Machine Learning in Renewable Energy Application: Intelligence System for Solar Panel Cleaning

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop an automatic cleaning system for Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels using machine learning algorithms. The experiment includes two phases. Phase one is to perform testing and reading of the sensor in 4 different classes which include no-dust, little dust, dusty, and very dusty during day and night time. The reading was taken using a visual inspection of the solar panel and the sensor reading using a multimeter. Phase two uses supervised learning to test and calibrate the sensor using the KNN algorithm. The classification was done using the data gathered from the sensor with one of the main classes identified. A total of 800 readings were taken. The results show the sensor reading taken during the night was more stable and accurate due to the sensor’s sensitivity to noise which includes: heat and light during the daytime. Secondly, using machine learning (KNN algorithm) we get a 95% (with K=5) correct classification for the four main classes which determines the level of cleaning needed for the solar panel.