Why Solar Telemetry ?

Solar telemetry solutions have revolutionized remote monitoring, especially in areas with limited access to power grids. Stand-alone solar pv systems 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. 

For many scientific, industrial and commercial applications, being able to power small data-collecting & communications devices in remote locations offers exciting opportunities.

From environmental monitoring to agriculture and wildlife research, off-grid solar pv provides a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach to data collection and analysis.

Solar Telemetry - System Components

• Solar PV Module
  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.
  
  
• Charge Controller
  The power from the solar panel flows into a solar charge controller, which essentially manages the charging of the battery. Modern controllers have advanced MPPT tracking which increases the power going into the battery.
  
  
• Deep Cycle Batteries
  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.
  
  Small 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.
  
  
• Logic Controller / RTU
  The PLC or RTU is another key system component in a SCADA telemetry system. It serves as the interface between the sensors or data sources and the communication system. 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.
  
  
• Network Connection
  Modern telemetry systems often use a 4G cellular router as an internet connection to transmit the collected data.
  
  For highest efficiency, the use of low voltage DC powered routers, PLCs & RTUs allows the elimination of an inverter and it's associated losses.
  
  
  

What are the advantages of solar telemetry systems?

Solar telemetry systems ensure reliable and sustainable data collection and transmission in remote locations without the need for frequent site visits or dependence on grid power.

• 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. 

• 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.