A 30MW photovoltaic power station in the hilly terrain of Linyi City, Shandong Province, my country, is located on a gently sloping terrain with a gradient of no more than 15 degrees. The station, which went into operation in 2022, faces significant challenges in traditional cleaning operations due to the relatively gentle slope. The region’s temperate monsoon climate is characterized by frequent sandstorms in spring and autumn and heavy rain in summer. Dust and rain stains easily accumulate on the surface of the modules, impacting power generation efficiency.
Manager Li, who oversees power plant operations and maintenance, explained, “Although the slope is not steep, the rolling terrain still makes manual cleaning quite time-consuming and labor-intensive. Workers have to constantly go up and down the slope, which is labor-intensive and reduces cleaning efficiency. We’ve been searching for a solution that can adapt to this terrain while also improving cleaning efficiency.”
In April 2024, the power plant installed six XYT X7 remote-controlled tracked solar panel cleaning robots. Designed specifically for slopes of less than 15 degrees, these robots utilize a widened track chassis, providing stable support and excellent terrain adaptability, enabling smooth operation on gentle slopes.
In actual use, the X7 robots have demonstrated excellent operational performance. Their low center of gravity and widened tracks ensure stability on gentle slopes, allowing operators to precisely control the robots via remote control within a range of 100 meters. Equipped with an anti-skid system and an emergency brake, the robots ensure safety when operating on slopes. The cleaning system features an adjustable water pressure design, intelligently adjusting the cleaning intensity based on the degree of contamination.
The X7 robot features a modular design, making it easy to maintain. Its large-capacity battery supports 4-5 hours of continuous operation and can complete cleaning tasks of approximately 1MW. An intelligent power management system monitors the device’s status in real time, automatically alerting users when the battery level drops below 25%, ensuring operational continuity. Its water-saving system saves over 50% of water compared to traditional manual cleaning.
After three months of practical application and data tracking, the power plant’s power generation efficiency has significantly improved. Data shows that regular cleaning has increased module power generation efficiency by 11.5%, and monthly power generation has increased by an average of 13.2%. Annual power generation revenue is expected to increase by approximately 1 million yuan.
Manager Li stated, “The X7 robot is ideal for power stations like ours, which operate on gently sloping terrain. Now, only two operators are needed to easily complete cleaning tasks, increasing efficiency by more than three times. The equipment is simple to operate and maintain, and employees quickly mastered its use.”
The device also performs exceptionally cost-effectively. Compared to traditional manual cleaning, it saves over 400,000 yuan in labor costs and over 30,000 tons of water annually. The payback period is estimated to be approximately 1.5 years, representing significant economic benefits.
The X7 robot’s safety is particularly noteworthy. Its stable chassis design and anti-skid system ensure safe operation, and remote control operation eliminates the risk of workers walking back and forth on the slope. The device is also waterproof, allowing it to operate normally in light rain.
The power station has now established a standardized mechanized cleaning process, with six X7 cleaning robots taking on the primary cleaning duties. Even on muddy slopes after the rainy season, they can reliably complete cleaning operations. Power station staff report that the equipment operates stably and is easy to operate, fully meeting the cleaning needs of gently sloping terrain.
The XYT X7 remote-controlled crawler solar panel cleaning robot, with its stable performance, efficient cleaning capabilities, and excellent cost-effectiveness, provides a comprehensive cleaning solution for photovoltaic power stations on gently sloping terrain. This case demonstrates XYT’s unwavering focus on product practicality, providing tailored solutions for different types of photovoltaic power stations.
As the solar panel industry develops, XYT will continue to optimize its product design to provide more professional and efficient cleaning solutions for photovoltaic power stations in various terrains, helping them improve power generation efficiency and contributing to the development of clean energy.