Technology readiness level assessment of solar PV cleaning technologies

The global shift towards renewable energy has positioned solar photovoltaic (PV) systems as pivotal to achieving sustainable climate goals. However, the efficiency and performance of PV systems are significantly compromised by environmental factors, particularly dust accumulation, which can reduce energy output by up to 80% in arid and semi-arid regions. Despite the various PV cleaning technologies available, from manual methods to AI-driven robotic technologies that have emerged, their uneven maturity and scalability remain poorly quantified, delaying strategic deployment. This study presents the first systematic Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessment of 12 PV cleaning methods, integrating technical performance, environmental impact, economic feasibility, and scalability. The findings reveal that while manual cleaning methods are widely deployed (TRL 9), they are labour-intensive and resource-dependent, making them unsuitable for large-scale applications in water-scarce regions. Emerging technologies, such as robotic cleaning (TRL 6–8), super-hydrophobic coatings (TRL 5–7), and electrodynamic screens (TRL 4–6), show high potential but require robust R&D to address durability, energy demands, and cost barriers. The study identifies key barriers to TRL advancement, including high initial costs, energy demands, durability issues, and environmental concerns, particularly for water-based systems. Conversely, enablers such as AI-driven predictive maintenance, hybrid approaches, and policy incentives offer pathways to accelerate the commercialization of sustainable cleaning solutions. By overcoming the challenges and making the most of the key drivers identified, this study aims to contribute to the global shift toward renewable energy, while helping to ensure that solar PV systems remain dependable and sustainable across a variety of environmental conditions.