Adapting PV Panel Cleaning Strategies to Market Dynamics: The Impact of Variable Pricing and Regulatory Market Participation

The profitability of photovoltaic (PV) panel cleaning is increasingly shaped by external market dynamics rather than technical thresholds alone. This study analyzes how evolving electricity market conditions in Spain— characterized by price volatility, midday price collapses, and growing participation in ancillary service markets—affect the timing and economic viability of cleaning operations. Using real data from 47 PV plants (2020–2025) and the SOMOSclean decision model, we demonstrate that identical soiling levels can lead to different cleaning strategies depending on market context. Factors such as the solar capture price factor (CPF), curtailments, and regulatory participation significantly influence whether recovered energy can be monetized. We propose a context-aware framework that integrates soiling dynamics, market signals, and operational constraints to optimize cleaning schedules. The results highlight the need for flexible, market-responsive strategies to enhance profitability while maintaining operational agility.