Green internet of things and solar energy

The Internet of Things (IoT) stands out as one of the most captivating technologies of the current decade. Its ability to connect people and things anytime and anywhere has led to its rapid expansion and numerous impactful applications that enhance human life. With billions of connected devices and substantial power and infrastructure requirements, the IoT system can pose a threat to the environment. However, the IoT's vast range of resources and capabilities can also be leveraged to assist in environmental conservation in the evolution of technologies due to massive CO₂ emissions, climate change, and environmental and health issues. In this study, with the two-way integration of IoT and green practices, two distinct concepts for green IoT are presented. Among green practices, energy solutions play a vital role in greening the IoT. In this study, the energy solutions for the IoT system are divided as reducing energy consumption and using green energy sources. Solutions for reducing IoT energy consumption are studied systematically through a five-layer framework to simplify its modular design and implementation. Then, the use of green energy resources is discussed for all components of the IoT ecosystem. Leveraging IoT to make the environment and other technologies green is the other concept of green IoT. IoT technology plays a crucial role in enhancing both energy management systems and the efficient harvesting of renewable energy sources. Switching to solar energy from fossil fuel energy is one of the most fundamental green practices today. In this study, the mutual relationship between solar energy harvesting and the IoT is addressed specifically. Several promising research directions in the realm of green IoT are also highlighted.