Photovoltaic soil monitoring system with automated clean referencing system

A solar panel cleaning system comprising:

• an automated cleaning device for cleaning a surface of a reference cell panel;
• a cleaning device controller in communication with a motor of the automated cleaning device, the cleaning device controller configured to receive a signal corresponding to measurement of a current of photovoltaic system;
• a reference cell cover that is movable between open and closed positions, wherein in a closed position the reference cell cover substantially protects the surface of the reference cell panel;
• wherein the cleaning device controller activates the automated cleaning device to clean a surface of the reference cell panel when the received signal indicates that a measurement of the current of the photovoltaic system is to be taken.