Off-Grid Smart Street Lighting with LoRaWAN and Hybrid Solar-Battery Power
Executive Summary
The presented system is an off-grid smart street lighting solution that integrates solar photovoltaic energy, battery storage, and IoT-based monitoring, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional grid-connected infrastructures. The design employs the Perturb and Observe maximum power point tracking algorithm to maximize energy extraction and ensures reliable operation even under fluctuating environmental conditions. A low-voltage DC bus coordinates power flows between solar panels, batteries, and LED lamps, while an ARM-based microcontroller manages the energy management algorithm. For communication, LoRaWAN technology provides long-range, low-power, and internet-independent data transmission, enabling remote monitoring and control over several kilometers. Experimental validation demonstrates high efficiency, with MPPT tracking achieving 97.96% and the system successfully operating multiple LED streetlights spaced across 1.2 km. The system reduces operating costs, minimizes CO₂ emissions, and enhances resilience in both urban and rural environments. By aligning with clean energy and smart city strategies, it provides a scalable and practical solution for municipalities, energy providers, and infrastructure developers.