Remote monitoring and control system for isolated solar power plants

Author

Simbarashe, Stanley

Title

Remote monitoring and control system for isolated solar power plants

Abstract

The increasing adoption of solar energy worldwide has led to the deployment of solar plants in remote and isolated locations. However, these locations often lack reliable communication infrastructure and on-site personnel, making real-time monitoring and maintenance a significant challenge. This project aims to design and implement a remote monitoring and control system for isolated solar plants, enabling real-time monitoring, fault detection, and optimization of energy production. The system utilizes a combination of wireless communication technologies, including cellular networks, satellite communication, and radio frequency (RF) mesh networks, to establish a reliable and secure connection between the solar plant and a remote monitoring center. Advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms are applied to the collected data to detect anomalies, predict energy production, and identify opportunities for optimization. The system consists of several components, including solar panel monitoring units, weather stations, and a central monitoring platform. The monitoring units collect data on solar panel performance, temperature, and other environmental factors, while the weather stations provide real-time weather data. The central monitoring platform integrates data from all sources, providing a comprehensive view of the solar plant's performance and enabling real-time control and optimization. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the solar energy industry, particularly in regions with limited access to reliable communication infrastructure. By enabling real-time monitoring and optimization, the system can help to improve energy production, reduce costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of isolated solar plants.

Date

August 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Remote Monitoring

Control System

Isolated Solar Power Plants

Supervisor

Engineer M. Marufu