# Artificial Intelligence of Things for Solar Energy Monitoring and Control
## 2 AIoT in PV Systems: Background
### Internet of Things  
The advent of the internet has been a significant boon to humanity, unlocking countless applications and enabling seamless communication between devices. This emerging technology, known as the Internet of Things (IoT), leverages the internet to facilitate connectivity between physical devices, or \"things\" [31]. By utilizing sensors and communication networks, these devices can collect valuable data and offer a wide range of services. These include applications such as remote monitoring and control, predictive maintenance, energy optimization, and other functionalities designed to maximize solar energy generation, enhance system reliability, and ensure efficient energy management. When designing IoT systems, the first step is to define the application, which refers to the use case or the problem the system will address. This is followed by selecting the appropriate components, such as sensor devices, communication protocols, data storage, and computational infrastructure. An IoT platform requires the integration of environmental sensors and suitable communication technologies to effectively achieve its objectives [32]. The components of an IoT platform are illustrated in Figure 10.  
Core Technologies Enabling IoT Systems are revolutionizing the management of photovoltaic (PV) systems by enhancing efficiency, reliability, and performance. IoT integrates advanced sensors, actuators, communication technologies, and computing methods to monitor parameters such as solar irradiance, panel temperature, and energy output in real time. These capabilities support remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and rapid fault detection, significantly reducing operational costs and downtime. The ongoing evolution of IoT highlights its crucial role in advancing renewable energy solutions and ensuring optimal energy generation. This section delves into the core technologies that enable IoT in PV systems. Sensors are crucial components in IoT systems, enabling real-time data collection and improving system efficiency [33]. In photovoltaic (PV) systems, sensors monitor key parameters such as solar irradiance and temperature, helping optimize performance and facilitating smart energy management for both cost and energy savings [34]. One such sensor is the temperature sensor, which plays a vital role in monitoring the temperature of PV panels and inverters. These sensors help detect overheating issues and optimize cooling  
Figure 10: Diagram describing the components of an IoT platform. mechanisms, ensuring consistent energy output. High temperatures, if not managed properly, can significantly reduce panel efficiency [33; 35]. Additionally, humidity sensors are valuable in assessing environmental conditions that may impact panel performance, such as moisture accumulation, which can lead to degradation or electrical leakage [36]. Light sensors, on the other hand, are essential for tracking solar irradiance and sunlight intensity. These data help optimize panel alignment in solar tracking systems, ensuring maximum energy generation by adjusting the panels to varying light conditions [37; 38]. Current and voltage sensors are integral to PV systems, as they monitor the electrical output of the panels and inverters, helping detect inefficiencies or faults in energy production. Additionally, dust and soiling sensors track the accumulation of dust and debris on PV panels, which can significantly reduce energy efficiency. By providing these data, these sensors enable the scheduling of timely cleaning to maintain optimal panel performance [39]. Furthermore, pyranometers are used to measure global solar radiation, providing essential data for evaluating system performance relative to expected energy generation. Once the sensors collect and analyze data, the system activates actuators to perform the necessary mechanical actions, ensuring optimal operation.