International Journal of Advanced Engineering, Management and

Science (IJAEMS)
Peer-Reviewed Journal
ISSN: 2454-1311 | Vol-10, Issue-5; Jul-Aug, 2024
Journal Home Page: https://ijaems.com/
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijaems.105.19

Remote Monitoring and Control of Photovoltaic Energy

Production by Arduino-Gsm Sim900
Eulalie Rafanjanirina, Junior Tigana Mandimby, Onimiamina Rakoto Joseph, Jaolalaina
Andrianaivoarivelo, Thierry Andrianarinosy, Zely Randriamantany

Institute for Energy Management (IME), University of Antananarivo, PB 566, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar

Received: 27 Jul 2024; Received in revised form: 11 Aug 2024; Accepted: 17 Aug 2024; Available online: 24 Aug 2024

Abstract— The monitoring system is a key element in any energy production installation, making it possible
to monitor operating parameters in real time and optimize production. In this article, we present a model of
a monitoring system based on the Arduino microcontroller and the GSM module, compatible with any type
of solar installation. Our monitoring system uses current, voltage and temperature sensors to measure the
operating parameters of a photovoltaic system. We simulated the operation of this system using Proteus
software, and the simulation results demonstrated the correct operation of our model. Based on these results,
we created a prototype of our monitoring system. The latter is capable of sending measured operating
parameters as SMS notifications to a smartphone, thus enabling real-time remote monitoring.
Keywords— Renewable energies, photovoltaics, microcontroller, Arduino, GSM, monitoring,
surveillance, optimization

I. INTRODUCTION The proposed system is linked to a GSM/GPRS network,

Renewable energy production has become a global priority which allows real-time remote communication. As an
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate option, numerous sensors can be added to better identify
change. Among the different sources of renewable energy, the beginnings of a drop in performance of a component or
photovoltaic solar energy is one of the most promising, to diagnose a problem: wind direction and intensity, air
thanks to its modularity, reliability and low maintenance temperature, panel temperature, solar irradiation, etc.
cost. In this article, we present the Arduino-GSM SIM900
However, to optimize solar energy production and monitoring system model, then we describe the steps of its
guarantee the reliability of installations, it is essential to simulation with the Proteus software. Finally, we present a
set up an effective monitoring system, making it possible prototype that we created to demonstrate how our system
to monitor operating parameters in real time and quickly works. The results obtained show that our monitoring
detect possible malfunctions. system offers a simple, economical and effective solution
for monitoring and optimizing autonomous solar energy
In this context, our research aims to present a model of a
production. We hope that this contribution will contribute
monitoring system based on the Arduino microcontroller
to the global energy transition towards cleaner and more
and the GSM module, compatible with any type of
sustainable energy sources.
autonomous solar installation. This system makes it
possible to remotely monitor the operation of the
installation, to identify possible beginnings of problems, II. METHODOLOGY
and to receive alerts by SMS in the event of a critical 2.1. Harnessing solar energy
situation or sudden breakdown. Indeed, for a large
Photovoltaic energy has become an increasingly promising
photovoltaic installation, one day without production can
solution among energy options, thanks to its advantages
generate a huge loss of turnover. It is therefore important
such as abundance, lack of pollution and availability in
to be informed without any delay.
large quantities worldwide. This is all the more important
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given the increase in the cost of conventional energies and necessary to install charge accumulators or batteries to
the limitation of their resources. store the energy supplied by the solar modules and meet all
2.1. 1. Photovoltaic solar cell of the needs. This type of installation is suitable for sites
that cannot be connected to the network.
The photovoltaic cell is the basic element of photovoltaic
solar panels. It is a silicon-based semiconductor device
which delivers a voltage of around 0.5 to 0.6 V.

Figure 1: Photovoltaic cell

2.1.2 . Solar or photovoltaic module Figure 3: Standalone installation example
The solar module or photovoltaic panel is the series and In this installation:
parallel association of numerous cells to obtain greater • photovoltaic panels produce direct electric
current and voltage. In order to obtain the voltage current;
necessary for the inverter, the panels are connected in
series and then form a chain of modules or "string". The • the regulator optimizes the charging and
chains are then combined in parallel and form a discharging of the battery according to its
photovoltaic field. It is also necessary to install diodes or capacity and ensures its protection;
fuses in series on each string of modules to prevent damage • the inverter transforms direct current into
in the event of a shadow on one string. alternating current to power the AC receivers;
• the batteries are charged during the day to be able
to power at night or on bad weather days;
• specific DC receptors can also be used; these
devices are particularly economical.
For installations connected to the public distribution
network, there are two options: total injection and surplus
injection.
• In the case of total injection, all the electrical
energy produced by the photovoltaic sensors is
sent to the distribution network to be resold. This
solution is achieved with two connections to the
public network: one for the consumer and one for
the injection of the energy produced.
• In the case of surplus injection, the user consumes
Figure 2: Photovoltaic field the energy he produces with the solar system and
2.1.3 . Photovoltaic solar power plant the surplus is injected into the network. When
photovoltaic production is insufficient, the
A photovoltaic solar power plant can be autonomous or
network provides the necessary energy. This
connected to a network. Solar power plants connected to
solution is achieved with a single connection to
the grid have an installed power of more than 100 MWp in
the public network and an additional meter to
2012, unlike stand-alone photovoltaic solar systems whose
measure the injected energy.
power rarely exceeds 100 kWp .
For autonomous photovoltaic solar systems intended to
supply electricity to buildings or isolated installations, it is

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II.1.4.3. Data acquisition equipment in a solar power

plant
A computer allowing the acquisition and processing of data
from the various equipment of the photovoltaic solar power
plant is often installed. This data is composed of:
• the amount of solar radiation received by the
panels;
• the outside air temperature;
• energy production from DC panels and AC
inverters;
• the voltage in DC and AC;
Fig.4: Facilities connected to the public distribution
network with surplus injection • the current in DC and AC;
• the frequency of the inverters;
In a large photovoltaic power plant, there is a control room • reducing CO 2 emissions .
equipped with electronic and computer equipment to
The computer allows this data to be observed in real time
process instantaneous data from the plant on site.
using software. Data is recorded in log form by minute,
2.1.4. Control and monitoring devices hour, day, week, month and year.
To ensure the proper functioning of a photovoltaic power 2.1.5. Upkeep and maintenance operation in a
plant, it is necessary to install control and monitoring photovoltaic solar power plant
devices.
To ensure the proper functioning and lifespan of a
2.1.4.1. Plant status management device photovoltaic solar power plant, it is necessary to carry out
In a photovoltaic power plant, the system state regular upkeep and maintenance operations.
management device makes it possible to give the
instantaneous production of electrical energy (kW), the
production of electrical energy (kWh/day), the estimate of
the reduction in emissions of CO 2 and the operating
position of the solar photovoltaic system (failed, in service,
waiting and stopped).
2.1.4.2. Environmental measurement system
Environmental measuring devices, including solar
radiation measuring instruments and temperature sensors,
are installed within the solar power plant. These
instruments make it possible to record the climatic
conditions in the area where the photovoltaic modules are Fig.1: Mops to use for cleaning
installed. The collected data is saved in a computer.

2.1.5.1. Connection control

Connection control consists of the visual inspection of the
various installations of the solar power plant to ensure
production. The sections to check are:
• the rows of photovoltaic modules;
• junction boxes;
• cabinets in the control room;
• the load switch;
• billboards.
Fig.5: Environmental measurement system
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This type of check is carried out regularly or irregularly, capabilities. This family of 8-bit microcontrollers
for example after rain or strong wind which could cause is an industrial standard in its own right;
damage. • Raspberry Pi microcontrollers , which are
2.1.5.2. Component control advanced platforms.
It is a control which consists of periodically carrying out a 2.2.1. Arduino microcontroller
visual and electrical inspection of the various components Arduino is an open-source programmable electronics
of the photovoltaic solar power plant. platform, which consists of a microcontroller board (from
2.1.5.3. Cleaning the AVR family) and software which constitutes an
To ensure the performance of installed modules, it is integrated development environment (IDE). This allows
necessary to protect them against dust and shade. Monthly you to write, compile and transfer the program to the
cleaning is therefore very useful to remove dust and microcontroller card.
possible debris. Arduino can be used to build independent interactive
2.2. Microcontrollers objects (rapid prototyping) or be connected to a computer
to communicate with its software.
Microcontrollers are microprocessor-type information
processing units to which internal peripherals are added, 2.2.1.1. Hardware part
allowing their components to perform assembly without An Arduino board is generally built around an Atmel AVR
requiring the addition of additional components. They are microcontroller (like the ATmega328 or ATmega2560 for
today widely used in many public or professional recent versions, or the ATmega168 or ATmega8 for older
applications, depending on their needs. versions), as well as complementary components that
Among the most common microcontrollers, we can cite: facilitate the programming and interfacing with other
circuits. Each card has at least a 5V linear regulator and a
• CMOS microcontrollers, such as Microchip PICs
16 MHz crystal oscillator (or a ceramic resonator in some
;
models). The microcontroller is pre-programmed with a
• Motorola's 16HC11, which features numerous “boot loader” which eliminates the need for a dedicated
peripherals such as counters, pulse width programmer.
modulation (PWM), analog-to-digital converters There are thirteen versions of Arduino boards to date.
(ADC), digital I/O, and serial links; Among the most used in the fields of training and research,
• microcontrollers based on Intel's 8051 we can cite the Arduino Uno and the Arduino Mega 2560.
architecture (like those from ST, Atmel or The following table summarizes their main characteristics.
Philips), which offer advanced computing Table 1: Arduino UNO vs Mega 2560 Comparison Chart
Arduino Mega 2560 Arduino Uno
Microcontroller ATmega2560 ATmega328
Dimension 101mm*53mm 69mm*54mm
Operating voltage 5V 5V
Supply voltage (recommended) 7-12V 7-12V
Supply voltage (limits) 6-20V 6-20V
Digital I/O Pins 54 (14 of which have a PWM output) 14 (6 of which have a PWM
output)
Analog Input Pins 16 (usable as digital I/O pins) 6 (usable as digital I/O pins)
Maximum current available per I/O pin (5V) 40 mA (WARNING: 200mA 40 mA (WARNING: 200mA
cumulative for all I/O pins) cumulative for all I/O pins)
Maximum intensity available for 3.3V output 50 mA 50 mA

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Maximum intensity available for 5V output Power supply function used – 500 mA Power supply function used –
max if USB port used alone 500 mA max if USB port used
alone
Flash Program Memory 256 KB of which 8 KB are used by the 32 KB (ATmega328) of which
boot loader 0.5 KB is used by the boot loader
SRAM (volatile memory) 8 KB 2 KB (ATmega328)
EEPROM (non-volatile memory) memory 4 KB 1 KB (ATmega328)
Clock speed 16 MHz 16 MHz
SPI/I2C AVAILABL AVAILABLE

2.2.1.2. Software part

The Arduino programming environment is actually an IDE
dedicated to the Arduino language. This software allows
you to write programs (or “sketches”), compile them and
transfer them to the Arduino card via a USB connection. It
also includes a serial port monitor.
The advantage of Arduino language is that it is based on
C/C++ languages, which means that it supports all standard
C language syntaxes and some C++ tools. Many libraries
are also available free of charge to communicate with the
hardware connected to the card (LCD displays, 7-segment
displays, sensors, servomotors, etc.).
To write a program with the Arduino language, it is
important to respect certain rules. First of all, the execution
of an Arduino program is sequential, which means that the
instructions are executed one after the other. Then, the
compiler checks for the existence of two mandatory
structures:
• the initialization and input/output configuration Fig.6: Program structure on the Arduino IDE
part;
• the main part which runs in a loop and contains 2.2.2. Arduino Mega 2560 board
the loop () function.
The Arduino Mega 2560 board is based on an
The variable declaration part is optional. ATmega2560 microcontroller and features:
Figure 6 shows the graphical interface of the Arduino IDE, • 54 digital input/output pins, 14 of which can be
as well as the structure of a program created with the used as PWM output;
Arduino language.
• 16 analog inputs, which can also be used as digital
I/O pins;
• 4 hardware serial ports (UART);
• 1 crystal 16 MHz;
• 1 USB connection;
• 1 jack power connector;
• 1 ICSP connector (“in-circuit” programming);
• 1 reset button.

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This board contains everything a microcontroller needs to • Power supply: 3.4 to 4.4 V;
function. It is also compatible with printed circuits
• Power consumption: 1.5 mA in standby and 2 A
designed for Arduino Uno, Duemilanove or Diecimila
in communication;
cards .
• Operating temperature: -20°C to +70°C;
Figure 7 shows the Arduino Mega 2560 microcontroller
board. • Dimensions: 57 x 55 x 11 mm.
2.2.4. Sensor
A sensor is a technical component which detects a physical
event linked to the operation of a system (presence of a
room, temperature, etc.) and translates it into a signal
usable by the system (generally electrical, in the form of a
low voltage signal ).
The information detected by a sensor can be very varied,
which implies a wide variety of sensor needs. Among the
most common and frequent are position, presence, speed,
temperature and level sensors.
2.2.5. Mounting the control system on Proteus
The proposed system consists of communication module
circuit, battery level indicator circuit, ammeter module,
temperature sensor, photo resistor and microcontroller
Fig.7: Arduino MEGA2560 board module.
The battery level indicator circuit measures voltages across
2.2.3. GSM/ GPRS module the solar panel batteries and across the solar panels
themselves.
The GSM/GPRS module is an interface board compatible
with Arduino. It allows you to send and receive SMS, data The ammeter module allows you to measure the current
or voice communications from the mobile network. This used by the load and the current supplied by the PV
module is based on the SIM900 circuit and is controlled via modules.
AT commands from an Arduino board. The temperature sensor allows you to know the
temperature inside the inverter.
The photoresistor mounted on the surface of the solar
modules makes it possible to monitor the solar irradiation
received by the module.
The current (p1, p2) and voltage (V1, V2) communication
buses are connected to the photovoltaic installation (figure
10).
For the simulation, we propose an installation of 4
Fig.8: Sim900 12V/100W solar collectors in parallel and two 12V/150Ah
batteries also in parallel. A 300W load is connected to the
batteries.
The module has a remote patch antenna and
Figure 10 shows the data processing circuit diagram.
communication between the module and the Arduino board
is carried out via an asynchronous serial link (UART) or a
software serial link.
Here are the main characteristics of the SIM900 module:
• Quad-band: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz;
• GPRS data rate: up to 85.6 kbps;
• Serial interface: UART, with TTL or RS-232
voltage level;
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SMS, we used a virtual Rx / Tx interface from Arduino

(Figure 13).

Fig.10: Solar installation on Proteus ISIS

III. RESULTS
Fig.13: Simulation of the SIM900 GSM module
We simulated a solar collector with a nominal voltage of
12V on ISIS by connecting it to a 12V/10W lamp (Figure
11). The illumination of the lamp and the intensity increase We verified the SMS transmission of the GSM/Arduino
as the voltage across the solar panel rises from 12 to 18V system by uploading the program in Appendix 1 to the
(Figure 12). microcontroller. Proteus virtual interfaces show the SMS
sent by the system to a recipient (Figure 14).

Fig.11: 12V solar collector with load

Fig.14: Observation of the sent SMS

3.2. Temperature sensor simulation

Arduino UNO has a built-in UART for serial
communication. The Rx and TX pins (0 and 1 respectively)
can be used to communicate serial data with any device
(like Bluetooth, GSM, GPS, etc.). We connected the output
of the LM 35 temperature sensor to the analog channel A0
Fig.12: 18V solar collector with load of the Arduino (Figure 15).

3.1. Simulation of the GSM module with the Arduino

To simulate the GSM SIM 900 module with the Arduino
Uno, we used the “GSM Arduino-PROTEUS” library on
the PROTEUS software. To visualize the process and the

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• The output voltage decreases as current begins to

flow through the sensor.
So we calculated the direct current using the following
commands:
Adcvalue = analogRead (A0);
Voltage = ( Adcvalue / 1024.0) * 1000;
Current = ((Voltage - voltage_offset ) / mVperAmp );
The measured numerical value is stored in the variable “
Adcvalue ”. In the second line, we convert the digital value
of voltage to analog voltage in milliamps by multiplying it
by the resolution factor and dividing by 1000 to convert it
to voltage in milliamps. In the third row, the measured
Fig.15: Arduino-temperature sensor on Proteus ISIS
voltage is subtracted from the offset voltage voltage_offset
and divided by the sensitivity factor mVperAmp to obtain
By programming the Arduino, the digital output of the the measured voltage current.
temperature sensor is displayed on the Proteus virtual As shown in Figure 18, the voltage shows the voltage
terminal every 1 second (Figure 16). across the ACS 712 and the current shows the
measurement which is exactly the same current that we
measured with a virtual ammeter in Proteus.

Fig.17: ACS712 ACS Module

Fig.16: Temperature sensor simulation on ISIS

3.3. Current/voltage module simulation

The ACS712 current sensor interfaces with the Arduino for
measuring AC and DC current. The ACS712 is a cost-
effective solution for current sensing in industrial, energy
and communications applications.
To calculate the current from the output voltage of the
ACS712 current sensor, we performed the following
calculations:
• When there is no current flowing through the
sensor, the output voltage will be Vcc/2. Where
Vcc is the supply voltage supplied to the ACS712. Fig.18: Arduino and ACS 712 on Proteus

• If Vcc = 5 volts, then the current sensor output

voltage will be 2.5 when there is no current
passing through a sensor.
• 2.5 volts is the offset voltage or base voltage of
the sensor which must be subtracted from the
measured voltage.
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Fig.19: ACS712 simulation on Proteus

3.4. Creation of a prototype

We created a prototype to test the operation of the system
experimentally. Figure 20 shows the completed prototype Fig.21: Cutoff status
of the control system of a photovoltaic installation as a
whole. In this prototype, we used a 12V/5W solar panel, a
12V/4Ah battery, an Arduino Uno board, a SIM900 GSM
module, an ACS 712 module for current measurement and
a voltmeter module for voltage measurement .

Fig.20: Prototype

The system automatically sends an SMS notification in the

Fig.22: Loaded state
event of a sudden outage or wiring anomaly between the
photovoltaic sensor and the energy storage system (Figure
21). The system also indicates the state of charge (charged IV. DISCUSSION
or discharged) of the battery (Figure 22).
The results obtained during the simulation and creation of
the prototype showed that the control system of a
photovoltaic installation, based on the Arduino platform
and the SIM900 GSM module, is functional and meets the
remote monitoring needs of the status of the power plant.
The system is able to detect technical failures and transmit
SMS notifications to predefined recipients, allowing rapid
and efficient intervention by maintenance technicians. In
addition, the system makes it possible to monitor the state
of charge of the batteries, which is essential to guarantee
the continuity of the electrical supply in the event of a
power outage.
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The Arduino platform and the SIM900 GSM module are 2023.
reliable and proven components, which guarantee the [4] Greening -e, Maintenance and monitoring of photovoltaic
sustainability of the system over time. However, it is installations for self-consumption, Blog, available at https:
//greening-e.com/fr/maintenance-et-surveillance-des-
important to note that the lifespan of each component used
installations-photovoltaiques-pour-lautoconsumption /,
in the electrical installation can have an impact on the
accessed January 12, 2023.
overall reliability of the system. [5] Wikipedia, Photovoltaic monitoring, Article. Available at:
The target groups that can use this remote control platform https:
are numerous. Firstly, technicians in a photovoltaic plant //fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monitoring_photovolta%C3%AFqu
can benefit from this system to monitor and maintain the e, accessed January 12, 2023.
installation remotely, reducing costs and travel time.
Additionally, home users can also use this platform to
monitor and control their own PV installation, allowing
them to maximize their solar energy production and reduce
their electricity bill.

V. CONCLUSION
As part of this project, we carried out photovoltaic system
control system simulations with the use of Arduino and
SIM 900 on Proteus software. We also designed a
prototype to test how the system works.
The main objective of this project is the automatic
management of a photovoltaic system using an electronic
command and control platform. Thanks to this system, we
can remotely monitor energy production, be informed in
the event of an anomaly or malfunction, and know the
available energy storage capacity.
The system is based on the use of Arduino for data
collection and processing, as well as the use of SIM 900 for
remote communication via SMS. The simulations carried
out on Proteus made it possible to validate the operation of
the system and to correct any bugs or errors.
In terms of improvement prospects, we can consider the
use of another electronic system such as Raspberry Pi
instead of Arduino, which would allow broader and more
complex management of the photovoltaic system. We
could also consider presenting the different parameters
(current, voltage, energy, temperature, etc.) in the form of
curves or graphs for more intuitive visualization and deeper
analysis of the data.

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