Why IoT is Important for Solar Businesses & How Can We Integrate It?
What is the Internet of Things, and how does it work?
The Internet of Things is a collection of interconnected physical objects with sensors, processing power, software, and other technologies that can be used to exchange data with other devices and systems accessible via the Internet or other forms of communication (IoT).
IoT devices have emerged as a technology trend that is reshaping every industry in which they are used. In fact, 83 percent of firms that use IoT technology have stated that the technology has improved their efficiency.
But what about the dangers of introducing new technology into the workplace?
The benefits of IoT integration, according to 94 percent of firms, significantly outweigh the risks!
While renewable energy, particularly solar energy, is urgently needed, market adoption rates have been low and market maturity has been sluggish. However, IoT connections in solar enterprises are beginning to change that.
And, to give you a sense of why incorporating IoT into your solar business is a good idea right now,
I’ve outlined the top 7 opportunities you can take advantage of right now.
1. Improving Plant and Device Physical Health in Real-Time
You may continuously examine the physical health of solar plants and gadgets that your company has installed for clients thanks to the all-around, real-time monitoring capability. Sensors and transmitters on IoT devices can also allow you to acquire field data directly from a connected mobile device. You can send in your professionals to discover and troubleshoot the faults even before something catastrophic goes wrong with the solar panels/devices. This will vastly improve the client experience and, as a result, have a good impact on your market reputation while also lowering the expense of unanticipated damages or issues.
2. Data-driven Plant/Device Performance Insights
You may quickly collect and process a significant amount of data using the Internet of Things, such as solar radiation, temperature, wind speed, dust levels, and individual panel energy outputs. This will aid in the discovery of underperforming units as well as the identification of possible causes.
All of the information, in combination with past data on plant performance and outputs, can be used to improve the devices you make. This will improve the quality of your product, giving you a competitive advantage in the market.
It goes without saying that it is also bringing positive change to the renewable energy sector.
Data analytics, dashboard management, and having all of your data in one place may all be aided by mobile and web apps, which can be utilized by C-level executives to make timely and data-driven choices.
3. Detection of Malfunctions Before They Happen
IoT devices can be utilized for proactive malfunction detection in the solar energy sector for enterprises serving residential or commercial facilities. This can cut down on downtime and the expense of units that are inactive or in need of repair.
4. Energy Portfolio Management that Works
Renewable energy companies can receive one-stop access to a lot of field information, including critical KPI measures on macro and micro levels, by connecting their IoT devices to a mobile/web app. This information can be used to successfully manage the energy portfolio by raising or lowering energy production through solar power plants based on demand.
5. Demand Forecasting that is Accurate
Smart meters with IoT capabilities can be used to collect exact consumption data. After then, future demand can be projected using machine learning technologies. These precise demand projections can be used to adjust energy production to minimize surpluses or deficits.
6. Accurate, real-time predictions of energy generation
The real-time data collected by IoT devices connected through a system of web/mobile-based solutions can be utilized to forecast energy generation by predicting weather and other parameters. On the basis of this data, appropriate plant setup locations can be identified. This can provide a significant cost-cutting advantage to businesses.
7. Vandalism and Theft Protection (Especially in Remote Areas)
Theft and vandalism attempts against solar panels and installations are uncommon, though not unheard of, particularly in rural locations. Suspicious movements near installed equipment can be detected using IoT sensors. The sensors can then send out a remote alarm via mobile devices, alerting stakeholders to potential hazards.