Q: Is rain enough to clean solar panels?

Rain can't fully replace manual cleaning of solar panels. The cleaning effect of natural rainfall is quite limited: 1. It can't wash off stubborn stains: Light rain can only remove surface dust and is powerless against bird droppings, oil stains, or dried mud spots. 2. It tends to leave water marks: After the rainwater evaporates, impurities in the water can leave mud spots and water marks on the panels, actually creating new obstructions. 3. It can easily form 'dammed lakes': Rainwater can push dust toward the edges at the bottom of the panels, which can dry and form hard-to-clean mud strips. Only continuous heavy rain has some rinsing effect, but regular manual cleaning is still essential.

Question 1

Can you tell me a bit about your company?

Accepted Answer

Westrong Robotics is a high-tech company specializing in the research and development, design, manufacturing, and global sales of solar panel cleaning robots. Focused on intelligent operation and maintenance (O&M) for photovoltaic power plants, the company leverages its proprietary robotic technologies to provide efficient, reliable automated cleaning equipment and integrated solutions for both utility-scale and distributed solar installations.
Westrong Robotics&#x27; products are widely deployed across multiple countries and regions, helping customers improve solar module power generation efficiency, reduce operation and maintenance costs, and advance the intelligent and digital transformation of photovoltaic power plant operations.

Question 2

Where's your factory located?

Accepted Answer

Jilin, Changchun

Question 3

Do you have a factory audit report?

Accepted Answer

Yes

Question 4

Are you a manufacturer or a trading company?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturer

Question 5

Do you provide samples？

Accepted Answer

NA

Question 6

How does a photovoltaic cleaning robot work?

Accepted Answer

A remote-controlled solar panel cleaning robot is like a “giant remote-controlled car” for maintenance staff, who need to manually carry it onto the panels. Operators on the ground use a remote control or a mobile app to give commands, steering the robot forward, turning it, and activating the brushes underneath. The high-speed rotating brushes scrape off dust, while the vacuum or water-spraying system completes the cleaning. At the same time, the robot streams live footage back to the screen, making it easy for operators to adjust the route on the fly. It’s really convenient for flexible use in small and medium-sized solar plants.

Question 7

should i cancel the order since you are so late and failed to contact me？

Accepted Answer

Yes

Question 8

Why do solar panels need regular cleaning?

Accepted Answer

1. Ensure power generation efficiency: Dust, bird droppings, and other dirt can block sunlight, causing power output to drop by 15% to 30%.
2. Avoid hot spot effects: Partial shading can cause the temperature in that area to rise abnormally, damaging the solar cells and shortening the lifespan of the panels.
3. Prevent surface corrosion: Acidic substances like bird droppings sticking around for a long time can corrode the glass coating and cause permanent damage.
4. Ensure electricity safety: Dust accumulation combined with rain can promote moss growth, which may reduce the insulation performance of the panels and lead to leakage risks.

Question 9

How often should solar panels be cleaned?

Accepted Answer

There isn’t a universal standard for cleaning solar panels; it mainly depends on the local environment and climate:
Dusty or dry areas: it’s recommended to clean them every 1 to 2 months.
Rainy or clean-air areas: cleaning every 3 to 6 months is fine.
Special pollution zones: if you’re near industrial areas, busy roads, or farms where panels easily get oil or bird droppings, a partial or full clean every two weeks to a month is suggested.
Also, after sandstorms or bad weather, it’s a good idea to arrange an extra cleaning.

Question 10

Does robotic cleaning help improve PV plant output?

Accepted Answer

Robot cleaning can significantly boost the power output of a solar power plant. By regularly removing dust and dirt, it can effectively cut power losses by more than 15% to 30%, helping solar panels get back to their optimal light-absorbing state. Compared to manual cleaning, robots not only clean more evenly and thoroughly but can also operate more frequently, maximizing the overall power generation benefits of the plant.

Question 11

Is rain enough to clean solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Rain can&#x27;t fully replace manual cleaning of solar panels. The cleaning effect of natural rainfall is quite limited: 
1. It can&#x27;t wash off stubborn stains: Light rain can only remove surface dust and is powerless against bird droppings, oil stains, or dried mud spots. 
2. It tends to leave water marks: After the rainwater evaporates, impurities in the water can leave mud spots and water marks on the panels, actually creating new obstructions. 
3. It can easily form &#x27;dammed lakes&#x27;: Rainwater can push dust toward the edges at the bottom of the panels, which can dry and form hard-to-clean mud strips. 
Only continuous heavy rain has some rinsing effect, but regular manual cleaning is still essential.

Question 12

What kinds of dirt can PV cleaning robots remove?

Accepted Answer

The photovoltaic cleaning robot can efficiently remove a variety of common stains from the surface of solar panels, mainly including: 1. Common deposits: like everyday dust, gravel, fallen leaves, bird droppings, etc. 2. Stubborn dirt: such as industrial oil, hardened mud, tree sap, and more. The robot can deeply remove these through slow movement or high-pressure washing. 3. Biological and extreme attachments: it can also effectively clean snow, algae, moss, and other biological deposits in specific environments. By automatically adjusting water pressure, movement speed, and cleaning modes, the robot can precisely handle all kinds of dirt and ensure the solar panels stay transparent.

Question 13

Can a robot remove heavy dust, mud, rust stains, and bird droppings?

Accepted Answer

Sure, but heavily polluted ones need to be cleaned with specific cleaning agents.

Question 14

What is the difference between dry cleaning and wet cleaning?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between dry cleaning and wet cleaning is whether water is used and the cleaning principle:
Dry cleaning: Relies purely on physical friction. It uses high-speed rotating soft brushes to sweep away dust directly, with a vacuum to collect it. It&#x27;s water-saving, eco-friendly, and super efficient, perfect for large areas with limited water, but it&#x27;s a bit weak on stubborn stains like bird droppings or grease.
Wet cleaning: Sprays clean water (or cleaning solution) while cleaning. The water softens tough grime before washing it away, giving a deeper clean, but it uses a lot of water and the surface needs time to dry afterward.
In short, dry cleaning focuses on “efficiency and water saving,” while wet cleaning focuses on “deep stain removal.”

Question 15

When should wet cleaning be used?

Accepted Answer

1. When there are stubborn stains: When bird droppings, tree sap, oil, or dried mud are stuck on the solar panels, dry brushing is hard to remove them completely. Wet cleaning can soften the dirt first and then remove it deeply. 
2. When water is plentiful and deep cleaning is needed: In places where water is abundant and easy to get, or when the power station needs a regular thorough clean, wet washing can get things much cleaner. 
3. After rain or in high humidity: Right after it rains or when humidity is high, dust easily mixes with water and turns into mud that sticks to the panels. At this time, you have to rinse with water to restore transparency.

Question 16

What is the best time of day to clean solar panels?

Accepted Answer

The best times to clean solar panels are early in the morning (after sunrise until before 8 a.m.) or in the evening (after 5 p.m.), and cloudy days are also a great choice. It&#x27;s recommended to avoid the high-temperature period from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this time, the surface of the panels is very hot, and sudden contact with cold water can cause &#x27;thermal expansion and contraction,&#x27; leading to tiny cracks in the glass. At the same time, the quick evaporation of water can leave stubborn streaks that block sunlight and reduce power efficiency.

Question 17

Can the robot clean without water?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.  
Its working principle is really clever and mainly relies on the following two steps to achieve highly efficient, &#x27;spotless&#x27; cleaning:  
1. Physical Removal: The bottom of the robot is equipped with soft roller brushes made of special materials, like modified nylon or carbon fiber. When the rollers spin at high speed, they create strong physical friction that directly sweeps away dust and sand stuck on the glass surface without scratching the solar panels.  
2. Negative Pressure Suction: While the rollers clean, the robot simultaneously activates its negative pressure suction system, instantly pulling the lifted dust into its internal dustbin, achieving zero secondary dust emission.
This waterless cleaning technology is especially suitable for areas with scarce water resources, like arid regions and deserts. It not only significantly reduces maintenance costs but also avoids issues like water stains or secondary obstruction caused by icing in winter.

Question 18

How much power generation can be affected by dust and dirt?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, in a normal environment, dust covering can cause a 5% to 15% drop in solar panel power generation. In areas with strong winds or dryness, this loss can rise to 15% to 25% or even higher. In some special high-pollution scenarios, the loss in power generation can be astonishing:
Industrial heavy pollution areas: Around chemical plants, ceramic factories, and steel mills, where the air is filled with heavy industrial dust and oil, power generation losses can soar to 30% to 40%.
Extreme local blockage: If stubborn stains like bird droppings stick directly to the panels, this kind of severe local blockage can make the efficiency suddenly drop by 44%.
Moreover, as the dust on panels gets thicker, its impact on efficiency grows nonlinearly, not only wasting potential power output but also causing the "hot spot effect," accelerating component aging and even burning out the cells.

Question 19

Can cleaning chemicals be used on PV modules?

Accepted Answer

For daily cleaning, it&#x27;s not recommended to use cleaning agents; plain water is enough. Only when you encounter stubborn stains that can’t be washed off with water (like bird droppings, grease, tree sap, etc.) should you carefully use a cleaning agent, and you must meet the following conditions:
You must choose a neutral, specialized cleaner: Do not use strong acids, strong bases, or regular household detergents, as they can corrode the anti-reflective coating and frame of the solar panels.
Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue: After using a cleaner, make sure to rinse thoroughly with plenty of water (soft water is best) to prevent chemical residue from causing secondary shading.
Test locally first: Before using it on a large area, it’s best to try it on a corner of a single panel to make sure there’s no reaction before applying it more widely.

Question 20

Will the brush damage the glass or anti-reflective coating?

Accepted Answer

As long as you choose the right materials and follow proper procedures, cleaning brushes won’t damage photovoltaic glass or anti-reflective coatings. But if you use hard bristle brushes, steel wool, or other improper tools, or scrub forcefully on dry, gritty surfaces, you can cause irreversible scratches on the glass and coatings, leading to reduced light transmission and lower power generation.
To ensure safe cleaning, our cleaning equipment has been optimized in terms of materials and design:
Soft bristles: Our robots usually use soft brushes made of modified nylon or carbon fiber (around H3 hardness), with a 45° spiral design. This effectively removes dust while minimizing physical wear.
Smart pressure control: Advanced robots come with dynamic correction and air pressure adjustment features, allowing precise control of the brush contact pressure on the panels, ensuring they get clean without damaging the fragile anti-reflective coating.

Question 21

How much water does a solar panel cleaning robot consume?

Accepted Answer

Wet cleaning: uses very little water, usually controlled at 50 to 100 liters per hour (about 0.1 liters per square meter). Compared to traditional pressure washing, robots can save 50% to over 85% of water through smart water control and high-pressure atomization technology, achieving both efficiency and eco-friendliness.

Question 22

What brush material is suitable for solar panels?

Accepted Answer

For cleaning solar panels, it’s best to use soft bristles made of modified nylon (like Nylon 6 or Nylon 6.6) or carbon fiber. These materials are very flexible and wear-resistant, so they can effectively remove dust without scratching the PV glass or anti-reflective coating. When choosing and using brushes, keep these tips in mind:
1. Bristle thickness: Go for soft bristles with a diameter between 0.15-0.3mm. Bristles that are too thick may increase the risk of scratches.
2. Material properties: High-quality cleaning bristles usually have anti-static and UV-aging resistant features, which make sure they stay soft even after long-term outdoor use, preventing them from hardening and scratching the panels.
Avoid using steel wool, hard plastic brushes, or regular stiff household brooms for cleaning.

Question 23

How often should the cleaning brush be replaced?

Accepted Answer

There isn’t an absolute standard for how often to replace cleaning roller brushes or brush pads—it mainly depends on how often you use them, the bristle material, and how well you maintain them.
Generally, you can refer to these replacement guidelines:
- Regular replacement cycle: Usually, it’s recommended to replace them every 3 to 6 months. Some high-end brushes made of wear-resistant materials (like nylon PBT) can last 6 to 12 months.
- Replace based on workload: For high-frequency cleaning, you might replace the brush after cleaning about 2,000 solar panels.
- Daily maintenance to extend life: Rinse off any dust and grease with clean water after each use to prevent bristles from hardening. If some bristles bend, use a comb to straighten them. Doing this can double the brush’s lifespan.
- Most obvious sign: Once you notice serious wear, deformation, or hardening of the bristles, or if cleaning leaves noticeable scratches on the solar panels, it’s time to replace the brush immediately.

Question 24

Can a cleaning robot cause microcracks?

Accepted Answer

As long as you use a qualified photovoltaic cleaning robot, it usually won&#x27;t cause microcracks in the panels. The main culprits for microcracks are actually people stepping directly on the panels during manual cleaning or using high-pressure water jets with too much force. In comparison, robots have a natural advantage in preventing microcracks:
1. Crawler design: Robots often use tracks or vacuum suction to move, which distributes weight evenly over a large area, unlike manual stepping that creates local heavy pressure.
2. Minimal vibration: Studies show that the vibrations caused by robots moving and cleaning on the panels are extremely small, even far less than the shaking caused by strong winds, so they won’t cause structural damage.
3. Authoritative testing and certification: All the cleaning robots we produce must pass rigorous third-party tests (like thousands of continuous cleaning cycles), and the results consistently confirm that they do not cause microcracks or power degradation.

Question 25

What safety checks are needed before cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Before starting photovoltaic cleaning work, you must strictly follow the following safety checks:
1. Weather assessment: Avoid bad weather like strong winds (above level 4), thunderstorms, and heavy snow. It&#x27;s recommended to choose early morning, late afternoon, or cloudy periods with low sunlight, and avoid working under high heat and strong light.
2. Power-off and leakage inspection: Turn off the DC switch on the inverter and hang a "Do Not Close" warning sign. Before working, use a test pen or multimeter to check the aluminum frame, brackets, and glass surface of the PV panels to make sure there are no electrical leakage risks.
3. Personal protective gear: Workers must properly wear insulated shoes, non-slip shoes, insulated cut-resistant gloves, and helmets; if working at heights, safety harnesses must be worn and checked for integrity.
4. Tools and equipment check: Make sure cleaning tools (like soft brushes) have no hard damage, check hoses and pumps for leaks, and inspect the work area for flat ground and obstacles.

Question 26

Which robot type is suitable for distributed rooftop PV plants?

Accepted Answer

For distributed rooftop PV power plants, the most suitable option is portable or lightweight cleaning robots, like our BQ series and DQ series.
These types of plants usually have small, scattered units and limited roof load capacity, so the key when choosing a robot is flexibility and portability:  
- Lightweight and easy to carry: The equipment should ideally be light (around 20-50 kg in total), modular for easy disassembly, and support quick handling and installation by one or two people without adding extra load to the roof.  
- Portable and reusable across sites: The equipment shouldn’t be tied to a single project—it can move easily between multiple scattered rooftop plants, greatly reducing purchasing costs.  
- Supports water cleaning and anti-slip: Rooftops often accumulate stubborn dirt like grease and bird droppings, so being able to connect a water hose for deep cleaning makes it much more effective. Plus, since roofs usually have a certain slope, the robot should have good anti-slip and climbing abilities (like using tracks or negative pressure suction technology).

Question 27

What is a gantry or long-rail solar panel cleaning robot?

Accepted Answer

The gantry-style solar panel cleaning robot is an automated cleaning device designed specifically for large centralized power plants. It looks like a &#x27;gate&#x27; or &#x27;bridge&#x27; spanning over the solar arrays, mainly consisting of a tall supporting frame that goes over the panels (the gantry), a wheeled chassis at the bottom, and a cleaning device (like rolling brushes or a vacuum) hanging in the middle.
The main differences between it and rail-based robots are:
- No tracks needed: It doesn’t rely on fixed rails installed on the panels. Instead, it moves on its own wheeled or tracked chassis on the ground or under the passages between the panels, making it more flexible to deploy.
- Strong crossing ability: Thanks to the gantry structure, it can easily work across an entire row of solar panels, moving between rows very efficiently without being restricted by terrain or panel layout.
- Suited for large-scale work: It runs smoothly, cleans thoroughly with no blind spots, and can carry out fully automated, high-frequency, waterless cleaning all day, making it perfect for high-standard, large-scale ground solar power plants.

Question 28

When should a handheld electric brush be used?

Accepted Answer

The handheld electric PV cleaning brush focuses on being &#x27;flexible, versatile, and low-threshold,&#x27; making it perfect for complex situations where automated equipment struggles. Specifically, it&#x27;s best suited for the following scenarios:
1. Complex terrain solar farms: For example, solar farms in mountainous areas, steep slopes, or where supports are uneven. Walking around is limited, and automated equipment can&#x27;t move smoothly, so handheld devices can handle it flexibly.
2. Scattered or heavily shaded rooftops: Such as older industrial and commercial buildings or distributed residential rooftops, where PV panels are scattered, arrays are irregular, or there are lots of obstructions. A handheld brush can easily clean without missing any spots.
3. Corners and edges of large solar farms: In centralized ground-mounted farms, large robots can&#x27;t reach edges and corners. Handheld tools can fill in the cleaning gaps or complement &#x27;robot+handheld&#x27; maintenance routines.
4. Low-water or routine cleaning scenarios: Handheld devices usually support both dry and wet use. In water-scarce areas or for simple dust cleaning, dry cleaning works fine; for stubborn dirt like bird droppings, you can switch to water for deep cleaning.

Question 29

Can one robot clean both rooftop and ground-mounted solar arrays?

Accepted Answer

Sure. Our BQ and DQ series are both “all-terrain” and “lightweight” robots, capable of handling both rooftop and ground solar farms.  
These kinds of devices usually have the following features:  
1. Washable and anti-slip: They can tackle stubborn stains like grease and bird droppings on roofs, and their tracks or anti-slip design let them handle complex ground terrain and slopes.  
2. Lightweight and easy to carry: The robots are light, making them easy for one or two people to move around quickly, and they can be flexibly used between rooftop and ground setups.

Question 30

What is the difference between a crawler robot and a rail-mounted cleaning system?

Accepted Answer

The biggest difference between crawler robots (like the BQ and DQ series) and rail-based cleaning systems (like the JR series) lies in how they move and where they&#x27;re best used:
Movement and flexibility:
1. Crawler: Moves directly on the solar panels using its tracks, no need to lay down rails. It&#x27;s flexible and can handle all kinds of tricky terrains.
Rail-based: Needs pre-laid fixed tracks to run, moving along a set path like a train, so it&#x27;s not very flexible.
Suitable scenarios and cost:
Crawler: Great for distributed rooftop solar farms or tricky terrains like mountains and deserts. The initial investment is relatively low.
Rail-based: Designed for large centralized ground solar farms. Although the upfront cost for laying tracks is high, it allows fully automated, frequent cleaning later on and can overcome certain obstacles, making long-term operation very efficient.

Question 31

Can the robot clean carport solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Given that carports are high up and have vehicles underneath, most mainstream robots use dry cleaning (no water dripping) and anti-slip tracks, which not only avoids the risks of manual high-altitude work but also gets the cleaning done safely and efficiently.

Question 32

Can the robot work on floating PV, fishery-solar, or agrivoltaic projects?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, and this is exactly the core scenario where photovoltaic cleaning robots show huge advantages. For water surface, fishery-light, or agrivoltaic projects, robots mainly have the following solutions:
Water surface / fishery-light complementary scenarios:
1. Cleaning drones: This is currently the most mainstream and safe method. The drone performs high-pressure mist cleaning from the air, with no personnel involved in the water, completely eliminating the risk of drowning during water operations.
2. Amphibious land-air robots: These robots can walk on photovoltaic panels on the water surface and automatically switch to flight mode to cross water obstacles, achieving seamless operation.
3. Floating chassis robots: Using a water surface mobile platform, the robots can accurately work on floating photovoltaic arrays while simultaneously recovering wastewater, significantly reducing water consumption.
Agrivoltaic scenarios:
4. Lightweight tracked robots (like our DS series): Farmland terrain is complex and crops need protection. These robots usually use a damped track design, are lightweight, can easily move between ridges, and clean efficiently while avoiding crushing crops.

Question 33

Which robot type is suitable for utility-scale solar farms?

Accepted Answer

Large centralized PV power plants are best suited for fully automated hanging robots, crawler robots, and cleaning drones. These types of power plants have vast areas and complex terrain, requiring high cleaning efficiency and unmanned operation. The specific selection recommendations are as follows:
1. Fully automated hanging robots (like our JR series): This is the first choice. They can climb the racks and plan routes on their own like an "automated cleaning worker," requiring no human intervention, with very high cleaning efficiency and consistency.
2. Crawler robots: For complex terrains like mountains, deserts, and high poles, crawler chassis provide strong traction. Combined with remote operation, they allow a single person to work safely and efficiently, making them perfect for large ground-based power plants.
3. Cleaning drones: For uneven heights, water surfaces, or very large power plants, drones can perform contactless cleaning through airborne high-pressure mist spraying. They can clean large areas in a single day and completely avoid risks associated with working at heights or in water.

Question 34

Can the robot handle different module sizes and array layouts?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Mainstream robots possess very strong adaptability and, through modular design or flexible robotic arms, can accommodate mainstream component sizes ranging from 1.6 meters to 2.2 meters. At the same time, they support autonomous path planning and automatic adjustment of wheel spacing, enabling them to easily traverse arrays with different gaps and perfectly adapt to various layout configurations.

Question 35

Can the robot clean bifacial solar modules?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. For bifacial photovoltaic modules, current robots primarily ensure safety and efficiency through the following methods:
Optimized Bristles and Pressure: Soft bristles such as flexible nylon are used, equipped with dynamic pressure adjustment functions to avoid damage to the modules from hard brushes or excessive pressure.
Intelligent Water Pressure Control: For water-washing models, the system automatically adjusts the water pressure to ensure cleaning effectiveness while preventing microcracks in the solar cells caused by high-pressure water jets.
Adaptation for Transparent Back Sheets: The structural design fully considers the light transmission requirements of bifacial modules, ensuring that the back side is not obstructed during cleaning and maintaining its back-side power generation efficiency.

Question 36

What tilt angle can a PV cleaning robot climb?

Accepted Answer

The climbing ability of photovoltaic cleaning robots varies depending on the model and application scenario. Currently, mainstream equipment typically covers an inclination range of 0° to 45°. Specifically: 
1. Conventional rooftop distributed scenarios: Most lightweight robots can stably adapt to the common rooftop slopes of 0°-15°.
2. Complex terrain and large-scale power plants: Models designed for complex environments such as mountains and deserts can achieve a climbing ability of 25°-45°.
3. Extreme vertical scenarios: Some innovative devices employing a &#x27;dual-body composite&#x27; or special attachment design can even stably climb and operate on photovoltaic panels with steep inclinations or vertical installations.

Question 37

Can the robot work on BIPV or BAPV roofs?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Take our IQ and AQ series, for example—they work really well with BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics) and BAPV (Building-Applied Photovoltaics) rooftops.
For these kinds of scenarios, the robots usually have the following features:
1. Lightweight and non-damaging: Small in size, they won’t ruin the look of your building, and the soft bristles won’t scratch solar tiles or glass curtain walls.
2. Strong anti-slip and obstacle-crossing abilities: With vacuum suction cups or tracks, they can stick firmly to sloped roofs and curved panels, and easily move over gaps between solar panels.
3. Autonomous path planning: They can automatically recognize irregular rooftop layouts, allowing for autonomous navigation and complete, zero-missed cleaning.

Question 38

How does the robot avoid falling from the panel edge?

Accepted Answer

Currently, mainstream photovoltaic cleaning robots mainly use the following three core technologies to prevent falling from edges: 
1. Multi-sensor detection: Ultrasonic, laser, or edge distance sensors are installed at the bottom or around the robot body. When the robot approaches the edge of a photovoltaic panel, the sensors detect the overhanging condition in real-time and immediately trigger automatic braking or reverse movement. 
2. Physical anti-slip and adsorption: Special anti-slip track designs are used, or negative pressure adsorption technology (such as vacuum suction cups) firmly "grips" the surface of the photovoltaic panel, preventing slipping and loss of control at a physical level. 
3. Intelligent vision and path planning: Some high-end models are equipped with AI vision systems, which can autonomously identify the boundaries and hazardous areas of photovoltaic panels, and plan a safe "Z"-shaped cleaning route in advance, effectively preventing boundary crossing from the source.

Question 39

Does the robot support edge detection and obstacle avoidance?

Accepted Answer

Fully supported. Currently, mainstream photovoltaic cleaning robots already possess highly advanced edge detection and obstacle avoidance capabilities, mainly ensured through the following technologies:
1. Edge fall prevention detection: The robots are equipped with multiple sensors (such as ultrasonic, LiDAR, photoelectric sensors, etc.) to detect the boundaries of the photovoltaic panels in real-time. Once an edge or overhang is detected, the device will immediately trigger automatic braking or reverse movement, completely eliminating the risk of falling.
2. Intelligent obstacle avoidance and path planning: For obstacles such as racks and cables, the robots can perceive them in real-time through built-in AI vision systems or obstacle detection sensors, and automatically replan their route to bypass the obstacles.
3. Dynamic correction to prevent collisions: When crossing seams between components or encountering slippage or deviation, the robot can intelligently correct its body within a few seconds, ensuring precise alignment with the panel surface and avoiding hard collisions with the frame.

Question 40

Does the robot require guide wheels or rails?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily; it entirely depends on the specific type of robot. Currently, photovoltaic cleaning robots on the market are mainly divided into two categories: 
1. Robots requiring tracks/guiding wheels: These robots usually need dedicated aluminum tracks or rails to be pre-installed on the photovoltaic array. They operate along a predetermined path like a train, making them suitable for large, centralized power plants with regular layouts, but the initial modification cost is relatively high. 
2. Trackless autonomous robots: These robots do not require any tracks and can move independently across the photovoltaic panels. They typically rely on anti-slip tracks, vacuum suction pads, or specialized guiding wheels to adhere to the panels and cross gaps. Their deployment is very flexible, making them suitable for distributed rooftop installations or areas with complex terrain.

Question 41

Can the robot turn in place on the panel surface?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Currently, most mainstream photovoltaic cleaning robots are equipped with the ability to rotate in place, which is primarily thanks to their flexible chassis design and intelligent control systems. Specifically, robots typically achieve in-place rotation in the following ways: 1. Differential steering: This is the most common method. By controlling the tracks or drive wheels on the left and right sides to move in opposite directions or at different speeds, the robot can complete a rotation in place. This method is very suitable for turning around or adjusting posture on a single row of photovoltaic panels. 2. Intelligent visual assistance: During rotation, the robot uses depth cameras or visual sensors to assess in real-time whether there are obstacles within the rotation radius (such as the edges of the photovoltaic panels). If there is enough space, it adopts an in-place rotation mode; if space is limited, it switches to a multi-step bypass turning mode to ensure no collision or jamming occurs. 3. Automatic lane-changing function: After cleaning a row of photovoltaic panels, the robot can automatically switch to the adjacent next row for continued operation through in-place rotation or lateral movement. The entire process requires no manual intervention, greatly improving cleaning efficiency.

Question 42

Can the robot clean high-tilt rooftops?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely feasible. The mainstream photovoltaic cleaning robots currently on the market can generally handle high-slope roofs with angles ranging from 15° to 45° with ease. For such steep scenarios, these robots rely on the following core technologies to ensure safety and stability:
1. Powerful anti-slip and adhesion: Specially designed anti-slip tracks are used, or vacuum suction cups and dynamic steering suction cup technology are employed, firmly securing the robot to the inclined surface to prevent slipping.
2. Dynamic center of gravity adjustment: Some high-end models feature adaptive center of gravity functions, which automatically adjust the robot’s posture according to the slope, ensuring stable attachment even on steep roofs.
3. Multiple fall-prevention protections: The body is equipped with high-precision edge sensors that immediately activate the brakes and reverse the robot when approaching the edge of the roof, completely eliminating the risk of falling from heights.

Question 43

Can the robot work in desert solar farms?

Accepted Answer

Totally! Actually, desert solar farms (like in sandy wastelands) are currently the best place for solar cleaning robots to really show what they can do.
For desert conditions, the robots mainly use these technologies to work efficiently:
1. All-terrain adaptability: They have special anti-slip tracked chassis, so they can handle soft sand, rolling dunes, and even gravel without any trouble.
2. Waterless dry cleaning tech: Since deserts are super dry, the robots do purely physical roller brushing combined with negative pressure suction, using zero water – totally perfect for the local environment.
3. Extreme weather resistance: The gear is designed to handle high heat and sand, and some models can even run stably in freezing conditions down to minus 30–40°C.
4. Coordinated fleet scheduling: For huge desert solar farms, multiple robots can be coordinated through a backend system to clean large areas automatically without anyone needing to be there.

Question 44

Can the robot pass over module frames and uneven joints?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. (Same as above)

Question 45

Can the robot cross gaps between solar modules?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely possible. Currently, mainstream photovoltaic cleaning robots have excellent obstacle-crossing capabilities and can easily traverse the gaps between modules. 
They primarily achieve seamless transition through the following technologies:
1. Intelligent lift avoidance: When approaching a gap, the robot automatically lifts the cleaning brush at the bottom to prevent the bristles from getting stuck in the gap and causing interference.
2. Multi-sensor coordination: Utilizing ultrasonic, laser, or visual sensors to accurately detect edges and gaps, the robot smoothly controls the tracks to cross obstacles.
3. Flexible physical connections: Certain models use dedicated connecting rails or bridge devices, enabling the robot to transition smoothly to the next row of modules.

Question 46

Can the robot clean flexible solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.  
Because flexible components are usually installed on high-altitude flexible brackets with limited load capacity, and their surfaces are relatively fragile, these specialized robots have the following unique designs:  
1. Ultra-lightweight body: super light, so it doesn&#x27;t add extra load to the flexible bracket or risk damaging the components.  
2. Flexible contact and adaptability: uses soft rubber strips for brushing or low-pressure spraying to avoid scratching the component surfaces; some models can even use a hydraulic platform to adapt to the component&#x27;s installation angles and curves.  
3. Precise positioning and fall prevention: equipped with millimeter-level visual positioning and anti-fall systems, allowing them to move safely and clean accurately on complex, wobbly high-altitude flexible brackets.

Question 47

Can the robot clean heavily polluted panels before inspection?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The mainstream inspection robots nowadays can not only handle it but are actually very good at dealing with heavy contamination.
1. For stubborn stains like bird droppings, oil, and hardened mud, these robots usually have the following powerful cleaning capabilities:
2. Smart washing and softening: When facing heavy contamination, the robot automatically switches to wash mode. It first pre-wets and softens the stains using a spray system, then uses high-pressure water to thoroughly rinse them.
3. Powerful mechanical brushing: With high-speed rotating brush rollers and a specific downward pressure, it can effectively remove stubborn grime. Some devices even automatically switch to a "reciprocating cleaning" mode in heavily contaminated areas, brushing back and forth multiple times in the same spot until everything is fully cleaned.
4. AI vision recognition and dynamic adjustment: Robots with AI vision systems can identify the heavily contaminated areas in real time and automatically adjust the optimal water pressure and movement speed for precise cleaning, avoiding blind scrubbing.

Question 48

What cleaning width should I choose?

Accepted Answer

The size of the robot’s cleaning width mainly depends on the type of your solar power plant and the working environment. Currently, the mainstream widths range from 1.2 meters to 1.8 meters.
You can refer to the following guidelines:
1. Large centralized ground power plants: It’s recommended to go with a robot around 1.8 meters wide. A wider design reduces the number of trips, greatly improving the cleaning efficiency for large arrays.
2. Commercial and industrial rooftops or medium to small power plants: A model between 1.2 meters and 1.4 meters is recommended. This width provides good cleaning efficiency while keeping the equipment lightweight, making it easy to move between different rooftops.
3. Residential or complex, scattered rooftops: Lightweight robots with a width of 1.2 meters or less are suggested. These areas are usually tight and cluttered, so narrower and lighter robots can navigate more flexibly and avoid blind spots.

Question 49

How fast can a solar panel cleaning robot move?

Accepted Answer

The current mainstream solar panel cleaning robots usually move at a speed between 10 to 40 meters per minute. To balance efficiency and cleaning performance, our equipment typically supports multiple speed settings, so you can choose based on the actual situation: 
1. High-speed mode (about 30-40 meters/min): Great for tackling large areas with light dust, allowing you to clean quickly.
2. Medium-speed mode (about 10-20 meters/min): Suitable for regular moderate dirt, providing a good balance between speed and cleanliness.
3. Low-speed mode (about 4-10 meters/min): Ideal for heavy, stubborn stains like bird droppings or grease. By reducing speed and combining with high-pressure washing, it can achieve deep cleaning.

Question 50

How many square meters can one robot clean per hour?

Accepted Answer

The efficiency of solar panel cleaning robots varies a lot depending on the model and the scenario. Currently, mainstream equipment usually cleans at a speed of 1,000 to 2,000 square meters per hour. 
1. Conventional tracked robots: Suitable for most ground-mounted solar farms, with an efficiency of 1,000-2,000 square meters per hour. 
2. High-efficiency/wide-width models: Designed for large solar farms, can reach 2,000-5,000 square meters per hour, and some industrial-grade equipment can even hit 5,200 square meters per hour. 
3. Lightweight/portable robots: Focus on easy handling, so efficiency is relatively low, generally around 400-800 square meters per hour.

Question 51

Can the robot work in coastal or humid environments?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. For coastal and high-humidity environments, mainstream solar panel cleaning robots currently all have special protective designs, allowing them to operate stably.
To work safely in such conditions, robots usually need to have these three core capabilities:
1. High-level waterproof and dustproof (IP protection): These devices typically have an IP65 or IP67 rating. This means they can completely prevent dust from entering, withstand heavy rain, and even operate normally after short-term immersion, fully protecting the internal circuits from damage in high-humidity environments.
2. Industrial-grade corrosion resistance (salt spray resistance): Coastal air has a lot of salt, which can easily cause metal to rust. Therefore, robots often use special anti-corrosion coatings, corrosion-resistant materials, or meet the C4 industrial corrosion standard, ensuring that the body and components won’t corrode in long-term high-salt environments.
3. Wide temperature range and weather resistance: Coastal areas often have high heat, humidity, or strong UV exposure. Qualified robots can handle temperatures from -10℃ to 60℃, making sure their performance doesn’t drop even under direct sunlight or extreme weather.

Question 52

How many workers are needed to operate one robot?

Accepted Answer

Operating a photovoltaic cleaning robot usually only requires 1 to 2 staff members. The exact staffing mainly depends on the robot&#x27;s level of automation and type:
1. Single-person operation: Currently, lightweight and portable robots are very smart, and one person can easily handle them. The operator just needs to transport the equipment and remotely control the robot&#x27;s movement, while the robot automatically completes cleaning and obstacle avoidance.
2. Two-person cooperation: In some specific scenarios (like needing an external water pipe for deep washing), two people are usually needed. One person controls the robot remotely, while the other manages the water hoses and cables on the ground to prevent tangling and ensure smooth operation.
3. Fully automatic, unattended: For large ground-mounted solar farms with fixed or rail-based robots, robots can perform scheduled cleaning and automatic recharging without any human intervention at all.

Question 53

How far can the remote controller operate?

Accepted Answer

Currently, the effective operating range of mainstream photovoltaic cleaning robot remote controllers is generally between 50 to 150 meters.
To adapt to complex outdoor power station environments, modern remote controllers usually have the following features:
1. Standard stable range: Most devices can maintain zero-delay stable signal transmission within 100 meters, which is enough to meet everyday safe operation needs.
2. Strong anti-interference ability: For complex electromagnetic environments like high-voltage lines and power plants, professional industrial remote controllers are equipped with anti-interference chips to ensure the signal stays uninterrupted and commands are instant.
3. Some models support ultra-long control: Certain lightweight or specialized models can reach remote control distances of 200 to 500 meters, allowing operators to monitor from a safer, farther distance.

Question 54

What navigation technologies are used by autonomous PV cleaning robots?

Accepted Answer

Currently, the mainstream fully automated solar panel cleaning robots mainly use the following three navigation technologies:
1. RTK Satellite Positioning: Relies on Beidou/GPS satellites and ground stations to achieve centimeter-level accuracy, suitable for large open ground solar farms.
2. Visual Navigation (VSLAM): Uses cameras to recognize the edges and texture features of solar panels for positioning and correction, no need to set up base stations, making deployment more flexible.
3. LiDAR: Scans the surrounding environment with laser beams to build a 3D map, can accurately identify obstacles and boundaries, and has strong anti-interference capabilities.

Question 55

Does the robot support remote control mode?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it&#x27;s supported. Most photovoltaic cleaning robots on the market come standard with remote control operation. They can adapt to different work needs, and some high-end models allow flexible switching between &#x27;manual and automatic&#x27; modes:
1. Professional industrial remote: The equipment comes with a professional industrial remote control, supporting wireless video transmission over hundreds of meters. Even in complex electromagnetic environments like high-voltage lines or power plants, it can maintain zero-delay stable control, allowing operators to precisely command the robot like playing a game controller.
2. Seamless manual and automatic switching: When dealing with heavily soiled areas, special obstacles, or hard-to-reach spots that need detailed cleaning, operators can take over via remote control at any time for manual intervention. For large-scale routine cleaning, it&#x27;s just one click to switch back to the automatic mode with pre-planned routes.
3. Convenient multi-platform control: Besides the physical remote, some models also support remote monitoring and command issuance via phone apps or computer backend, making operation and maintenance more flexible and convenient.

Question 56

Can the robot run unattended?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Currently, mainstream "fully automatic" and "unattended" photovoltaic cleaning robots can really operate without human intervention.
They achieve "unattended" operation mainly through the following technologies:
1. Autonomous planning and execution: The robots are equipped with AI vision and intelligent algorithms. Once powered on, they can automatically scan the photovoltaic array, plan the optimal cleaning route like a "Z" path, and operate without manual marking or remote control.
2. Automatic recharging and resume cleaning: When the battery drops below a set threshold (like 15%), the robot will automatically return to the charging station for wireless or contact charging; once charged, it can resume cleaning from where it left off, enabling continuous, round-the-clock operation.
3. Intelligent sensing and protection: The device comes with a built-in weather station and edge sensors. It automatically stops in bad weather like rain, snow, or strong winds, and brakes near panel edges to prevent falls, completely freeing up maintenance personnel.

Question 57

What sensors are commonly used on solar panel cleaning robots?

Accepted Answer

A photovoltaic cleaning robot is like it has &#x27;eyes&#x27; and &#x27;ears,&#x27; mainly relying on the following core sensors to perceive its environment:
1. LiDAR: The robot&#x27;s &#x27;far-sighted eyes,&#x27; used to scan the surroundings 360°, build a 3D map, and identify obstacles.
2. Vision cameras: The robot&#x27;s &#x27;double eyes,&#x27; responsible for recognizing the edges of solar panels, detecting dirt levels, and assisting with autonomous navigation.
3. Anti-fall sensors: The robot&#x27;s &#x27;cliff sense,&#x27; usually using ultrasonic, photoelectric, or Hall sensors, which brake in time when approaching the edge of a panel to prevent falls from height.
4. Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU): The robot&#x27;s &#x27;inner ear,&#x27; containing a gyroscope and accelerometer, used to sense its posture in real-time and maintain balance on slopes or bumps.
5. Barometric sensors: The robot&#x27;s &#x27;touch,&#x27; specially for models with vacuum suction systems, which automatically adjust the fan speed by monitoring negative pressure in real-time to ensure it sticks firmly to the panel.

Question 58

Can the robot automatically correct deviation or slippage?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. At present, mainstream photovoltaic cleaning robots all come with very mature automatic correction and anti-slip capabilities. They mainly rely on the following core technologies to ensure smooth operation:
1. Real-time dynamic correction: When the robot deviates from its path due to slipping or external forces while moving, the system can intelligently correct the body and get back on track within 3 seconds. Some models can keep the path deviation within ±2 centimeters over long-distance operations.
2. Visual and algorithm assistance: With an AI vision system or motor-current-based posture feedback algorithms, robots can sense their posture in real time, achieving centimeter-level precise correction without needing expensive external devices.
3. Physical anti-slip design: On the hardware side, robots generally use flexible anti-slip tracks or negative pressure suction technology, allowing them to stick firmly to the solar panels and significantly reduce the risk of slipping from a physical standpoint.

Question 59

Can the robot be scheduled for routine O&M cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Nowadays, mainstream fully automatic solar panel cleaning robots can perfectly carry out scheduled cleaning, and some can even clean "on demand" based on the environment.
They mainly achieve automated scheduling in two ways:
1. Timed and regular operations: Maintenance staff just need to set the cleaning route and time in advance through a mobile app or computer system, and the robot will carry out the cleaning task on time automatically, like a "set alarm," without any human intervention.
2. Smart on-demand cleaning: More advanced robots can connect to weather stations or have built-in dirt detection. When there&#x27;s strong wind, dust storms, or if the sensors detect heavy dust accumulation on the panels, the system automatically triggers a cleaning command, allowing for "as-needed" cleaning and ensuring the solar panels stay in optimal condition.

Question 60

Can multiple robots be managed as a fleet?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Currently, mainstream photovoltaic cleaning robot systems already support cluster management of multiple devices. For large power plants, efficient cluster scheduling is usually achieved through the following methods: 1. Unified cloud management: Maintenance staff can use a digital management platform or mobile app to centrally control, assign tasks to, and monitor the status of dozens or even more robots. 2. Dynamic area division and path optimization: The system can automatically divide the power plant into multiple sub-areas based on the plant map and real-time dust distribution, assigning the optimal coordinated cleaning path to each robot to avoid repeated work or missed spots. 3. Real-time status sharing: Multiple robots can share their positions and operating statuses in real-time, automatically coordinating work progress and greatly improving overall cleaning efficiency.

Question 61

Can the robot connect with a docking station or charging station?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Right now, mainstream photovoltaic (PV) cleaning robots can basically be paired with dedicated hangars or charging stations, which are standard for achieving &#x27;unattended&#x27; and &#x27;fully automated&#x27; operation.
Depending on the environment of the power plant, these supporting facilities usually come in the following forms:
1. Basic parking pad/charging cabin: This is the most common setup. After finishing its cleaning tasks, the robot will automatically return to the pad for contact or wireless charging. Some pads even have self-cleaning functions to automatically remove mud and sand from the robot&#x27;s underside.
2. Cross-array bridge equipment: For large ground-based power plants, this type of equipment not only serves as a resting and charging area for the robot but also acts like a bridge to connect different PV arrays, allowing the robot to easily cross and expand its operational range.
3. High-protection smart hangar: In harsh environments like deserts, Gobi regions, or coastal areas, some robots come with dedicated hangars that have roofs. These hangars not only resist typhoons, rain, and snow but also have built-in ventilation and cooling systems, providing comprehensive shelter for the robots.
4. Dynamic tracking docking platform: For PV plants with tracking mounts, the docking platform can sync in real time with the tilt angles of the solar panels, ensuring the robot can dock and charge smoothly at any angle.

Question 62

How long does the battery last during cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Currently, mainstream photovoltaic cleaning robots usually have a single-battery runtime of 3 to 6 hours. To meet different operational needs, today&#x27;s devices generally show the following performance in terms of battery life:
1. Standard models: Most devices have a full-charge runtime of about 3 to 5 hours, which is enough for daily large-area continuous cleaning.
2. Long-endurance models: Some models focused on high-efficiency work can run for up to 6 hours or even longer on a single charge, significantly reducing downtime for battery swaps or charging.
3. Support for quick battery replacement: Many robots come with clip-in or modular battery designs, allowing for fast battery swaps, or come standard with both primary and backup batteries, effectively doubling actual working time.
4. Automatic recharge and self-charging: Some fully automatic models can automatically return to the charging station at low battery; a few models even have built-in solar panels, allowing them to charge while working under sunlight, completely eliminating battery anxiety.

Question 63

How long does charging take?

Accepted Answer

Currently, the charging time for mainstream photovoltaic cleaning robots is usually between 1.5 to 4 hours, with the exact duration mainly depending on the charging method and battery setup.

Question 64

What battery voltage and capacity should I compare?

Accepted Answer

When purchasing, it&#x27;s recommended to focus on comparing the following three key parameters: 
1. Voltage (V): Determines power and hill-climbing ability. The mainstream options are 24V and 48V. 24V is suitable for regular rooftops or lightweight models; 48V offers stronger power, ideal for large ground-based solar stations or tracked heavy-duty equipment.
2. Capacity (Ah): Determines single-use endurance. Common configurations range from 20Ah to 40Ah. If you need to support continuous operation for medium-sized commercial and industrial solar stations, it&#x27;s recommended to go with a dual 40Ah setup.
3. Battery cell type: Directly affects lifespan and safety. It&#x27;s strongly recommended to choose lithium iron phosphate (LFP), which can last 2000-4000 cycles, withstand high temperatures, and has excellent thermal stability, making it far more suitable for harsh outdoor environments than ternary lithium or lead-acid batteries.

ODM Development — Custom Solar Cleaning Robot Engineering

When Standard Products Are Not Enough

ODM Development Process

Site & Requirements Audit

Prototype & Field Validation

Prototype & Field Validation

Certification & Production

After-Sales Technical Support

Custom Solar Panel Cleaning Robot Models

Flexible Solar Panel Cleaning Robot

Water-Free Vacuum Solar Panel Cleaning Robot

Water-Free Vacuum Solar Panel Cleaning Robot

Tracked Crawler Solar Panel Cleaning Robot

Variable-Speed Electric Roller Solar Panel Cleaning Robot

Self-Contained Water Tank Solar Panel Cleaning Robot

Variable-Speed Electric Roller Solar Panel Cleaning Robot

Video-Enabled Solar Panel Inspection & Cleaning Robot

What ODM Includes

Purpose-engineered mechanical design tailored to your panel type, tilt angle, terrain, and soiling conditions — no off-the-shelf compromises

Full development cycle covered in-house: drive system, brush configuration, power architecture, embedded firmware, and AI navigation software

Field-validated prototype tested under representative site conditions before production release

IP65, CE, and project-specific compliance certifications arranged as part of the development scope

After-sales support package included: remote diagnostics, spare parts logistics, and operator training materials in your specified language

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Industries and Geographies Served

Utility solar, BIPV, agrivoltaic, floating solar (fishery-PV), concentrated solar thermal, and industrial rooftop — across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.