Design and Implementation of an IoT Cluster with Raspberry Pi Powered by Solar Energy: A Theoretical Approach

Noel Portillo∗1
1 Axxis Technologies, Houston, TX, USA , noel@axxistechnologies.com
2 Independent Researcher, Ahuachapán, El Salvador , noel.portillo@ieee.com
September 25, 2024


Abstract –This document presents the design and implementation of a low-power IoT server cluster, based on Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and powered by solar energy. The proposed architecture integrates Kubernetes (K3s) and Docker, providing an efficient, scalable, and high-performance computing environment.
The cluster is designed to optimize energy consumption, leveraging a 200W solar panel system and a 100Ah lithium-ion battery to support continuous operation under favorable environmental conditions.
Performance analysis was conducted based on theoretical inferences and data obtained from external sources, evaluating resource allocation, power consumption, and service availability.
These analyses provide theoretical estimates of the system’s operational feasibility under different scenarios. The results suggest that this system can serve as a viable and sustainable alternative for edge computing applications and cloud services, reducing dependence on traditional data centers.
In addition to its positive impact on environmental sustainability by significantly reducing the carbon footprint, this solution also addresses economic concerns, as conventional data centers consume enormous
amounts of energy, leading to increased demand on the power grid and higher operational costs.

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https://cloud.axxistechnologies.com/index.php/s/VZcemNI5sxMjIdo

DOI: 10.5281/ZENODO.14957338

ARXIV: arXiv:2503.03618v1

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8817-3187.

Author: Noel Portillo

I am an experienced IT Professional with over 14 years of expertise in server infrastructure, Linux and Windows systems, Networking, IT strategic planning, and department management. My career has been focused on managing complex IT environments, ensuring high availability, security, and scalability for enterprise-level systems. In recent years, I have expanded my expertise to include IoT technologies and industrial automation, where I have implemented innovative solutions to optimize processes and improve operational efficiency in the U.S. This evolving focus on emerging technologies complements my strong technical foundation and strategic vision.