Scalable Data Acquisition System for Real-Time Monitoring of Photovoltaic Plants

The lack of scalable and economically viable photovoltaic (PV) monitoring systems, especially in remote locations or areas with limited infrastructure, hampers performance monitoring and the implementation of preventive maintenance strategies. To address this issue, this research proposes a real-time PV monitoring system using ESP32 microcontrollers equipped with Long-Range (LoRa) modules and precision sensors for the collection and transmission of environmental and operational data. The monitored variables include PV module and ambient temperature, solar irradiance, relative humidity, and wind speed. The system is capable of transmitting data over long distances, storing it in a Internet of Things (IoT) platform, enabling real-time monitoring and analysis. The proposed solution facilitates anomaly detection and maintenance optimization, offering a robust and cost-effective approach, ideal for applications in remote areas or locations with limited infrastructure. Additionally, the stored data enables detailed studies of PV performance combining operational and environmental information.