Solar monitoring system builds on Linux-based LoRaWAN gateway

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Cloud Energy and Semtech announced a LoRaWAN equipped rooftop solar monitoring system based on a Linux-based Kerlink Wirnet gateway and Semtech’s LoRaWan modules. Vietnam based IoT integrator Cloud Energy has joined with Semtech Corp. in announcing a wireless monitoring system for rooftop solar facilities in Vietnam. The unnamed system combines Semtech LoRaWAN modules with software and integration from Cloud Energy, which is deploying a Linux-powered Wirnet LoRaWAN gateway from hardware partner Kerlink.

Wireless solar panel monitoring systems using LoRaWAN are growing in popularity compared to wired monitoring. This is especially true in “rural areas of Vietnam where rodent damage to cabling is a particular issue,” according to the EENews Embedded report that alerted us to the news. Kerlink Wirnet iStation, front and back (click images to enlarge) Cloud Energy’s solution comprises multiple Semtech-based wireless Cloud Energy modules, a Kerlink gateway using LoRaWAN, and a web-based Cloud Energy app to monitor real-time data. The application can review and forecast performance independently across meters, inverters, and sensors. The system is claimed to provide 30 percent lower energy costs compared to a traditional wired system, although it’s unclear how much of that depends on LoRaWAN versus software features.

Cloud Energy does not say which of the two Kerlink WirNet gateways was used, but it is likely the Wirnet iStation, a Kerlink LoRaWAN gateway for outdoor deployments. Kerlink also sells an indoor-only Wirnet iFemtoCell-evolution LoRaWAN gateway. Both products, which are resold by Cloud Energy, have similar hardware and software.

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