What to Look for in Remote Solar Power Supplies

Remote solar power supplies are very helpful in areas far from power lines. There are many applications for remote solar systems. Industrial applications include remote telecommunications services, railroad crossing signals, roadside signs, water pumping applications, and more. Personal uses may include camping supplies, RV solar battery chargers, and complete solar systems for cabins or cottages.

Several specifications to look for when choosing solar supplies are as follows:

• Choose hardware that is fastened with devices to prevent theft. This is especially important for remote solar systems that will be unsupervised. Make sure that panels can be locked securely.
• Check that the wiring is not exposed and that all wiring and electrical components are properly contained.
• Make sure that voltage output will be provided reliably for your application. For example, if you need to be sure that your system keeps enough heat in a cabin to prevent pipes from freezing, it is imperative that the system is properly sized for the cabin and that winter sunlight conditions have been accounted for.
• Be sure to use strong and sturdy mounting hardware so that your system can withstand the elements. You do not want an accident with mounting at a remote location where the system is inspected less often.

A large solar system at a remote location must be designed to be very efficient and to utilize the latest technology for solar collectors. A small offset or design error will cause a small amount of energy loss in a small system. A small offset in a large system equates to large losses in energy efficiency.

Remote solar power supplies can offer a solution to energy needs that cannot be readily met with typical electrical supply. By designing and implementing a remote solar system, you can get the power you need without waiting for community development or the proliferation of power lines.