Innovative solutions for photovoltaic plants remote monitoring

This paper presents a novel approach for monitoring the current produced by arrays (strings) of photovoltaic modules. The approach is based on Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) devices for data transmission. The solution lets the creation of a self-configuring wireless network of low-power and low-cost devices, in order to dramatically reduce the installation cost and time. No wires are required for data transmission, as well for supplying power to the devices. The wireless acquisition device is the foundation of a complete architectural solution for monitoring photovoltaic power plants, and has been the business idea for the creation of a start-up company.