An Alternative Internet-of-Things Solution Based on LoRa for PV Power Plants: Data Monitoring and Management

Abstract

This paper proposes a wireless low-cost solution based on long-range (LoRa) technologyable to communicate with remote PV power plants, covering long distances with minimum powerconsumption and maintenance. This solution includes a low-cost open-source technology atthe sensor layer and a low-power wireless area network (LPWAN) at the communication layer,combining the advantages of long-range coverage and low power demand. Moreover, it offers anextensive monitoring system to exchange data in an Internet-of-Things (IoT) environment. A detaileddescription of the proposed system at the PV module level of integration is also included in the paper,as well as detailed information regarding LPWAN application to the PV power plant monitoringproblem. In order to assess the suitability of the proposed solution, results collected in real PVinstallations connected to the grid are also included and discussed.

Keywords

• PV monitoring
• low-cost solutions
• LoRa technology