Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has successfully demonstrated a homegrown innovation that enhances solar photovoltaic (PV) system performance while reducing operational costs. Its Autonomous Soiling Detector, developed to address dust accumulation on solar panels, has delivered measurable gains during prototype testing.

Trials conducted at DEWA’s head office parking facility showed that the device reduced dust-related energy losses by up to 10%, while also lowering cleaning and maintenance costs. The innovation has earned international recognition, securing patents from the GCC Patent Office as well as authorities in Canada, Jordan, India, Australia, Japan and Spain.

The detector works by analysing solar radiation and comparing the actual electricity output of PV panels with the expected ideal generation under defined conditions. This allows the system to quickly identify efficiency drops caused by soiling and accurately quantify their impact. Operators can then take timely action—whether through targeted cleaning or operational adjustments—to optimise performance.

By automatically monitoring panel efficiency and pinpointing maintenance needs, the system enables data-driven cleaning schedules, reducing unnecessary interventions while improving overall operational efficiency. Field trials confirmed fewer maintenance activities and more precise cleaning cycles, guided by real-time performance insights.

The success of the Autonomous Soiling Detector highlights DEWA’s growing role in developing practical, scalable innovations that strengthen the efficiency and reliability of solar energy systems, particularly in dust-prone environments.