News

DEWA Evaluates PV Cleaning-Robot Performance and Safety

DEWA's reported assessment of PV cleaning robots highlights that cleaning speed alone is not enough; module compatibility, reliability and safe access need evidence.

Automated cleaning should be qualified against the actual module and array geometry.
Automated cleaning should be qualified against the actual module and array geometry.

Cleaning automation needs field evidence

PV Magazine reports that Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has assessed PV cleaning-robot performance and safety under hot desert conditions. The evaluation underscores that reliability and module effects matter alongside cleaning speed. Source: PV Magazine.

Array geometry is part of the O&M decision

Robotic cleaning can interact with module frames, clamps, rail ends, row spacing, slope, cable routing and local access constraints. A concept that works on one array should therefore be checked on the actual module, mounting configuration and operating environment before it is scaled across a portfolio.

Buyer impact

Include cleaning-method assumptions early in the project data pack. Ask for compatibility evidence, safety procedures, water-use requirements, fault recovery, module warranty position and a representative site trial. For a new utility array, Apex can review these inputs alongside the solar ground mounting system layout so mounting details do not create avoidable O&M conflicts.

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