Solar Remote Monitoring Unit: Providing remote sensing monitoring services for solar power systems

Key Outcomes

• Manufacture of 50 monitoring units

• 27 monitoring units supplied to Zambia to monitor solar home systems (SHS). 2 units implemented within SHS. Other units to be implemented when sold.

• Training session with local installers in Zambia for monitoring unit installation.

• 2 monitoring units supplied & installed onto projects in Malawi. Monitoring mini-grid battery banks.

• 2 prototype units have been shipped to Aboriginal Energy, India. One of these has been installed on a SHS.

• 2 prototype units installed at microgrids in Uganda.

• 2 prototype units have been shipped to Mzuzu University, Malawi.

• Economic analysis of 6 different business models.

• Minimum viable product design produced for future cost reduction.

• Cloud-based data storage implemented on LU account.

• Web-based reports created for different users and applications (including high-level overviews & detailed technician reports).

• Public facing website showing reports has been implemented.

• Project added to Research group activities of CREST.

• Review of competitors and potential future markets.

• Conference paper written.

• Environment monitoring prototype unit has been developed for Jonathan Millet, LU, to monitor irradiance and soil moisture for woodland monitoring project.