IoT-enabled solar PV systems: real-time monitoring and efficiency optimization
Geetam Shukla, Akash Kumar Shukla, K. N. Shukla, Shishir Dixit
Abstract
The IoT in PV systems monitors the performance, fault diagnostics, predicts its performance, and improves the accuracy of the monitoring compared to the previous ones because of the continuous connectivity between sensing, communication, and processing tiers. This paper will provide a detailed literature review of IoT-supported solar PV systems with respect to their architecture and real-time monitoring systems that enable effective system operation and reliability. Different IoT based architectures are discussed such as the cloud architecture, edge architecture, and the fog computing architecture whereby each has their own unique roles in data acquisition, transmission, and analytics. Additionally, the paper examines the efficiency optimization methods, including adaptive maximum power point tracking, AI-driven data analytics, predictive maintenance, and intelligent cleaning technologies. The fact that these are complex features that have been integrated shows that the IoT can be used to make traditional PV systems smart enough to turn them into self-optimizing energy infrastructure. Lastly, the paper defines the important research opportunities and future directions, including the necessity to have scalable, secure, and interoperable IoT systems to enable next-generation sustainable energy systems.