MSME IDEA

HACKATHON
5.0

MSME Project Application

1. Host Institute /Business Incubator State: Tamil Nadu

2. Host Institute /Business Incubator: Dr.N.G.P. Institute of Technology, Coimbatore 48.

3.* Idea Sector (✓ Selected Theme)

Low carbon footprint solutions/ technologies ✓

Stealth, Surveillance, and Cyber Defense Technologies
Innovation in Adoption of Industry 4.0 & 5.0 in MSME ecosystem
Innovation for business upliftment and sustainability in coastal and hilly areas
Smart and Resilient Supply Chains

4. Category of the Incubatee- Student

5. Title of proposed idea/innovation: Hybrid Solar Panel Cleaning System

6. Briefly explain newness/uniqueness of the innovation (1500 Characters allowed)

The system uniquely combines manual and automatic low cost, IoT-based systems
specifically made for the dusty rural and urban Indian environment, which would be able to
clean the surface of the solar panels of any dust or other particles that would damp the
efficiency of electricity production. Unlike expensive commercial cleaners, this uses smart
sensors and other widely available tools integrated into a single unit of working machine that
can be operated manually via a dedicated button or can be made completely autonomous via
an app.
7. Concept & Objective (1500 Characters allowed)
The goal of the project is to design a Hybrid Solar Panel Cleaning System with
automatic and manual control mechanisms to provide frequent, efficient, and water-saving
solar panel cleaning—maximizing energy yield. The system utilizes IoT, sensors, and
automation to automatically monitor dust levels and sldo enable manual cleaning through a
mobile app or physical switch.

Objective:

To avoid power loss from dust accumulation on solar panels (up to 30 reduction in efficiency).

To create an inexpensive and scalable cleaning system for individual users, rural settlements,
and MSMEs.
To develop an ecofriendly system that is self-sustaining with the help of solar energy.
To minimize manual labour, safety hazards, and wastage of water during cleaning.

8. Specify the potential areas of application in industry/market in brief (1500 Characters

allowed)
The Hybrid Solar Panel Cleaning System has general applicability in residential,
commercial, and industrial segments. It is best suited for rooftop solar customers in
residences, offices, schools, and hospitals where cleaning manually is inconvenient. MSMEs
can utilize its inexpensive, automated nature to keep panel efficiency without skilled workers.
The system is useful for solar farms as well, where cleaning large arrays is labor-intensive and
costly. In off-grid and rural regions, its solar-powered, self-contained functionality provides
consistent operation without the need for external power sources. It also enables agricultural
solar installations such as water pumps to enhance efficiency and yield. With hybrid control,
real-time monitoring, and optional AI enablement, the system provides a scalable and feasible
solution for sustaining solar efficiency in a range of market segments

9. Briefly provide the market potential of idea/innovation (1500 Characters allowed)

The Indian solar energy market is expanding rapidly, with increasing adoption in
residential, commercial, MSME, and rural segments. But panel efficiency decreases by 15–30
due to dirt and lack of maintenance, resulting in power loss and lower returns. Automated
solutions for cleaning are available now and are costly, water-guzzling, and generally
appropriate for large solar farms, thus creating a huge gap for small-scale users.
This hybrid solar panel cleaning system provides a novel, low-cost, and scalable option. It
facilitates automatic as well as manual cleaning, enables real-time monitoring, and is powered
by the sun—making it the perfect choice for off-grid and rural locations. Its modular structure
can be applied to rooftop panels, small industrial modules, and even solar-powered agriculture
installations.
As India is planning to achieve 280+ GW solar capacity by 2030, the demand for cost-effective
and efficient maintenance solutions is huge. The system addresses a relatively untapped
market segment and has potential for local production, deployment by startups, and take-up
under government programs such as PM-KUSUM and Rooftop Solar Programme. It integrates
sustainability, price, and technology—making it a good fit for mass market acceptance
 MSME IDEA
HACKATHON
5.0

MSME Project Application

2.1. Title of the Proposed Idea/ Innovation.

Hybrid Solar Panel Cleaning System

2.2. Whether the idea involves use of existing intellectual property or not, give brief
detail there of. (1500 Characters allowed)
The Hybrid Solar Panel Cleaning System proposed doesn't use any existing patented
or proprietary intellectual property. The main elements—motors, microcontrollers
(ESP32/Arduino), and sensors—are open-source hardware and publicly owned
technologies. The system design, logic flow, and cleaning mechanism are original and
specifically designed for this innovation. Although there could be current robotic or automatic
cleaning systems for industrial solar farms, this solution is unique in merging automatic and
manual control, low-cost construction, and integration with IoT and renewable self-sustaining
functions, specifically designed for single users, rural communities, and MSMEs. If further
developed, the overall system architecture, smart scheduling algorithm, dirt detection
integration, and hybrid control logic could be suitable for future patent protection.

2.3. Briefly explain newness/ uniqueness of the innovation. (1500 Characters

allowed)
The distinction of this innovation is its hybrid control mechanism, enabling both
automatically scheduled cleaning and manual initiation through app or switch—neither of
which is common to commercial systems. It's intended to be cost-effective, modular, and
solar-powered, making it particularly suitable for rural and rooftop users where cost, water
usage, and access to energy are limiting factors. In contrast to traditional systems designed
for massive solar farms, this technology is low-maintenance, compact, and scalable. It also
has the capability of monitoring solar panel performance in real-time before and after
cleaning, providing users with valuable energy efficiency insights. AI-based dirt detection,
waterless cleaning, and solar-powered battery recharging, as optional features, add to the
innovation of the system. By emphasizing sustainability, affordability, and intelligent
automation, the system bridges an important void in solar maintenance, allowing low-carbon
energy systems to function best in demanding environments.

2.4. Concept & Objective. (1500 Characters allowed)

The idea is to come up with an intelligent, energy-saving, and cost-effective solar panel
cleaning system that enhances panel performance by eliminating dust and dirt through an
automated or manually initiated device. The system will employ sensors, motors, and
optionally a water pump or dry brush mechanism to clean the panel surface. The system will
be powered by solar power, thus being sustainable and off-grid compatible. Users may have
cleanings programmed, set them off remotely using an app, or press a button locally for on-
demand use.
The aim is to cut the power loss because of dirty solar panels—usually even as high as
30%—and ensure more reliable use of solar power for individuals, rural areas, MSMEs, and
institutional consumers. It also ensures less manual labor, enhanced safety, and reduced
water usage in arid areas. The system allows constant monitoring of panel performance,
which will ensure regular maintenance, improved returns, and increased adoption of solar
technology, aligning with India's vision to create a low-carbon, self-reliant energy future.

2.5. Specify the potential areas of application in industry/ market in brief (1500
Characters allowed)
The system finds widespread use in multiple industries. In the domestic sector, it is
helpful to homeowners with solar panels on their rooftops who do not have the equipment
or time to do the cleaning by hand on a regular basis. In commercial and institutional
facilities—schools, hospitals, offices—it ensures steady maintenance and enhanced power
generation without human intervention. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
utilizing solar installations can implement this system for cost-effective maintenance if skilled
technical manpower is not readily available.
It also finds application in solar farms, where an amplified version could clean over large
installations automatically, conserving water and enhancing output. In rural and off-grid
areas, the solar-powered model guarantees operation without dependency on electricity,
making it suitable for remote consumers. The system can also aid agriculture-based solar
units, like solar water pumps, to provide stable energy to irrigation. Overall, it is a multi-
sectoral solution for low-cost, sustainable solar maintenance.
 2.6. Briefly provide the market data for the potential idea/ innovation (1500
Characters allowed)
India has set an ambitious target of 280+ GW of solar power by 2030, with rooftop solar
expected to account for a significant portion. As of 2024, India has over 13 GW of installed
rooftop solar capacity, and growing. Studies show that unclean panels can reduce energy
output by 15–30%, which equates to crores of rupees in energy loss annually. Yet, automated
cleaning systems are currently focused on industrial solar farms and are too costly for small-
scale users.
This creates a huge untapped market for low-cost, smart solar panel cleaning solutions.
According to the IEA and MNRE, the rooftop solar market in India alone is expected to reach
₹60,000 crore (~$7.5B) by 2027. With rising adoption by rural households, MSMEs, and
institutions, the need for affordable maintenance technology will also grow. This innovation
targets the underserved mid- and low-end segments, presenting strong commercial and
impact potential, especially under government schemes like PM-KUSUM and Rooftop Solar
Programme Phase II.

2.7. Current Development Status of Innovation (500 Characters allowed)

The idea is currently in the conceptualization stage. The system design, problem
statement, and proposed solution have been clearly defined, along with the basic architecture
and required components. No prototype has been developed yet. Further work will include
feasibility analysis, component selection, prototyping, testing, and performance evaluation.

2.8. Expected time of completion of idea (1 Year)

The complete development of the idea into a working prototype—including design
finalization, component sourcing, hardware assembly, coding, testing, and documentation—
is expected to be completed within 1 year from the start of development.

2.9. Idea Theme (Refer Guidelines) (✓ Selected Theme)

Low carbon footprint solutions/ technologies ✓
Stealth, Surveillance, and Cyber Defense Technologies
Innovation in Adoption of Industry 4.0 & 5.0 in MSME ecosystem
Innovation for business upliftment and sustainability in coastal and hilly areas
Smart and Resilient Supply Chains
2.10. Idea Sector (Refer Guidelines) (✓ Selected Theme)
Agriculture, Rivers & Ocean Produce based industries, fertilizers, Agricultural
Implements & Agro processing and any related sub-sector
Healthcare & Life sciences, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, Biotech, AYUSH
and any related sub-sector
Power, Renewables, Electricals, Power Electronics, Energy Efficiency and any ✓
related sub-sector
Services, Education, Hospitality, Media, Publishing, Entertainment, Design,
Wellness, Logistics, Sports and any related sub-sector
Miscellaneous Sector (Environment, Forests, Water & Sanitation; Foods,
Beverages, FMCG, Consumer Goods; Infrastructure, Construction, Housing; IT,
ITES, Electronics, White Goods, Telecommunication; Metals, Engineering,
Machinery, Automation and Transportation, Automotive, E Vehicles, Railways,
Aviation, UAV and any other sub-sector)
 MSME IDEA
HACKATHON
5.0

MSME Project Application

Financial Requirements

3.1 Activity-wise break

Particular / Item Total idea Amount GOI Incubatee
project cost assistance share (Rs.
(Rs. In Lakhs) (Rs. In Lakhs) In Lakhs)
Technology related Expenditure towards 6.00 6.00 00.00
machine usage charge etc., Electricity
charges, Procurement of raw materials,
testing/ calibration charges, other charges
essential for development of idea
Max. (10.00) lakh.
Chargers of mentor/ handholding 1.50 1.50 00.00
supporting team
Max. (3.00) lakh.
Travelling Expenses or any other item not 0.75 0.75 00.00
covered as above maybe allowed as per
need for development of the idea
Max (2.00) lakh.
Total 8.25 8.25 00.00
 Total idea
Particular/Item
project cost
(Please modify 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 as per your requirement)
(Rs.)
1. Technology related Expenditure towards machine usage charges
etc., Electricity charges, Procurement of raw material,
testing/Calibration charges, other charges essential for
development of idea
Max (10.00) lakh.
Provide Item wise details below
1.1 Items to purchase (motors, brushes, ESP32/Arduino, sensors, small 5,50,000
solar panel, frame parts, basic app backend, wiring)
1.2 Electricity charges 5,000
1.3 Welding charges 5,000
1.4 Calibration charges 5,000
Sub total 5,65,000
2. Charges for mentor/handholding supporting team Max 1,50,000
(3.00) lakh.
3. Travelling Expenses or any other item not covered as above may
be allowed as per need for development of the idea Max ( 2.00)
lakh.
3.1. Travelling Allowance 75,000
Sub total 75,000
4. Total (Max 15 Lakh) 8,25,000
 MSME IDEA
HACKATHON
5.0

MSME Project Application

Other Students/ Entrepreneurs associated with this project/ idea

4.1.
Name Aadhar No
Justin Varghese 2197 4615 0834l

4.2. Summary of the Idea. This is the section reviewers read to understand the
technical solution. Please state the solution clearly. Reviewers may ask: What
is the actual technical achievement or improvement provided by this solution?
This project is a Hybrid Solar Panel Cleaning System that solves a very real problem
— dust and dirt reducing solar panel efficiency by up to 30%, especially in India’s dusty and
polluted environments. My solution is to design a low-cost, smart cleaning system that works
in two modes: it can automatically clean the panels on a fixed schedule or based on sensor
input, but it also supports manual cleaning via a simple app or button — especially useful when
internet or automation fails.
The system runs entirely on solar power, so it’s self-sustaining and off-grid ready. Technically,
the system uses an ESP32 microcontroller with real-time clock, relay-based motor control,
optional dirt-level sensing, and a compact brush or waterless mechanism for cleaning. I’ve
planned to include real-time monitoring so users can track efficiency before and after cleaning.
The real technical achievement here is a cost-efficient, dual-mode, IoT-enabled solar cleaner
built for rural, residential, and MSME users — something that current commercial systems
completely ignore. It’s frugal, scalable, and designed to be made in India, for India.

4.3. (a) Is it a new concept? Yes / No

Yes
 4.4. (b) Prior art on the concept (if any) (1000 Characters allowed)
There are existing robotic solar panel cleaning systems, mostly targeted at large solar
farms. These systems are expensive, fully automated, and typically require infrastructure,
water, and skilled installation. Some IoT-based solutions exist, but they are complex and
unaffordable for small-scale users. What sets this idea apart is its hybrid mode, low cost, and
manual override, which are not found in current products. It’s built for individuals, MSMEs,
and rural sectors, a market neglected by existing solutions.

4.5. Main Problem being addressed in the project (Every solution targets a certain
problem. Please use this section to highlight the specific problem the solution
addresses. This section can be as short or as long as needed to describe the
precise problem the solution addresses) (800 Characters allowed)
Solar panels lose 15–30% efficiency due to dust accumulation, especially in dry,
polluted, or remote areas. Existing cleaning solutions are either manual (risky and irregular)
or expensive and automated (not viable for small users). The problem is the lack of an
affordable, smart, low-maintenance cleaning system that works in both connected and
disconnected environments. This project aims to fix that gap and improve solar performance
with minimal human effort.

4.6. Background for getting the idea?

a. Who is it for? (800 Characters allowed)
It’s for residential rooftop solar users, rural communities, agriculture-based
solar systems, and small businesses (MSMEs) that rely on solar panels but face
challenges maintaining them regularly due to cost, effort, or lack of access to
professional services.

b. What will it do? (800 Characters allowed)

It will automatically or manually clean dust and debris off solar panels using a
motorized brush system. It will be solar-powered, support remote control via app or
manual switch, and include performance monitoring to track panel efficiency before
and after cleaning.
 c. Any unique features? Explain? (800 Characters allowed)
Yes — the system supports hybrid operation (auto/manual), is solar-powered
and self-sustaining, offers real-time performance tracking, and is designed to be
affordable, modular, and scalable. It doesn’t rely on internet/cloud and can be controlled
locally, which makes it ideal for low-resource environments.

4.7. How simple or complex will the ideas execution or implementation be? What
are the risk factors involved in executing the idea? (800 Characters allowed)
The idea is moderately simple to implement with basic electronics and mechanical
parts. The biggest risk factors are ensuring waterless/dry cleaning works effectively, building
a reliable motor mechanism, and preventing system failure in harsh outdoor conditions.
However, by starting small and testing thoroughly, risks can be managed. The use of off-the-
shelf, open-source components makes development and iteration fast and low-cost.

4.8. How soon could the idea be put into operation? (TRL of prototype) (800
Characters allowed)
Since the idea is currently in the concept stage, the Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
is at Level 2 (formulation of technology concept). With proper funding and guidance, the idea
can progress to prototype testing (TRL 4–5) within 6–8 months, and field-ready
demonstration (TRL 6) within 1 year.

4.9. How much investment would you need for prototyping of idea? (800 Characters
allowed)
A cost-efficient prototype can be developed within ₹1.5 to ₹2 lakhs, including materials
like motors, controllers, solar components, sensors, mobile app development, frame, testing
tools, and safety gear. Further iterations may require an additional ₹1–2 lakhs for feature
expansion and field testing.

4.10. (a) How do you intend to protect your idea (i.e. your intellectual property or
IP)? Status of IPR (If any) (800 Characters allowed)
Currently, the idea is not patented, but its hybrid architecture, dual-control mechanism,
and real-time efficiency monitoring make it eligible for a utility patent or design protection.
Once a working prototype is completed, I plan to file for IP through India’s IPR scheme for
innovators, ensuring both legal protection and licensing possibilities.
 4.11. (b) Related Background (800 Characters allowed)
Most competitive work focuses on fully robotic solar cleaners used in industrial solar
farms (e.g., Ecoppia, Solabot), which are costly and infrastructure-heavy. Some DIY IoT-
based solutions exist on forums, but none are scalable or suitable for rural deployment. No
known product combines manual override, solar-powered operation, and real-time
performance tracking in one low-cost solution for MSMEs or households.

4.12. How is This Project Made and Used: (800 Characters allowed)

The system will be built using an ESP32 controller, DC motor with mounted
brushes, an RTC module, sensors (optional), and a solar-powered battery unit. The
controller will trigger the cleaning cycle either on schedule, via app, or manual button. The
frame will be lightweight, easily attachable to panels. Users can monitor output via a basic
mobile dashboard. Once installed, it cleans regularly or on-demand, reducing manual effort
and improving solar output.