Solar for Telecommunications Applications
“Safety nets in Ugandan refugee camps” is provided by a UN relief organization setting up remote networking stations use remote networking stations to process, document and provide assistance to refugees. Morningstar components power the telecommunications and networking required. > Case Study
Wireless Cellular network, USA, using Morningstar TriStar MPPT 60 charge controllers in a remote location with no commercial power. Installation by Motive Energy > Project
Remote telecom repeater station in Canada, using TriStar MPPT 600V charge controllers in Arctic conditions at two sites > Project
Homeland Security backup system for communications using Morningstar TriStar charge controllers, courtesy S.U.R Energy Systems, LC/United Solar Ovanic > Project
Remote Data Monitoring system at a Colorado mine clean-up site. using Morningstar ProStar and TriStar charge controllers. Courtesy Nunatak Alternative Energy Solutions > ProjectToday’s telecom infrastructure is increasingly located remote, isolated areas—from mountain tops to desert regions— which are usually far from any electrical grid and rely on on-site power generation to operate. But between fuel and maintenance costs, generators are expensive to own and operate. For communications providers, the ultimate goal is to establish self-sustainable mobile networks with higher efficiency and profitability and remain competitive in a lower Average-Revenue-Per-User (ARPU) environment.
That’s why telecommunications providers—both wireless service providers as well as BTS tower operators– are turning to solar PV and PV/Hybrid (PV + a secondary energy source) power solutions to achieve their business objectives. Unlike generators and wind turbines, photo-voltaic (PV) solar has no moving parts—so consequently, no down time. And solar electric systems never need fueling or an overhaul. This type of system can be sized and installed as the primary source of power for a remote telecom site, and the hydro, wind and/or generator-based systems can supplement PV output should “days of autonomy” be insufficient for the installation’s powering needs.
As more of the telecommunications industry shifts to solar, Morningstar’s extensive line of solar controllers and accessories are more frequently found at the core of their systems. In such a system, the charge controller is both “heart and brains” of the outfit, controlling the PV/solar-generated electricity flowing from the panels, or modules, into batteries for storage as well as the DC output to power connected loads, maintaining both system operation and battery health.
In remotely powered telecommunications installations, what matters most is efficiency and reliability. Efficiency is paramount for systems that may need as much autonomy as possible to get through long stretches without sunlight or refueling. Morningstar’s proprietary TrakStar solar harvesting technology and fanless design make for inherently more efficient systems. And with over four million Morningstars installed in the field since 1993, there’s no brand in the solar industry that’s more proven or accepted in terms of reliability.
Monitoring Telecom with SNMP
Select charge controller models have:
- Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology to extract every bit of electricity possible from the solar source, by converting extra voltage into useful amperage. Morningstar MPPT controllers have industry-leading TrackStar technology on-board for that purpose
- Industry-leading technical support from a US-based company
- Easy system integration with generator control
- Remote access and control
- Selected models support industrial-standard networking, monitoring and communications protocols including MODBUS, MQTT and SNMP, when used with Morningstar’s Ethernet MeterBus Converter (EMC) accessory
- Data logging to record charging/load Amp-hours and alarm/fault notifications
- Full programming to enable a high-level of system customization
- Built-in communications and diagnostics capabilities
- Temperature charging protection and advanced charging algorithms to protect expensive storage batteries, both lead-acid and advanced types including lithium. Dead battery recovery feature helps reduce system down-time
- Designed for trouble-free operation in extreme temperature and weather conditions. Epoxy-encapsulated circuit boards and 60C ambient temperature ratings to handle harsh environments including tropical, coastal and arid regions. Weatherized construction; no cooling fans to fail
- Simple, out-of-the-box operation and easy installation
- UL and IEC listing on most models; FCC Class B certification
- Load and rectifier compatibility
- Low noise operation
- Safety features built-in, including alarm/fault notifications, mis-wiring protection, lightning protection
- Parallel capable charge control
- 24V and 48V (Positive Ground) system capability
How it works
During the day:
- Sunlight is converted into DC electricity in the solar modules or panels.
- The DC electricity from the panels flows into a charge controller, which both provides perfect battery charging and powers DC-operated loads.
- Smaller systems and systems with consistent sunlight (little shading or seasonal variation) usually feature PWM (pulse-width modulation) charge controllers, which are simple and reliable. Larger systems and systems where there is variation in sunlight due to seasonal changes or shading often use MPPT (maximum power point tracking) charge controllers, which are more complex but also are more effective at harvesting solar electricity.
During the night:
The solar charge controller keeps working—by preventing any “reverse current” flowing from the batteries to the PV modules, and (if equipped with load control) disconnect power to the loads if the battery voltage dips too far, which can quickly kill batteries.
Telecommunications Related Products
ProStar MPPT™MPPT solar controllers
Proven over two decades, the “legend that keeps improving.” An advanced controller for systems up to 1,100W. Available in 25 and 40 amp versions for 12 and 24 Volt batteries. Includes lighting control.
ProStar™PWM solar controllers
Legendary ProStar design and performance for mid-range lighting systems in areas with consistent sunlight and minimal shading. Available in 15 and 30 amp versions for 12 and 24 Volt batteries. Includes lighting control.
SunSaver™PWM solar contollers
The world’s leading controller for industrial use, and approved for use in Class 1 Division 2 hazardous environments including mines and oilfields. Available in 6, 10, and 20 amp versions for 12 and 24 Volt batteries. Lighting control not included.
TriStarPWM solar controllers
Morningstar’s TriStar™ is a three-function controller that provides reliable solar battery charging, load control or diversion regulation. It is rated at 45 or 60 amps, both at 12-48 volts, and has an optional meter, remote meter and remote temperature sensor.
TriStar MPPT™MPPT solar controllers
Iconic, industry-leading design for large (up to 3kW) engineered systems. Available in 30, 45, and 60 amp versions for 12, 24, and 48 Volt batteries. Lighting control not included.
TriStar MPPT™ 600VMPPT solar controllers
Morningstar’s TriStar MPPT 600V charge controller leverages Morningstar’s innovative TrakStar™ MPPT technology and our 20+ years of power electronics engineering excellence, to enable the widest input operating voltage range available from a solar array, wind turbine or hydro input.
Ethernet MeterBus Converter™Adapter
Enables IP based network and internet connectivity to any Morningstar product that features an existing MeterBus port.
Relay Driver™Logic Module
Logic module which provides high level system control functions such as high/low voltage alarms, load control and generator start.
SureSine™DC-to-AC inverter
Compact, powerful and proven in demanding rural electrification projects around the globe. Ideal for powering AC-based solar lighting systems up to 300W.
How do I choose if I need MPPT or PWM-type solar controllers?
This is not a quality difference, but a function of prevalent solar conditions and location considerations.
- Because MPPT (maximum power point tracking) controllers convert extra solar electricity voltage into useable electricity, they are ideal for areas where seasonal, weather and shading conditions cause wide variations in solar “harvesting.” Morningstar’s proprietary TrackStar™ MPPT technology is considered the industry’s performance standard. Because of their additional circuitry on-board, MPPT controllers are also more complex and expensive.
- PWM (pulse-width modulation) controllers are the right choice for systems using 36 or 72-cell solar-panels in locations with consistent sunlight, minimal shading and no physical space limitations—such as at the top of light poles, for example. PWM controllers are simpler and cost effective as a result.
All Morningstar charge controllers, regardless of their technology or design, built to one industry-leading quality standard. They all have “over-spec’d” components, incorporate advanced electronic design and thermal engineering, and have no cooling fans to fail—unlike all the in-kind competition. Because of this, over four million Morningstars have been sold since 1993 and are the first choice for leading solar installers in mission-critical installations around the globe.
Solar for Telecommunications Applications
Watch the recorded webinar to see how Morningstar solar controllers are used in a variety of off-grid telecommunications applications throughout the world.
Telecommunications Primer
For 25 years Morningstar has been supplying solar charge controllers to regulate batteries in off-grid telecommunications projects throughout the world. Oftentimes solar power is used to complement diesel generator and wind power at these telecommunications sites. Morningstar’s low noise design and proven reliability under extreme temperature and environmental conditions, make it the preferred choice for systems that are often located in hard to access remote areas.
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Telecommunications Resources
We can design, engineer, and integrate a telecommunication solution sized for your needs.
Typical Telecommunications solar electricity applications
- Remote towers and systems
- Back-up systems
- Repeater stations
- Base transmission stations (BTS)
- Two-way radio
- Telephone exchanges
- Rural telephony
- VSATs
- Satellite earth stations
Monitoring Telecom Systems with SNMP
Since telecommunications often combines IT and power equipment from several different manufacturers, there is a common requirement for system operators to have a simple and easy way to collect data from all the devices responsible for upholding their network infrastructure. This critical need, combined with the suitability for solar-powered products in telecommunications applications, is why Morningstar integrated Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) into its products. An open standard IP-based protocol, SNMP works with selected Morningstar products in conjunction with Morningstar’s Ethernet MeterBus Converter (EMC-1) communication gateway.
With SNMP enabled, operators can monitor their solar power systems through the same popular software platforms used to manage their network and IT equipment. This provides visibility into many operating parameters of the power system, including dynamic solar values, which can be critical in diagnosing system health. Furthermore, because this can help identify issues that might require site maintenance or remote intervention in order to protect the integrity of the network, maintenance is easier and system downtime can be reduced or eliminated.
Using a preferred third-party Network Management Software (NMS), IT professionals and network managers now can access many powerful tools including data analytics, graphical displays, and custom alert notifications that will allow them to make more informed decisions to optimize the efficiency and uptime of their network operations. Click here to learn more about SNMP and Morningstar Products.
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