ABSTRACT
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network where physical items, known as "things," connect and share data with other systems and devices via the Internet. These objects are endowed with unique identifiers (UIDs) and have the ability to transmit data across a network without requiring direct human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction (Emodi, 2015). In this project, a smart IoT solar inverter was constructed and implemented using the Node microcontroller unit (NodeMcu). The NodeMcu is built on the ESP8266 System-on-a-Chip (SOC), a low-cost foundation for this open-source microcontroller unit. This project incorporates a solar-driven inverter unit, comprising connector chains. Initially, the charge controller and solar panel are linked to prevent overcharging of the battery bank. The charge controller monitors the battery bank, redirecting power to a load when the bank is fully charged. Subsequently, the charged battery bank connects to the inverter, responsible for converting Direct Current (DC) from the battery into Alternating Current (AC) usable in homes and offices. The energy meter (PZEM-004T V3), measuring voltage, current, power, energy, and frequency, is integrated with the inverter. The new version includes power factor monitoring via a microcontroller unit. The Node microcontroller unit (NodeMcu), featuring a 32-bit controller and ESP8266 Wi-Fi module, facilitates IoT integration by connecting to the Internet via Wi-Fi. Data, including current measurement, outlet loads, and inverter battery levels, can be accessed through a mobile application interface. Then it may be watched over and managed from a distance (Gopal, 2020).
