Solar‐powered sensors: a review of products and applications

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the technology and applications of solar‐powered sensors.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, this paper first considers photovoltaic technology and then describes a selection of solar‐powered sensors and their applications.

Findings

It is shown that solar‐powered sensors may be used as nodes in wireless sensor networks and also as stand‐alone devices. They offer a number of key operational and economic benefits and find applications in such diverse fields as structural and environmental monitoring, traffic management, weather forecasting, agriculture, process control, gas detection, satellite remote sensing and healthcare.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates the important role that solar‐powered sensors and systems play in a wide range of applications and industries.

Citation

Bogue, R. (2012), "Solar‐powered sensors: a review of products and applications", Sensor Review, Vol. 32 No. 2, pp. 95-100. https://doi.org/10.1108/02602281211209374