Common specific IoT devices used in solar energy systems include the following:
- Voltage output sensors that interface directly with solar panels to measure electrical output (voltage and current), enabling real-time performance monitoring.
- Temperature sensors such as the LM-35, which monitor panel or ambient temperature to assess and optimize solar panel efficiency and detect overheating issues.
- Light sensors (LDR sensors) that measure the intensity of incident sunlight on the panels to correlate energy production with light conditions.
- Smart meters that provide real-time data on energy production and consumption, helping homeowners or operators monitor and manage energy flows efficiently.
- Smart inverters which optimize DC-to-AC power conversion and communicate with other smart devices to balance energy production and consumption across the system.
- Communication modules and microcontrollers, often integrated with multi-operator SIM cards or wireless modules, to transmit sensor data to cloud servers or central monitoring platforms for remote monitoring, fault detection, preventive maintenance, and control.
- Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) such as Sense or Smappee, which track solar panel performance, monitor energy storage, and control energy distribution within smart homes.
- Automated appliances that can be programmed to operate during peak solar energy production times, optimizing the use of generated solar power and reducing grid dependence.
These IoT devices collectively enable continuous data collection on key parameters like energy generation, temperature, voltage, current, and sunlight intensity. The data is wirelessly transmitted and analyzed via cloud-based platforms, allowing operators to remotely monitor, control, and optimize solar energy systems, improve maintenance schedules, detect faults early, and maximize overall efficiency and sustainability.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-specific-iot-devices-are-commonly-used-in-solar-energy-systems/
