Solar panel cleaning and damage detection system
The integrated robot system with thermal cameras and AI algorithms addresses the dual functions of cleaning and damage detection, enhancing solar panel efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ERCİYES ÜNİVERSİTESİ STRATEJİ GELİŞTİRME DAİRE BAŞKANLIĞI
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing solar panel cleaning and fault detection systems either focus solely on cleaning or fault detection, lacking a unified system that simultaneously performs both functions, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
A robot system that integrates thermal cameras and artificial intelligence algorithms to automatically clean solar panels while detecting damage by analyzing temperature differences, enabling precise localization and prediction of maintenance needs.
Enhances solar panel efficiency and reduces maintenance costs by automating cleaning and damage detection, ensuring continuous operation and increased energy production.
Smart Images

Figure TR2025051673_18062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] SOLAR PANEL CLEANING AND DAMAGE DETECTION SYSTEM
[0002] Field to which the invention relates
[0003] The invention relates to systems for cleaning solar panels and also for detecting faults and damage in the panels.
[0004] State of Art (Prior Art)
[0005] In the state of the art, robots that clean existing solar panels only perform the cleaning function; identifying damage and problems in solar panels requires the use of different technologies This situation also results in extra costs, wasted time, and maintenance and operational difficulties.
[0006] The patent documents numbered 2024 / 008312, 2024 / 003249, 2023 / 01 1367, 2022 / 019187, 2022 / 010105, 2020 / 04355, 2018 / 01217, and 2017 / 18167 describe inventions related to robots that detect and clean surface contamination on solar panels.
[0007] The patent documents numbered 2019 / 22912 describe a testing device developed for fault detection and classification in solar panels. In its most basic form, this test device comprises a DC voltmeter, a DC ammeter, a series transmission medium, a display, and software that performs power measurements in the background of the display.
[0008] Existing solar panel cleaning and fault detection systems are examined, and inventions focus either solely on panel cleaning or on fault detection through power value measurements. It appears that there is no system in place that simultaneously performs cleaning and detects faults and problems using thermal cameras and algorithms.
[0009] Brief Description of the Invention and Objects
[0010] This invention relates to a solar panel cleaning and fault detection system using algorithms, aiming to eliminate the disadvantages mentioned above and introduce new advantages to the field. This invention aims to significantly simplify the process of identifying dirt and damage affecting panel efficiency by using robots that clean solar panels, systems that inspect panels with thermal cameras, and robots that can detect physical and / or non-physical damage, in addition to cleaning dirt from solar panels.
[0011] The developed system enables robots to automatically clean solar panels, detect damage using thermal cameras, and accurately determine the location and type of damage using algorithms, all with the aim of ensuring efficient operation of the solar panels. Using these methods significantly reduces wasted time, lowers maintenance and repair costs, and ensures the sustainability of solar energy production by quickly and effectively addressing damaged panels. Replacing traditional manual inspection and maintenance processes, this system will revolutionize solar panel maintenance and repair.
[0012] Features of the System;
[0013] Automatic Damage Detection and Localization: The developed robot can detect all problems and damage by analyzing temperature differences in solar panels through thermal cameras. Using artificial intelligence algorithms, the robot can determine the exact location and position of the detected damage.
[0014] Data Analysis and Long-Term Monitoring: These robots not only detect immediate damage but also predict panel maintenance needs by monitoring long-term performance. The collected data can be used to conduct analyses aimed at improving panel efficiency.
[0015] Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact: This system ensures continuous efficient operation of the solar panels, resulting in less energy loss and increased energy production. This enhances the efficiency of renewable energy sources and minimizes environmental impact. Figures Describing the Invention
[0016] Figures are used to better describe the system developed with this invention.
[0017] Description of the figures are given below.
[0018] Figure 1 General overview of the invention
[0019] Figure 2 Bottom view of the invention
[0020] Figure 3 Different bottom view of the invention
[0021] Figure 4 Top and side view of the robot in the invention
[0022] Description of Piece References
[0023] 1 Solar Panel Cleaning and Damage Detection System
[0024] 2 Water Inlet
[0025] 3 Turn on Button
[0026] 4 Turn Off Button
[0027] 5 Collecting card
[0028] 6 Antenna
[0029] 7 Gimbal
[0030] 8 Thermal Camera
[0031] 9 Electrical connection
[0032] 10 Cleaning Surfaces (Botton surface)
[0033] 11 Ultrasonic Wave Output
[0034] 12 Water Outlet
[0035] 13 Rail Bearing
[0036] 14 Connector
[0037] 20 Robot Detailed Description of the Invention
[0038] In this detailed description, the innovation, which is the subject of the invention, is presented with examples that do not limit or hinder a better understanding of the subject.
[0039] The invention relates to solar panel cleaning and damage detection systems.
[0040] Solar panels are used to generate electricity using solar energy. These panels become contaminated by environmental factors such as dust, bird droppings, and rain. Pollution also reduces the conversion of solar energy into electricity by solar panels. Therefore, cleaning systems are necessary for the panels to produce more efficiently. In addition, the glass of the panels can be damaged by external factors such as stone strikes, bird strikes, and / or cracks and deterioration in the internal material of the panel.
[0041] The subject of the invention is the system (1 ) which can be controlled by turn on button (3) and turn off button (4) for cleaning and damage detection of solar panels, data is collected on the collecting card (5) and communication is established with the antenna (6). Water taken from the water inlet (2) of the solar panels exits from the water outlet and is cleaned by the bottom cleaning surface (10), while detailed cleaning is also provided by ultrasonic wave (11 ). In addition, the gimbal (7) is constantly scanned with thermal cameras (8) and damages and dirt are detected. Powered by the electrical connection (9), the robot (20) is connected to the system (1 ) via connector (1 ) and moves on the rail bed
Claims
CLAIMS1 . A solar panel cleaning and damage detection system, characterized in that the solar panels are cleaned and damaged by being controlled with the turn on button (3) and turn off button (4), data is collected on the collecting card (5) and communicated with the antenna (6), the water taken from the solar panel water inlet (2) is discharged from the water outlet (12) and cleaned by the bottom cleaning surface (10) and also provides detailed cleaning with ultrasonic wave (1 1 ).
2. The system is according to claim 1 , characterized in that the system continuously inspects the panels with thermal cameras (8) on the gimbal (7) and detects damage and dirt.
3. The system according to claim 1 , characterized by comprising a robot (20) that receives power via an electrical connection (9) and this robot (20) is connected to the system (1 ) via a connector (1 ) and moves on a rail bearing (13).