IoT Driven Solar Panel Monitoring and Fault Detection System for Enhanced Operation Efficiency

Abstract

In modern solar power systems, efficient power generation is essential to meet growing energy demands. However, issues such as faulty panels, poor electrical connections, and dust accumulation can reduce output, often going undetected without frequent manual inspections, affecting uninterrupted power generation. Manual monitoring methods are time-consuming, reliant on human intervention, and lack real-time data, limiting their effectiveness in ensuring optimal performance. To address these challenges, we propose an innovative IoT-based solar panel fault detection system that continuously measures essential parameters such as voltage, current, and sunlight intensity using advanced sensors integrated across solar panels, combined with an alert mechanism. The system utilizes voltage, current, and light-dependent resistor (LDR) sensors to monitor key panel parameters in real-time. This data is transmitted to a cloud platform for storage and analysis, while a GSM module provides SMS alerts to users upon detecting abnormal readings like reduced voltage, current fluctuations, or low light intensity. Users can access this data through a mobile app, enabling remote tracking of energy generation, promoting proactive maintenance, enhancing efficiency, and contributing to a sustainable energy future. By automating fault detection, the system ensures early identification of issues, minimizing downtime and optimizing energy output. Consequently, it leads to better panel usage, consistent power generation, and a greater return on investment for users, making solar energy a more viable and sustainable power generation.

Introduction

The global push toward renewable energy has led to significant adoption of solar power, now contributing approximately 3.6% of global electricity. However, the intermittent nature of solar energy—due to factors like weather, panel degradation, and system inefficiencies—necessitates improved monitoring to ensure reliability and maximize output.

Problems with Existing Systems

Current solar monitoring methods are primarily manual and reactive, involving:

• Visual inspections

• Use of handheld meters

• No real-time data tracking

• No remote access or automated fault detection

These limitations cause:

• Delayed issue detection

• Inefficiencies

• Increased maintenance costs

• Reduced energy output

Proposed System: Real-Time Solar Monitoring with IoT

The proposed system introduces a real-time, automated monitoring solution using IoT technologies. It tracks key parameters like voltage, current, and sunlight intensity using three sensors:

1. Voltage Sensor

2. Current Sensor (ACS712)

3. Light Dependent Resistor (LDR)

Key Features:

• Real-time monitoring

• Cloud-based data transmission via Wi-Fi

• Instant alerts through GSM (SIM800L) module

• Mobile app interface for easy access and data visualization

• Automated fault detection and predictive maintenance

How It Works:

• Sensors measure and send data to an Arduino UNO microcontroller.

• Data is analyzed and transmitted to a cloud platform.

• Users are alerted to abnormalities (e.g., voltage drops, current fluctuations) through:

  • Visual alerts on the platform

  • SMS notifications (even without internet)

Benefits:

• Minimizes downtime by early fault detection

• Increases energy output and system lifespan

• Reduces operational and maintenance costs

• Supports remote, proactive decision-making

Hardware Implementation

The system is divided into three functional components:

1. Monitoring System – Captures solar panel data in real-time.

2. Fault Detection – Identifies voltage and current anomalies.

3. Data Acquisition and Transmission – Uses Wi-Fi and GSM modules for remote communication and alerts.

Each fault type—voltage drop or current fluctuation—is instantly detected and communicated to the user, helping prevent efficiency losses and long-term damage.

Conclusion

The proposed IoT-based Solar Monitoring and Fault Detection System demonstrates a significant advancement in the management and optimization of solar energy systems. By integrating real-time monitoring, automated fault detection, and remote accessibility, the system addresses critical challenges in solar panel maintenance and performance. Continuous monitoring enables the system to provide real-time insights into performance, ensuring immediate detection of abnormalities and continuous optimization of solar energy output.The system\'s ability to send performance data to central monitoring platforms whichallows for ongoing real time analysis by solar energy professionals,facilitating proactive maintenance and support. By empowering users with real-time insights and remote management capabilities, the system encourages sustainable energy practices, enhances renewable energy adoption, and contributes to a more environmentally responsible future. The integration of smart technologies like this paves the way for innovative solutions in the renewable energy sector, supporting global sustainability efforts.This system not only reduces downtime and maintenance costs but also ensures the reliability and longevity of solar installations. Its scalability and adaptability make it suitable for applications ranging from residential setups to large-scale solar farms. In addition to enhancing operational efficiency, the proposed system plays a crucial role in driving the broader adoption of solar energy by addressing key barriers to widespread implementation. One of the significant challenges faced by solar power systems is the unpredictability of energy generation, which can vary based on weather, environmental conditions, and system performance. By providing detailed, real-time data, this system mitigates the uncertainty surrounding solar energy generation, offering a more reliable and transparent method for managing power output. Furthermore, the proactive fault detection and analytics capabilities help extend the lifespan of solar panels by enabling early interventions, reducing the risk of cumulative damage, and optimizing the overall health of the system. The user-friendly interface ensures that individuals with limited technical knowledge can easily understand and manage their solar setups, fostering wider consumer adoption. This approach to solar system management not only promotes efficiency but also supports the decentralization of energy production, empowering consumers to take an active role in their energy consumption while contributing to the larger goals of sustainability and energy independence.This system represents a significant transformation in renewable and clean energy, driving smarter, more efficient, and sustainable solar energy solutions for a greener, more energy-independent future.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dr. M. Ganesh Kumari, S. Kavipriya, M. Dhaniyalakshmi, S. Hemalatha. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.