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					</table>As solar power scales rapidly across India’s arid, high-irradiation regions, robotic module-cleaning solutions are gaining traction in large-scale solar projects to mitigate soiling losses and optimize operations and maintenance costs.
In an exclusive interview with Mercom India, Yogesh Kudale, Co-founder and CEO of <a href="https://taypro.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TAYPRO</a>, a module-cleaning solutions provider, discussed the cost savings from deploying robots to clean modules, their adoption by the commercial and industrial (C&amp;I) and utility-scale segments, and the key challenges hindering their large-scale use.
Please provide an overview of TAYPRO’s journey so far and the scale of deployment of your module cleaning solutions in India and international solar markets.
TAYPRO’s journey has focused on solving one of the most underestimated challenges in the solar ecosystem: soiling losses and inefficient O&amp;M. It began with the development of fully autonomous, waterless robotic systems specifically for Indian conditions, including dusty environments, terrain variability, and water scarcity.
We have established a strong presence in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka, with our robotic cleaning solutions deployed on solar plants totaling over 5 GW of installed capacity across utility-scale and commercial and industrial (C&amp;I) segments.
The manufacturing and technology stack can support the production of over 500 robots per month, enabling rapid deployment across large solar parks.
India is the primary market of focus, but we are actively expanding into international markets, including the Middle East and Southeast Asia. These regions face similar high-dust and water-stressed conditions, which make our solutions highly compatible.
What are the most compelling advantages of robotic cleaning over traditional methods, particularly in terms of cost, performance, and sustainability?
Robotic cleaning systems help transform solar O&amp;M from a manual, resource-intensive process into a more efficient, data-driven model. From a cost perspective, they eliminate recurring expenses such as labor, water procurement, and tanker logistics, which can account for up to 40% of total O&amp;M costs in high-soiling environments. This ultimately converts irregular, resource-dependent spending into a predictable and optimized cost structure.
In addition, consistent, uniform cleaning significantly reduces soiling losses and can increase energy generation by 6–15%, or more in high-dust regions. As a result, most projects integrating robotic module cleaning solutions achieve a return on investment within 12–18 months, making robotic cleaning a financially viable and performance-driven O&amp;M strategy.
Water scarcity is a growing concern. How significant is the reduction in water usage with robotic cleaning, and how is this influencing adoption decisions?
TAYPRO’s systems are completely waterless, eliminating the need for millions of liters of water annually at a single large-scale solar plant. Our portfolio reflects annual savings of over 770 million liters of water.
High water savings have become one of the most critical reasons for regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat to adopt waterless cleaning, especially when solar irradiation is consistently high, but water availability is constrained.  Developers are increasingly factoring water risk into project viability and ESG commitments.
Waterless robotic cleaning systems are increasingly becoming a strategic requirement rather than a functional upgrade. It is influencing both regulatory alignment and long-term sustainability positioning.
From a developer’s perspective, how does robotic cleaning impact the overall O&amp;M costs and project returns over the lifecycle of a solar project? Are there any key challenges specific to India?
When it comes to India, the challenges are largely environmental and infrastructural. High dust loads, unpredictable terrain, and limited connectivity in remote solar parks complicate the deployment, monitoring, and large-scale optimization of cleaning systems.
This drives the need for robust, intelligent systems that can operate reliably with minimal human intervention while adapting to diverse site conditions. We address these challenges through advanced engineering and communication architecture, enabling seamless automation and large-scale adoption.
There are often concerns around module wear and tear. How do you ensure that robotic cleaning systems maintain module integrity over time?
Module safety is a core design priority at TAYPRO. The robots are designed to be gentle and to maintain uniform contact with the panel surface using engineered microfiber and controlled-pressure systems. This also prevents stress on the glass and protects the anti-reflective coating.
Extensive testing across multiple deployments ensures the cleaning process remains non-abrasive even over long operational cycles, which is the approach we follow. Independent testing and approvals from Tier-1 module manufacturers further reinforce this.
Performance data indicates only ~0.34% Pmax deviation over a 25-year lifecycle, confirming that our systems maintain module integrity while delivering effective cleaning at scale.
How are AI, data analytics, and weather sensing being integrated into your solutions to optimize cleaning cycles and improve efficiency?
TAYPRO integrates AI and data analytics into its solutions to enhance operations with an intelligent, demand-based approach in addition to specific cleaning schedules. The systems consistently monitor metrics such as dust accumulation, generation trends, humidity, wind patterns, and weather forecasts.
The automated systems can process data in real time, helping determine the optimal cleaning window. Cleaning is triggered only when performance begins to decline, rather than on a preset schedule. Systems can identify cleaning requirements through predictive analysis of parameters such as motor behavior, battery health, operational anomalies, and more. This reduces downtime and ensures high-fleet availability.
This advanced system enables efficient cleaning and resource optimization while maximizing energy output through data-driven decision-making.
What kind of auxiliary power requirements do these systems have, and how do you ensure they remain energy-efficient?
The robotic systems are designed to operate with minimal to near-zero auxiliary power requirements at the plant level. They do not depend on external grid supply, as they are equipped with dedicated solar panels integrated into their docking stations, enabling fully self-sustaining battery charging and operation.
This makes the system inherently energy-independent and particularly suited for large-scale solar projects, where auxiliary power optimization is critical. Intelligent power management further enhances efficiency by optimizing motor use, cleaning operations, and travel paths to minimize energy consumption per cycle.
Additionally, AI-based battery management ensures optimal charge and discharge cycles based on terrain, workload, and operating conditions. As a result, the energy consumed by the robots is significantly lower than the incremental energy gained from improved panel efficiency, resulting in a net-positive energy outcome.
How do you see the adoption of robotic cleaning evolving in India, especially across utility- scale, C&amp;I, and rooftop segments?
The adoption of robotic cleaning is shifting from early-stage experimentation to mainstream integration, especially for utility-scale projects where scale and soiling losses justify automation. Recent years have seen an increase in the integration of robotic cleaning systems at the project design stage, rather than adding them later.
The C&amp;I sector is also seeing a rise in this adoption as businesses focus on maximizing returns while meeting sustainability targets. The flexibility of operational expenditure models further lowers entry barriers.
Advancements in compact robotic systems are also addressing gaps in rooftop adoption, such as structural and space constraints; however, the space is still evolving. Overall, as water scarcity, labor challenges, and performance expectations intensify, robotic cleaning is becoming a standard element of solar O&amp;M across broader segments.

Robotic Cleaning Cuts O&M Costs by 40%, Boosts Solar Generation by Up to 15%: Interview

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					</table>EIE Renewables <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/eie-renewables-wins-itis-10-mw-ground-mounted-solar-auction#:~:text=EIE%20Renewables%20Wins%20ITI's%2010%20MW%20Ground%2DMounted%20Solar%20Auction,-The%20tender%20was&amp;text=The%20tender%20was%20floated%20in%20January%202025.,own%2Doperate%2Dtransfer%20model." target="_blank" rel="noopener">won</a> ITI’s auction to set up a 10 MW ground-mounted solar project at Naini in Uttar Pradesh. The tender was floated in January 2025. EIE Renewables must supply electricity for 25 years as per the tripartite power purchase agreement.
The rapid <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/farmers-in-maharashtra-and-rajasthan-turn-to-robotic-cleaning-to-improve-solar-output" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rollout</a> of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) program is gradually transforming India’s rural solar landscape by enabling decentralized, feeder-level solar power projects for agricultural use. The project will be executed under a build-own-operate-transfer model. The scope of work covers the supply, installation, and commissioning of the project, including power evacuation lines to the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation substation.
Heavy Civil Infrastructure, a subsidiary of Larsen and Toubro <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/lt-wins-order-for-3-gw-pumped-storage-project-from-torrent" target="_blank" rel="noopener">secured</a> an order from Torrent Energy Storage Solutions, an arm of Torrent Power, for the construction of the 3,000 MW Saidongar-1 Pumped Storage Project in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. The project will comprise ten units of 300 MW each.
The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/delhi-plans-phased-rollback-of-additional-surcharge-for-open-access" target="_blank" rel="noopener">proposed</a> gradually eliminating the additional surcharge for consumers availing of general network access or open access. Under the proposed Terms and Conditions for Open Access (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2025, the additional surcharge will be reduced linearly from the level prevailing at the time the access was granted and eliminated within four years, provided the consumer continues to avail such access.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries <a href="http://mercomindia.com/government-notifies-performance-standards-for-evs-under-pm-e-drive-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">notified</a> amendments to the Production-Linked Incentive program for the automobile and auto components industry. The amendments have revised the performance criteria for electric vehicles (EVs) eligible for incentives and aligned them with new national electric mobility programs, such as the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement program.
The Delhi Government <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/delhi-government-to-generate-revenue-from-green-projects-using-carbon-credits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> a proposal to implement a Carbon Credit Monetization Framework to convert the city’s green projects into revenue-generating assets to support pollution control and sustainability efforts. Under the framework, every verified reduction of one metric ton of CO2-equivalent from Delhi’s climate initiatives would generate a tradable carbon credit that can be sold in voluntary or compliance carbon markets globally.
The Punjab State Power Corporation (PSPCL) <a href="https://mercomindia.com/punjab-invites-bids-for-250-mw-500-mwh-standalone-bess#:~:text=The%20BESS%20projects%20are%20eligible,be%20opened%20on%20February%2016." target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> a request for selection to set up 250 MW/500 MWh standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Bhatinda, Punjab. The BESS projects are eligible for viability gap funding of ₹1.8 million (~$19,946.14)/MWh. The BESS projects will be constructed on the land occupied by the 460 MW Guru Nanak Dev thermal project after it is demolished.
PSPCL <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/punjab-discom-floats-tender-for-1-gwh-standalone-bess-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to set up 500 MW/1,000 MWh standalone BESS. The last date to submit bids is February 13. Bids will be opened on February 16. The scope of work covers the setting up of the BESS to make stored power available to the buying entity/PSPCL for charging and discharging on a demand basis.
Chennai Petroleum Corporation, a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation, <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/chennai-petroleum-invites-bids-for-pre-feasibility-of-100-mw-wind-solar-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids for a pre-feasibility study for the round-the-clock supply of 100 MW of energy from wind and solar power projects. The last day to submit the bids is January 27, 2026. Bids will be opened on the same day.
GreenTech, an operations and maintenance company specializing in wind turbine asset management, <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/greentech-raises-%E2%82%B9300-million-to-scale-wind-turbine-asset-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener">raised</a> ₹300 million (~$3.3 million) in its first funding round, comprising a mix of equity and debt, led by Transition VC.
Bengaluru-based lithium-ion (li-ion) battery solutions provider Nash Energy <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/nash-energy-commissions-2-gwh-battery-pack-manufacturing-line-in-karnataka" target="_blank" rel="noopener">commissioned</a> a 2 GWh fully automated prismatic battery pack manufacturing line at its facility in Dobbspet, Karnataka. Prismatic battery packs incorporate flat, rectangular li-ion cells with stacked internal components and rigid metal casing.
The CSIR-National Physical Laboratory <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/csir-launches-calibration-facility-to-support-indias-solar-manufacturing-push" target="_blank" rel="noopener">launched</a> two apex-level calibration facilities to strengthen India’s national quality infrastructure and reduce reliance on foreign certifications. One of them is the National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration, a system to calibrate solar cells and modules.
The Northern Railway, Ambala Division, <a href="http://mercomindia.com/northern-railway-floats-tender-for-1-mw-solar-project-in-ambala-division" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids for setting up 1,000 kW on-grid solar projects across multiple locations in Haryana. Bids must be submitted by January 29, 2026. The estimated cost of the project is ₹58.8 million (~$710,000). The project involves the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of a 1,000 kW on-grid solar project without battery backup at station buildings, service buildings, and level crossing gates at various locations under the Ambala Division in Haryana.
China’s State Council Tariff Commission, based on the Ministry of Commerce’s recommendation, <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/china-retains-antidumping-duties-on-polysilicon-from-us-south-korea#:~:text=China's%20State%20Council%20Tariff%20Commission,years%20from%20January%2014%2C%202026." target="_blank" rel="noopener">decided</a> to extend the imposition of antidumping duties on imported solar-grade polysilicon from the U.S. and South Korea for five years from January 14, 2026.
Huawei and Sungrow <a href="https://mercomindia.com/huawei-sungrow-lead-woodmacs-global-solar-inverter-h1-2025-rankings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">emerged</a> as the world’s top two solar inverter manufacturers in the first half (H1) of 2025, according to Wood Mackenzie’s Global Solar Inverter Manufacturer Rankings H1 2025 report. Huawei ranked first with a score of 93.9 out of 100, closely followed by Sungrow at 93.7.
Researchers at Norway-based research institute SINTEF and the Swiss heat storage solutions company COWA Thermal Solutions <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/researchers-develop-battery-for-efficient-heat-storage-from-heat-pumps" target="_blank" rel="noopener">developed</a> a new battery system for storing heat from heat pumps. Heat pumps extract energy from their surroundings and transport the heat into buildings.
Global solar irradiation <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/indias-solar-irradiation-below-normal-in-2025-global-anomalies-reach-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">swung</a> to both positive and negative extremes in 2025, with the highest positive anomalies reaching up to 20% over long-term averages (LTA), according to the maps released by Slovakia-based global solar data assessor and forecaster Solargis. The greatest drops in global horizontal irradiation during the year reached below 14% of the LTA.
Global renewable energy sector employment <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/renewable-energy-jobs-hit-record-but-growth-slows-amid-automation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stood</a> at 16.6 million in 2024, up 2.3% from 2023, even as global renewable power capacity expanded to 4,443 GW, with a record 582 GW added during the year, according to the Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review 2025 released by the International Renewable Energy Agency and the International Labor Organization.

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