Introduction: Secure 1.5-year ROI with zero-water robots mastering 20° inclines and LiFePO4 tech to eliminate 30% soiling losses.   The utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) sector has transitioned from a phase of rapid capacity expansion to a phase of rigorous operational optimization. As we enter the 2026 fiscal year, the definition of a viable cleaning solution has shifted fundamentally. Early-generation robots—characterized by water-dependent cleaning, limited slope handling, and manual-assist requirements—are now considered legacy liabilities that increase the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) rather than reducing it.For Asset Managers, EPCs (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), and Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Directors, the new procurement standard demands fully autonomous systems capable of navigating complex topography without human intervention. This comprehensive guide establishes the 2026 Technical Benchmark, outlining the five non-ne...