optimizes dust collection while maintaining photovoltaic efficiency. The system comprises a solar panel array with multiple panels arranged at equal horizontal and vertical distances, followed by a cleaning device positioned adjacent to the solar array. The cleaning device features a lateral movement mechanism and angle adjustment mechanism, enabling precise control over the cleaning angle. The device incorporates a scraper and water spray system for effective dust removal. This innovative design addresses the conventional cleaning challenges of solar panels while maintaining high photovoltaic efficiency.
16. Solar Panel with Integrated Synchronized Flushing Mechanism and Adjustable Cleaning Arms
Guangdong Yangshuo Green Building Technology Co., Ltd., 2022
A solar panel with automatic cleaning system that employs a novel flushing mechanism to maintain panel cleanliness. The system features a synchronized mounting configuration with adjustable cleaning arms, a mounting plate with a water guide system, and a drive motor that enables controlled rotation and flushing of the cleaning arms. The flushing mechanism is integrated into the mounting plate, with the cleaning arms and guide system working in tandem to remove accumulated debris. This innovative design enables precise and automated cleaning while maintaining panel orientation, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
17. Solar Panel with Integrated Self-Cleaning Mechanism in Wedge-Grooved Mounting Block
JIANGSU BOXU BATTERY TECH CO LTD, 2021
Solar panel with self-cleaning structure based on optoelectronic complementation, featuring a mounting plate with a fixed block and a self-cleaning mechanism integrated into the block. The block has a wedge-shaped groove that houses a cleaning device, and the wedge is positioned in the block's guide groove. This design provides stable mounting of the cleaning mechanism while maintaining optimal panel performance through regular cleaning of solar cell components.
18. Solar Panel with Integrated Autonomous Cleaning Mechanism
QIU YA-FENG, 2021
A solar panel with an integrated automatic cleaning system that enables efficient maintenance without manual intervention. The solar panel features a built-in cleaning mechanism that automatically removes dust and debris from the photovoltaic surface, maintaining optimal performance and efficiency. This system is integrated into the solar panel design, eliminating the need for separate cleaning components and labor-intensive maintenance procedures. The cleaning mechanism is designed to operate autonomously, ensuring consistent cleaning performance across the panel's surface area.
19. Self-Cleaning Solar Panel System with Sliding Mechanism and Support Rod for Dust Removal
ZHEJIANG LANTE NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Zhejiang Lant New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., 2021
A self-cleaning solar panel system that enables permanent and effective dust removal through a novel cleaning mechanism. The system comprises a mounting structure, a cleaning device, a support rod, and a specialized cleaning system. The cleaning device features a unique sliding mechanism that moves along the cleaning pipe, while the support rod provides structural support for the cleaning device. The sliding mechanism's precise movement ensures thorough dust removal from the solar panel surface, eliminating the need for manual cleaning methods. This self-cleaning technology enables permanent dust protection while maintaining optimal solar energy conversion.
20. Solar Device with Rotatable Solar Panel, Cleaning Drum, and Integrated Water Spray Mechanism
MAOJIE GUO, 2021
A self-cleaning multifunctional solar device that optimizes energy production while minimizing maintenance. The device comprises a solar panel mounted on a bearing, a cleaning drum positioned above the solar panel, and a water spray mechanism that injects cleaning solution onto the solar panel surface. The device incorporates two lithium-ion batteries for efficient energy storage.
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