Evaluation of IoT-based remote monitoring systems for stand-alone solar PV installations in Kenya

The deployment of remote monitoring systems based on Internet of Things (IoT) presents an opportunity to curtail operational and maintenance (O&M) costs associated with stand-alone PV systems. This study evaluates the characteristics of the commonly employed IoT platforms, their capabilities and associated O&M cost savings. Analysis of avoided field visit costs based on three remotely monitored solar PV sites is conducted through clustering of system faults and filtering out major ones that would warrant actual site visits. The obtained results are verified with information gathered from four other PV installer companies based in Nairobi, Kenya. Results obtained from the study show that majority of system faults can be monitored and often corrected remotely. Annual site-specific cost savings associated with IoT platforms range from $2040 to $3096. In comparison to ordinarily locally monitored systems, annual operation and maintenance costs can be reduced by 47-95%. This implies that it is now possible to adequately maintain healthy solar PV systems located in remote locations ensuring their longevity and convenience.