ABSTRACT
The capacity of global photovoltaic systems surpassed one terawatt in 2022, with 40% of these systems being distributed. Real-time monitoring of these systems is crucial for advancing the renewable energy transition amidst declining costs and sustainability efforts. However, this growth poses challenges for grid operators due to diverse equipment and data access complexities. This chapter details the APIS digital platform, featuring an Internet of Things (IoT) energy auditor for collecting distributed photovoltaic systems’ (DPVs’) operation data and grid parameters on a blockchain. The “polyglot” auditor enables real-time data collection from various inverter models via wired or wireless interfaces, enhancing DPVs’ monitoring. APIS supports real-time operation monitoring, analytics for generation patterns and grid interaction, and improves system flexibility and grid integration. APIS is currently being piloted in Mexico and Chile, collecting operational data from grid-connected DPVs. Recommendations include further development towards an open-source tool for Latin American electricity sectors, solidifying APIS as a cost-effective solution for managing distributed renewable energy systems.
