Design and Development of a Monitoring System for Floating Solar Platforms

Floating Solar Photovoltaic System (FSPV) installations offer unique challenges and requirements compared to traditional ground-mounted or rooftop solar systems. Therefore, an effective monitoring system ensures optimal performance, maintenance, and overall system reliability. This study focused on the design and development of a monitoring system for a 2.8kWp floating solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed in Lake Mainit, Municipality of Jabonga, Agusan Del Norte. It aimed to address the monitoring needs of floating solar PV systems, targeting parameters such as voltage, current, panel temperature, roll, and pitch movement of the panels. Wind speed, wind direction, rainfall amount, and water level were also collected to respond to and mitigate any incoming disaster to the operation of the system. A control switch was also included to halt the FSPV's operation if the wind speed is greater than 8 m/s. Based on the results, it was found that, on average, the solar panel harvested power from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Moreover, the power output of the whole system ranges from 11 kWhr to 16 kWhr, while the panel temperature ranges from 20 °C to 60 °C. The panel started to move significantly during the afternoon due to an increase in wind speed. It was also observed that the most prevalent wind speed in the southeast direction during the study was in the range of 4-6 m/s.