Solar Panel Fault Detection Using Internet of Things

Solar energy, the most abundant and renewable energy source on Earth, remains underutilized compared to traditional energy sources. This review examines advancements in solar technology, focusing on monitoring and optimization techniques to improve energy harvesting efficiency. Dust accumulation on solar panels, a major factor reducing energy output, is addressed through innovative tracking and mitigation methods. The study highlights the role of solar power monitoring systems, which utilize Arduino Uno microcontrollers to optimize energy production, detect panel malfunctions, and manage energy sources between solar power and auxiliary batteries. Integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology enables real-time data transmission to cloud platforms, facilitating remote monitoring and control of solar systems. Sensors connected to a centralized controller ensure efficient management of loads and panels, enhancing operational reliability. Concluding the review, a prototype system is proposed to integrate these advancements, offering a comprehensive approach to optimizing solar energy harvesting and monitoring, with the potential to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy solutions.