Maintenance Cost Optimization Model for Rooftop PV Based on a Seasonal Soiling Model and Economic Cleaning Threshold to Improve  the Performance Ratio

Ridhwan Fitrah; Faiz Husnayain

doi:10.59261/jbt.v7i3.743

Authors

Ridhwan Fitrah Universitas Indonesia
Faiz Husnayain Universitas Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2619-896X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59261/jbt.v7i3.743

Keywords:

Performance Ratio, Rooftop PV, Techno-Economic Analysis, Seasonal Soiling Model, Economic Cleaning Threshold

Abstract

Background: The Performance Ratio (PR) of photovoltaic (PV) systems in tropical monsoon regions decreases due to soiling accumulation on module surfaces, yet techno-economically optimal cleaning strategies remain unavailable specifically for the Indonesian context.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the investment feasibility of a 400 kWp rooftop PV system in the Cikarang industrial estate, determine the optimal cleaning strategy, and quantify the system's contribution to carbon emission reduction.

Methods: The research employs a quantitative approach based on 1,503 days of operational data (2022–2025), using an integrated framework combining a Seasonal Soiling Model (SSM) with rain-reset parameters, an Economic Cleaning Threshold (ECT) with three lookback versions, two-layer risk analysis (OAT and Monte Carlo simulation, 10,000 iterations), and carbon emission analysis.

Results: The investment is feasible with NPV of IDR 2.48 billion, IRR of 16.73%, payback of 9 years, and LCOE of IDR 828.77/kWh (25.7% below PLN tariff), with 100% probability of positive NPV. The optimal strategy is annual cleaning in August (S1), yielding NPV IDR 99.2 million higher than existing practice. The system reduces 9,258 tons CO₂ over 25 years with negative abatement cost of USD −21.21/ton CO₂.

Conclusion: The integrated TEA-ECT framework advances rooftop PV asset management by demonstrating that value-based, seasonally adaptive cleaning optimization simultaneously enhances economic returns and environmental performance, providing a replicable methodology for tropical monsoon regions.

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