Solar Panel Protectionfrom Birds and Land Animals

Abstract: Context: Nowadays, there are many sources to generate electricity, but most of the resources used are not renewable. Among the renewable energies generated, solar power is one of the best. However, solar panels need to be protected from birds and other animals, which can cause damage. Objective: The main objective is to design a vision-based system protecting the solar panels from getting damaged by birds and land animals that may cause damage to the panels. By using this system, the efficiency and life expectancy of a solar panel can be increased. Methods: In this project, we have used a technology, that detects birds and land animals. It estimates the distance to the objects that come near the solar panel. After detecting the object and identifying the hazardous distance, the system deters objects from the panel by making bird-repellent sounds before the object reaches the panel. Through this project, one increases the efficiency and life expectancy of the solar panel. In this system, a Raspberry Pi 4 code with Python is used. The microprocessor is connected to two cameras and a speaker. The cameras are installed on the opposite sides of the solar panel and the speaker is attached to its side. When a bird reaches the surroundings of the solar panel, the camera detects it and estimates the distance, and then makes the noises, which repel the bird to save the solar panel from getting damaged. Results: Moving objects are successfully detected and the distance from the object to the solar panel is estimated. After the identification of danger, an alarm sound is produced. The performance of the system is verified using different scenarios. Conclusions: A working model of object detection and the bird-deterring system was prototyped. The applications of this system can be customized for different situations.