Million has a Master of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering from Strathclyde University in the United Kingdom. He is now pursuing a PhD in renewable energy (RE) at the University of Malawi. His research interest is integrating the internet of things (IoT) and machine learning into solar PV power ge...
Peter Dauenhauer, Dr. Timothy Ascus Chadza, Mr. Million Trocco Mafuta
Abstract
Off-grid solar photovoltaic systems in Malawi are deployed increasingly as the primary option for rural public infrastructures such as primary schools and health centres. Overall, grid-connected electricity access has remained stagnant at around 9% with only 1% of the rural population connected. To improve the technical sustainability of such systems, a novel remote monitoring technology utilising wireless Sensor Networks was installed and the systems were monitored over roughly one year. This paper has described the technical design, performance, and benefits received from the employment of the technology. Furthermore, it has evaluated the cost implications for a larger scale rollout and potential benefits.