The French PV cleaning specialist has launched a fully autonomous cleaning system for steep commercial and industrial PV roofs, designed for frequent cleaning in dusty environments.
France’s AX Solar Robot unveiled a new cleaning solution for commercial and industrial (C&I) PV systems this week at the Energaia fair in Montpellier, southern France.
“Our new cleaning system is designed for steep roofs in heavily polluted environments that require regular cleaning – weekly or biweekly – such as cement factories, flour mills or other industrial sites where dust can reduce the efficiency of PV panels by up to 50% in a week,” the company’s sales manager Gonzague Leclercq told pv magazine. “The robot is intended for permanent installation, completely autonomous, eliminating the need for contractors.”
According to the manufacturer, the system is built for a long lifespan. “The robust components and design are focused on sustainability and reuse, with annual maintenance visits to ensure a lifespan of more than 20 years, supported by reliable supplier partnerships,” said Leclercq.
The robot can handle roof slopes from 8° to 50°. It uses gravity to lower the cleaning unit, minimizing energy consumption, while solar panels power the brushes and lifting mechanism. Cleaning is effective with minimal water, because the rotating brushes work even in light rain.
“For an 80-metre roof, the equipment costs approximately €20,000 ($23,495), excluding installation,” said Leclercq. “Recovering 20% of lost energy production provides a quick return on investment. Economically, the system is particularly recommended for installations above 200 kW.”
The system is currently deployed in France, with plans to expand across Europe, initially prioritizing nearby locations to ensure optimal performance.
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