Solar panel cleaning system and method

Abstract

System and method for cleaning a solar row of solar panels. The solar row has an upper edge elevated from ground level more than a lower edge to provide an inclination of the solar row. A cleaning assembly operates to clean a surface of the solar panels. A support frame supports the cleaning assembly and enables the cleaning assembly to move (1) upwardly and downwardly in the width direction of the solar row, and (2) in the length direction of the solar row. Operation and movement of the cleaning assembly is controlled by a control unit to cause the cleaning assembly to clean a surface of the solar panels during downward movement of the cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly is preferably not operative during its upward vertical movement. During the downward movement, the cleaning assembly removes dirt, debris and dust from the surface of the solar panels and generates an air stream to blow off the dirt, debris, and dust.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for cleaning a solar row having a plurality of solar panels extending in a length direction of the solar row, the solar row having an upper edge elevated from ground level more than a lower edge to provide an inclination of the solar row, the method comprising:
 maintaining a cleaning assembly for cleaning the solar row at a home situation at a given position along the length direction of the solar row prior to a cleaning operation, the cleaning assembly being selectively moveable in the width direction of the solar row; and   controlling operation and movement of the cleaning assembly to cause the cleaning assembly to engage and clean a surface of the solar panels in the solar row during downward movement of the cleaning assembly in the width direction of the solar row.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising moving said cleaning assembly to a new position in the length direction of the solar row after said cleaning assembly completes a cleaning operation; and
 then causing said cleaning assembly to engage and clean a surface of the solar panels at said new position.