Introduction

Solar telemetry solutions have revolutionized remote monitoring, especially in areas with limited access to power grids. These stand-alone systems harness the energy of the sun to provide a reliable and effective power solution for data monitoring in remote locations.

Modern solar powered telemetry or SCADA systems can be seamlessly integrated with IoT technology, enabling real-time data transmission. This enhances the data acquisition and control capabilities of the system, allowing for better decision-making and improved operational efficiency.

For a multitude of industrial and commercial applications, being able to power small data-collecting & communications devices in remote locations is a huge benefit. From environmental monitoring to agriculture and wildlife research, these solutions provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach to data collection and analysis.

Understanding Solar Telemetry Solutions

Solar telemetry systems consist of several key components that work together to ensure efficient data collection and transmission.

The solar pv panel used on a solar telemetry system is made up of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electrical energy. The efficiency of the solar cells and the available solar irradiation resource determine the amount of electrical power generated. It is important to ensure that the solar panel has a good, clear view of the sun - especially in winter when the sun is at a low angle on the horizon.

The power from the solar panel flows into a solar charge controller, which manages the charging of the battery, making sure it doesn't get overcharged. These days, most good solar controllers are of the more advanced MPPT type. These controllers convert the power coming from the solar panel into the optimum charging voltage & current for the batteries. They are significantly more efficient at battery charging than the (much cheaper) PWM type of controller.

At the heart of an off-grid solar power system are the rechargeable batteries, which allow it to collect and store electrical power. The amount of stored power that the battery can hold dictates the "system autonomy" - the number of days that the system can power the loads without charging. To allow for long periods of cloud cover, in more northerly climates, it's common to have over 15 days of autonomy in the battery bank.

Smaller off-grid battery banks are very often 12V or 24V DC. The most efficient way to use the stored power is to have devices that are capable of running on these voltages - ideally without any further conversion. However, some more voltage sensitive devices will require a DC to DC converter to provide a more stable voltage. Using an inverter to provide 230V AC on a small system very often leads to significant losses, which in-turn will lead to a larger and more costly system.

The PLC or RTU is another crucial system component in a SCADA telemetry system. It serves as the interface between the sensors or data sources and the communication system. The RTU collects data from various sensors, processes it, and transmits it to the control center or data storage facility. It may include features such as data logging capabilities and remote configuration options. Power draw can vary hugely from one manufacturer to another, and so careful research into the exact models of devices to be used is essential.

Modern telemetry systems often use a 4G cellular router as an internet connection to transmit the collected data. As mentioned above, the use of low voltage DC powered routers, PLCs & RTUs allows the elimination of an inverter - leading to higher system efficiency and reliability.

Solar telemetry, employing high-power radio, cellular, or satellite modules for long distance transmission, is extensively utilized across industries such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and wildlife research to enhance operational efficiency and data reliability.

What are the advantages of solar telemetry systems?

Solar telemetry systems offer advantages such as avoided grid-connection costs, reduced maintenance costs and environmentally friendly operation. They harness solar power for energy, ensuring reliable and sustainable data collection and transmission in remote locations without the need for frequent site visits or dependence on grid power.

Implementing solar telemetry for remote monitoring offers several benefits, including:

• Improved operational efficiency: Solar telemetry systems eliminate the need for external power sources, reducing infrastructure, maintenance and operational costs. They also provide a highly reliable power supply, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring.

• Enhanced data accuracy and reliability: By utilizing signal conditioning and advanced data transmission methods, solar telemetry systems ensure accurate and reliable data collection. This improves the quality of the collected data ensures that the information can be trusted for analysis and monitoring purposes - crucial in applications such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, and wildlife research, where accurate and reliable data is essential for effective decision-making.

• Sustainable power source: Solar power is a renewable energy source, making solar telemetry systems relatively environmentally friendly. They reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to a more sustainable future.