IoT-Enabled Remote Monitoring Solutions for Off-Grid Solar Systems in Nigeria

Introduction

Reliable monitoring remains one of the biggest operational challenges for off-grid solar systems in Nigeria. Many mini-grids and standalone solar home systems face recurring issues such as battery failure, inverter faults and system under-performance due to the absence of real-time data. This page summarises insights from Nkinyam (2025), who developed a low-cost and locally adaptable IoT-based monitoring device for solar PV systems. The findings are used to highlight practical solutions and implementation opportunities within Nigeria’s off-grid sector.

Background

Off-grid solar installations across Nigeria are expanding rapidly due to rising demand for rural electrification and productive energy use. However, many systems are installed in remote locations without continuous technical supervision. Traditional manual inspections are costly and often delayed, leading to preventable downtimes. IoT-enabled monitoring — using GSM, Wi-Fi, LoRa or cloud-based dashboards — allows operators to track system performance parameters in real time and respond quickly to faults. Several Nigerian developers currently rely on imported monitoring units, but local fabrication remains limited.

Overview of the Referenced Study

The referenced work by Nkinyam (2025) demonstrates a low-cost prototype built using: ESP32 microcontroller Voltage/temperature sensors GSM/4G module for data transmission A low-cost dashboard for system visualisation The prototype monitored PV voltage, current, battery status and load behaviour. Testing showed stable data transmission, low power consumption and compatibility with small to medium-scale solar systems.

Key Technical Insights

1. Sensors and microcontrollers are affordable and locally available. Components such as ESP32 boards and INA219 sensors can be sourced in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt markets. 2. GSM-based data transmission works reliably even in rural areas. The study confirms that cellular networks (2G/3G/4G) provide enough bandwidth for monitoring data. 3. Local fabrication reduces costs significantly.A complete unit cost up to 40–60% less than imported proprietary monitoring systems. 4. Cloud dashboards improve system reliability. Operators receive real-time alerts on battery voltage drops, inverter shutdowns and abnormal loads. 5. Maintenance teams benefit from early fault detection. Downtime can be reduced by remotely diagnosing issues before dispatching field technicians.

Relevance to Nigeria’s Off-Grid Solar Sector

Nigeria’s mini-grid operators often manage dozens of rural sites — remote monitoring lowers operational costs. IoT solutions support productive-use systems (e.g., agro-processing, cold storage) by preventing energy losses. Pay-as-you-go operators can improve customer service and track asset health. Local manufacturing aligns with national goals for domestic content and job creation in renewable energy technology.

Implementation Barriers

Network connectivity gaps in extremely remote locations Limited awareness of open-source or low-cost monitoring platforms Insufficient local manufacturing capacity Need for cybersecurity and data protection protocols

Recommendations

Encourage Nigerian developers to adopt open-source IoT platforms adaptable to local needs. Integrate IoT into new SHS and mini-grid deployments as part of standard system design. Build partnerships between universities and private companies to scale local fabrication. Train technicians on sensor calibration, firmware updates and dashboard management.

Further Reading

Nkinyam, C.M. (2025). Development of a Low-Cost Monitoring Device for Solar PV Systems. URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213138825000418

Attribution and Licence

This page summarises findings from the above publication. The material referenced is used for informational purposes with proper attribution. Always check the publisher’s page for specific reuse permissions before reproducing figures or large text sections.