Optimising photovoltaic yields: what gains can you expect from a cleaning robot?

As environmental protection has become a major societal concern, more and more individuals and professionals are investing in photovoltaic power plants. They choose clean and renewable energy while progressing towards energy independence and better managing their expenses. However, to perform at its best, a solar power plant must be properly sized, strategically positioned, and well maintained.

Why Clean Photovoltaic Panels?

Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into electricity. Being outdoors and fully exposed to the elements, they accumulate dust, pollen, plant debris, fine particles, sea spray, sand, bird droppings, and more daily. Dirt buildup creates a barrier between sunlight and solar cells, reducing electricity production. This loss in efficiency can cost solar farms or plants up to tens of thousands of euros annually, depending on the size of the installation. Owners, especially those with large plants, benefit greatly from investing in effective cleaning solutions and performing regular maintenance.

How to Clean Photovoltaic Panels?

Several tools and methods are available for solar plant owners and specialized companies to perform maintenance:

• Telescopic cleaning poles, made of carbon or titanium, equipped with a rotary brush and connected to a water supply. These are popular with private users who generally own smaller installations than professionals.

• Cleaning robots, specially designed for large surface areas,

• Drone cleaning.

Focus on Cleaning Robots

Like any equipment, cleaning robots have their pros and cons!

Advantages of Cleaning Robots for Photovoltaic Panels

Efficiency: Designed for large surfaces, cleaning robots can clean 300 to 400 m² per hour, and even more for some models. This speed enables cleaning extensive solar panel areas within limited time frames.

Reduced physical effort: The user’s physical strain is minimized, as the robot performs the entire cleaning process independently.

Safety: Once deployed, the operator can stay on the ground and remotely control the robot, avoiding risks of falls and damage to panels caused by walking or falling on them.

Quality of service: Using a cleaning robot generally delivers highly satisfactory results.

Disadvantages of Cleaning Robots for Photovoltaic Panels

Cost: While the availability of cleaning robots is growing, prices remain high, ranging from €15,000 to €45,000 excluding tax. Return on investment must be carefully evaluated. Such robots need frequent use to justify purchase and maintenance costs. However, companies investing in these machines often find strong demand for their services.

Weight: Robots must be installed on the solar panels, which can be tricky due to their weight, sometimes several dozen kilos even when disassembled.

Training: A specially trained operator is required to remotely control, install, and dismantle the robot before and after cleaning.

Maintenance and after-sales service: Regular maintenance is necessary, potentially amounting to about 5% of the purchase price annually. Choosing reliable, high-quality equipment is crucial for long-term profitability despite higher upfront costs.

Deployment: Besides cleaning time, travel, installation, and dismantling must be considered. Easy-to-install equipment is preferable, especially for smaller solar panel areas. For smaller setups, telescopic poles with rotary brushes may be a faster operational choice.

Limited versatility: Some solar farms cannot be cleaned with robots due to steep panel angles or layouts preventing robot movement between arrays.

Alternative to Cleaning Robots?

The Qleen-By-Guialto Vario Rotary Brush offers many advantages. High quality, it cleans 250 m² per hour, is easier to install, faster to deploy, and less expensive than a robot. Available in 50, 75, and 100 cm sizes to fit any installation, it is extremely durable and compatible with all our electric machines. It features two powerful motors with automatic cooling integrated in the brush head, plus a patented joint ensuring precise and easy guidance. Reliable over time, it requires minimal after-sales service.
The brush's weight improves cleaning quality significantly, carried by the panel, preserving operator comfort even during long jobs. All dirt is removed effortlessly!

Cleaning robots remain the best option for very large solar farms with panels that are not too steep and arranged so the robot can easily move between arrays. The rotary brush is a complementary alternative for smaller farms or installations with steep or difficult panel arrangements. In all cases, selecting reliable, high-quality equipment is essential.

Choosing Qleen by Guialto guarantees high-performance, easy-to-use products that deliver flawless results and complete satisfaction.

Our team is ready to advise you on the best equipment for your needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us!