Electrostatic cleaning system for removal of sand from solar panels

A unique cleaning system has been developed utilizing an electrostatic force to remove sand from solar panels. A single-phase voltage is applied to parallel wire electrodes embedded in a cover glass plate of a solar panel. It was demonstrated that more than 80% of the adhering sand was repelled from the surface of the slightly inclined panel, and the output power generated by the solar panel was recovered up to 80% after the cleaning operation. The power consumption of this system is virtually zero. This technology is expected to increase the efficiency of mega solar power plants constructed in deserts at low latitudes.