Developing an IoT-based Nanogrid for Remote and Rural Areas

This paper presents the design and early implementation of an IoT-based solar nanogrid for rural settings, focusing on the Busengo Living Lab in northern Rwanda within the EU-funded GREATER project. In regions where national grid extension is limited by challenging terrain and dispersed populations, decentralized PV nanogrids offer a viable solution for reliable electricity access. The system uses an AC bus to interconnect community buildings including a training center, parish house, and church, each with distinct energy consumption profile. Solar generation, storage, and a master inverter enable autonomous operation, while an IoT ecosystem supports real-time monitoring, optimization, and fault detection. Network analysis and MATLAB simulations confirm stable supply under variable loads. The IoT-enabled platform further supports demand-side management, improving efficiency. Designed for scalability and potential grid interconnection, the Busengo nanogrid offers a replicable model for sustainable rural electrification in Sub-Saharan Africa, advancing progress toward universal, affordable, and clean energy access.