As solar photovoltaic (PV) systems become increasingly popular as a clean and renewable source of energy, it’s crucial to ensure that these systems are performing efficiently and effectively. A solar Panel Monitoring System helps to identify potential issues, optimize energy production, and extend the lifespan of your investment. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to a simple yet powerful DIY solar PV monitoring system that enables you to track essential performance parameters, such as voltage, current, temperature, power, and energy.

The DIY monitoring system is built around the XIAO ESP32 MCU, a versatile and cost-effective microcontroller that forms the core of the system. To measure the electrical parameters, we’ll use the ACS758 current sensor for accurate current readings and a voltage divider circuit for voltage measurements. Additionally, we’ll incorporate the DS18B20 temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of the solar panels or other system components. Optionally, you can also add an OLED display to visualize the data in real-time.

This project not only offers a cost-effective solution for monitoring your solar PV system but also provides a fantastic learning experience for those interested in electronics, solar energy, and programming. By building your own monitoring system, you gain a deeper understanding of your solar PV system’s workings, and you can customize it to suit your specific needs.

In the following sections, we’ll provide a list of the required components, detailed instructions on setting up the circuit, and the Arduino code to get your DIY solar PV monitoring system up and running. So, let’s dive into the world of solar PV monitoring and make the most out of the clean energy harnessed by your solar panels.

You may check out my previous post on DIY Solar Panel Monitoring System – V1.0

Why do We Need a Solar Panel Monitoring System?

1. It gives clear information about various solar parameters, extracted energy, fault detection, historical analysis of the solar plant, and associated energy loss.

2. You can easily measure your solar production and the saving on your monthly electricity bill.

3. You can track all the important parameters of the solar PV system in real-time from your smartphone.

In this post, I will show you I have made a simple Solar Monitoring System by using an ESP32 development board and ACS723 current sensor.

Specification:

1. Voltage Range: 0- 50V

2. Current Range: 0 -50A

3. Temperature Range: -55°C to +125°C

The full project is available on my blog post: https://www.opengreenenergy.com/solar-panel-monitoring-system-v2/