A mobile panel maintenance system including a mobile panel maintenance unit having a base supported for translational motion over a surface within a panel array and a carriage movably mounted to the base to position a panel maintenance assembly in relation to a panel surface for panel maintenance.

A method and system for cleaning an array of solar panels. The system can include an applicator apparatus configured with a plurality of cleaning devices, and an automatic position system (APS) configured with the applicator apparatus. The APS can include a first and second sensor coupled to the applicator apparatus. A controller coupled to the first and second sensor devices can be configured to adjust a position of the applicator apparatus to maintain the plurality of cleaning devices in a direction facing a solar panel to facilitate a removal of an undesired material from the solar panel, while the applicator apparatus is moved from a first position to a second position. A mobile vehicle can be configured with the applicator apparatus to move along a row of the array of solar panels to perform the method for cleaning.

A method and system for cleaning an array of solar panels. The system can include an applicator apparatus configured with a plurality of cleaning devices, and an automatic position system (APS) configured with the applicator apparatus. The APS can include a first and second sensor coupled to the applicator apparatus. A controller coupled to the first and second sensor devices can be configured to adjust a position of the applicator apparatus to maintain the plurality of cleaning devices in a direction facing a solar panel to facilitate a removal of an undesired material from the solar panel, while the applicator apparatus is moved from a first position to a second position. A mobile vehicle can be configured with the applicator apparatus to move along a row of the array of solar panels to perform the method for cleaning.

In accordance with the present invention, a panel cleaning system is provided. In one aspect, the panel cleaning system includes a storage tank containing pressurized air, first and second linear actuators, and a panel-cleaning device wherein the pressurized air contained in the storage tank operates the first and second actuators and the panel-cleaning device to clean PV panels. A further aspect includes sensors associated with the first and second actuators and panel-cleaning device and configured to scan and detect fluid and debris on the PV panels to be removed. Another aspect provides sensors associated with a panel cleaning system and a programmable controller or processor configured to execute instructions stored in a nontransitory computer-readable medium.

In accordance with the present invention, a panel cleaning system is provided. In one aspect, the panel cleaning system includes a storage tank containing pressurized air, first and second linear actuators, and a panel-cleaning device wherein the pressurized air contained in the storage tank operates the first and second actuators and the panel-cleaning device to clean PV panels. A further aspect includes sensors associated with the first and second actuators and panel-cleaning device and configured to scan and detect fluid and debris on the PV panels to be removed. Another aspect provides sensors associated with a panel cleaning system and a programmable controller or processor configured to execute instructions stored in a nontransitory computer-readable medium.

An electricity production module comprising at least one photovoltaic panel (P), characterized in that it further comprises scaring means (E) for chasing away animals, and in particular birds, and detection means (D) capable of detecting the presence of animals that are close to or on the photovoltaic panel (P), the detection means (D), in the presence of an animal, delivering a presence signal capable of triggering the scaring means (E).

Embodiments of solutions for PV modules with integrated mounting systems are presented. Application of the systems are found primarily but not solely in commercial and industrial rooftop solar installations. The disclosed solutions allow for a very flexible use of said PV modules with integrated mounting systems in various installation situations, with a focus on demonstrating concepts that show direct applicability of mounting featured for adhesive as well as for ballasted solutions, as well as the combination of both. Support features that enable ergonomic transport and installation are highlighted. Features for alignment, for providing structural strength as well as reliable, strong, yet accommodating interlinkage of PV modules are disclosed. The use of polymeric or fiber reinforced polymeric frames and mounting structures eliminates the need for grounding. Features are presented which a focus on not requiring tooling or hardware along with the installation.

Described herein are apparatuses and methods for use therewith that can be used to remove dust and other types of particulates from a solar array of a spacecraft, a lander, a rover, or the like. Such an apparatus can include a main body and a solar array extending from the main body. One or more piezoelectric devices is/are attached to the solar array. The piezoelectric device(s), when activated, is/are configured to vibrate at least a portion of the solar array to thereby loosen particulates adhered thereto. The apparatus also includes one or more linear actuators that when actuated is/are configured to at least one of bump against, push on, or pull on at least a portion of the solar array to thereby jettison from the solar array at least some of the particulates that were loosened by the one or more piezoelectric devices.

Described herein are apparatuses and methods for use therewith that can be used to remove dust and other types of particulates from a solar array of a spacecraft, a lander, a rover, or the like. Such an apparatus can include a main body and a solar array extending from the main body. One or more piezoelectric devices is/are attached to the solar array. The piezoelectric device(s), when activated, is/are configured to vibrate at least a portion of the solar array to thereby loosen particulates adhered thereto. The apparatus also includes one or more linear actuators that when actuated is/are configured to at least one of bump against, push on, or pull on at least a portion of the solar array to thereby jettison from the solar array at least some of the particulates that were loosened by the one or more piezoelectric devices.

A solar panel cleaning device for cleaning a panel surface of a solar panel while travelling over the panel surface, includes: a main body portion; a plurality of cleaning units; and a plurality of travelling units, wherein each cleaning unit includes a base, an injection port, a gas unit having one end connected to the injection port and the other end connected to the base for emitting a jet of gas into the injection port, and a liquid unit having one end connected to the injection port for emitting a jet of cleaning liquid into the injection port, and wherein gas from the gas unit causes cleaning liquid from the liquid unit to eject in a form of atomized aqueous liquid as water particles toward the panel surface in a forward travel direction at an ejection angle from 15° to 75° with respect to the panel surface.