IoT Application for Real-Time Monitoring of Solar Home Systems Based on Arduino™ With 3G Connectivity

A novel datalogger based on free software and hardware has been designed, built, programmed, and installed as an experimental prototype in multiple sites. Remote monitoring extends the effectiveness of the datalogger in the areas deprived of electrical grid and traditional wired telecommunication networks. The integration of Internet of Things in solar measurement systems allows the remote monitoring of small stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) systems, enhancing the performance and the maintenance of the system. The datalogger measures electric and climatic parameters (up to 14 parameters, expandable) with the required accuracy established by the IEC61724 standard; to include 3G technology in it allowed the stand-alone PV systems system monitoring remotely via web or via mobile application, all at low cost. An outdoor campaign of over 12 months under the harsh environmental conditions at multiple locations was performed to test the new datalogger under real and different conditions demonstrating the robustness and the reliability of the system.