1 Introducing Solar Power!

2 Background  Why are photovoltaic (solar power) panel assemblies needed? –cost effective alternative –to provide power where or when line power is not available –Other methods, eg generator, fuel cell, wind not practical  Why not just offer batteries?  What is the difference between solar for ordinary locations and for Division 2 hazardous locations?  Key questions to select: –what location to install? (ie how much sun?) –what load, in amperes? (size the panel and the battery) –how often will the load need power?

3 Terminology  Off grid: solar power with battery backup  Grid tie: tied into utility power  Stand-alone: large (KW) solar power assembly  Hybrid: standalone coupled with generator  Inverter: electronic equipment to convert DC voltage from solar to AC for load

4 Benefits of solar power modules  Eliminate need for power infrastructure, and the time and costs to install  Enables monitoring/control in remote applications  Modules are easy to install, minimal maintenance required  Pre-wired per the NEC/CEC minimize installation time and wiring errors  Quality components maximize reliability and system life  Systems can be designed for higher load and voltage requirements (other than wireless)

5 Applications Installed with remotely located devices and equipment Examples:  Obstruction lighting in remote locations  Instrumentation  Cathodic protection  Navigational aids  Seismic monitoring  Video surveillance  Irrigation monitoring and control  Telecommunications  Tank and well level monitors  Flow meters

6 Benefits to customers Enhance Safety and Productivity  Supply power to monitor remote assets and their locations to improve emergency response time and eliminate time-consuming, on-site inspection  Solar is a mature technology used in applications requiring safe/reliable power sources Reduce Operation and Labor Costs  Eliminate infrastructure needed to develop line power in remote applications  Pre-wired kits allow for quick installation by any qualified electrician  Maintenance-free battery life eliminates battery replacement for 4+ years Reliable Performance in Any Environment  Recommended temperature range: -30ºC to 50ºC (consult factory for more extreme temperatures)  Class I, Division 2 assemblies available

7 Solar Module Review  Thin Film  Mono or Single Crystalline  Poly or Multi Crystalline

8 Solar Module Review  Thin Film Modules –Larger area for the same electrical output (2X) –Lower efficiency about 7% –Does well in low light levels and off angle radiation –Does not perform well in high temperatures –Lighter weight, no tempered glass –6% market share

9 Solar Module Review  Mono Crystalline Modules –Smaller footprint –High efficiency about 18% –Most expensive to manufacture –37% market share

10 Solar Module Review  Poly or Multi Crystalline Modules –Smaller footprint than thin film –High efficiency about 16% –Not as expensive to manufacture as Mono –57% market share

11 Solar Panel FM Certified: - Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D PV Module (Solar Panel) Photovoltaic Module  Made of high efficiency polycrystalline silicon modules, capable of weathering any environment.  High efficiency, small footprint – more compact than other solar technologies  Fully encapsulated panel resists harsh weather conditions (hazardous environments, hail, rain, 90mph wind)  Integral junction box with terminal connection block with pre-installed UV rated cable, providing ease of installation  25 year expected life  Installation angles are important for performance and maintenance Higher efficiency, smaller profile, longer life than other comparable solar tech panels (e.g. thin film)

12 Mounting Structures  Roof & Ground Mount  Rapid Rac

13 Mounting Structures  Top of Pole –Single module –Multi module

14 Mounting Structures Side of Pole –Single module –Multi module

15 Charge Regulators & Controllers Pulse Width Modulation The most effective means to achieve constant voltage battery charging is with a pulse width modulated (PWM) control of FET switches in series between the PV array and the battery. This allows for a variable duty cycle that reduces the charging current as necessary to maintain a constant voltage at the battery.

16 Regulator UL Listed: - UL 1604 FM Certified: - Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D - CSA 22.2 No. 213-M1987 Regulator (aka controller)  Efficient and reliable solid state components  Maintains health of the battery, prevents severe discharging  Rated for 25% overloads  Encapsulated electronics with marine rated terminals for superior corrosion resistance  Temperature compensation provides reliable power supply at extreme temperatures  Green charging / red low voltage disconnect (LVD) indicators-- help expedite troubleshooting Regulators channel the sun’s energy to the equipment when needed, or charge the battery when energy is not required

17 Battery Technologies There are three (3) general types of battery technologies that are used in photovoltaic (PV) off-grid application Flooded AGMGelled

18 Battery Technologies Gelled Electrolyte

19 Battery UL Listed: UL1989 Battery Technologies  Designed for maintenance-free deep cycling solar applications  Sealed, valve-regulated, gelled electrolyte  Low stand loss minimizes deterioration between transport and storage  Non-spillable ICAO, IATA, and DOT ratings ensure safe transport without the need for special containers  Handles heat better than AGM or Flooded  Higher initial cost, heavier weight Specifically designed batteries supply power to the load when sunlight decreases or at night Gelled electrolyte

20 Battery Technologies Does depth of discharge affect cycle life? Yes! The harder any battery has to work, the sooner it will fail. The shallower the average discharge, the longer the life. This is why it’s important to size a battery system to deliver at least twice the average power required, to assure shallow discharges. Typical Battery Cycling Ability vs. Depth of Discharge Typical Life Cycles Capacity Withdrawn Gel AGM 100% % % % %

21 Sizing Solar Arrays (4) Questions that your customer will be able to provide the answer to: 1 - What is the power consumption expressed as either watts or amps 2 - Duty-cycle…How long is the equipment running, continuous, intermittent, etc. 3 - What is the equipment voltage, generally but not always this is: 12VDC / 24VDC / 48VDC 4 - Where is the geographic location for the system, different locations have different solar resource values

22 Selecting a System STEP ONE Determine the equivalent sun hours of the application you would like to install a solar kit into. Example: Atlanta, GA  4.0 Equivalent Sun Hours

23 Selecting a System STEP TWO Determine the load requirements for your application in Amp-hours / day. For wireless applications, determine the power of your device in amps STEP THREE Determine the duty cycle (i.e. 100% for continuous vs. 50% for 12 hours per day) of your load. STEP FOUR Adjust for a 1.2 service factor to account for load requirement variability STEP FIVE Select the solar kit capable of meeting or exceeding the load requirements (in Amp-hours / day) for your application. Load requirement (Amp-hours / day) = (amps of device x duty cycle x 1.2) x 24 hours / day

24 Selecting a System Example: 200 mA device, continuous duty cycle, Atlanta GA Load requirement = (200 mA x 100% x 1.2) x 24 hours / day = 5,760 mA-hr / day Load requirement = 5.8 Amp-hours / day used in a region which has 4 equivalent sun hours

25 Summary  Solar Panel Assemblies provide: –Remote source power for wireless and other uses –Performance and long life from reliable, field proven components –Ease of installation from modular design, and prewired components –Low TCO due to proven components with low maintenance requirements –Assemblies for higher load requirements, or grid-tie, consult factory