Solar Jackets
Our Solar Jacket product was founded on our vision of meeting the global need for immediate low-cost power, as an alternative to traditional grid power in emerging markets, also as a failover for those that need ultimate resilience. Our Solar Jacket™ technology powers, controls and manages powered devices, from streetlights, telecom systems to sensors at border crossings.
Today, our Solar Jacket technology is deployed around the world. We have many systems deployed across several countries.
Until now, off-grid systems powered by wind or solar have been notoriously unreliable. System owners have been unaware of outages until someone reports them. These systems typically require on-site visits. However, with no data on how the off-grid systems have been functioning and whether there is a failure, it can be weeks before a system is fixed, and even then parts might be replaced unnecessarily or not at all.
Smart off-grid technology connects off-grid systems to a secure cloud computing management system. Through wireless communications, it continuously streams data from each system to the cloud, and provides 24/7 operating status and power generation effectiveness. Using weather forecasting, analysis, and alerts, potential problems from impending bad weather can be anticipated and prevented. Seasonal and environmental changes can also be addressed proactively by changing load profiles in advance. If there is a system outage, the infrastructure owner can access the data history to make it easy to troubleshoot the issue, and either fix it remotely or send an engineer to the site with the right replacement part.
Smart off-grid revolutionizes the way communities access and control power all over the world. A city or utility official can proactively monitor, control, and manage street lighting, telecom systems, security cameras, IoT devices, and other critical infrastructure from a smartphone – anywhere, anytime. This reduces the cost of installation and maintenance by up to 80%. It is a game-changer for making off-grid solar a more cost-competitive alternative to traditional electric grid infrastructure for governments looking to keep costs down.
What is Solar Jacket?
Solar Jacket is a solar array that fits vertically onto to any existing street light or telecom pole. It has an internal storage space , providing a way for critical equipment to be stored at a height which inhibits theft and the vandalism of assets
Built-in, low-cost wireless communications send critical data to a cloud-based management system in real-time.
How did you work out that there was a need for this technology
Initially in Asia and Africa the emergence of wireless technologies as the main mode of connectivity for most, required a solution that could power the enable infrastructure. Unlike the electric grid, distributed, solar powered devices are cost-effective enough to be installed in places where traditional utility companies wouldn’t find it economical to deploy or operate. One of the greatest challenges was designing a device that could house assets at height to eliminate instances of theft.
What are examples of this technology in action?
The City of Dubai in the UAE is the most populous city in the UAE; however, infrastructure is being developed faster than the telecommunications company and Power Company can deploy cables.
We partnered with the government to install our technologies to places where internet access, critical communication and CCTV was required to comply with local laws on CCTV policy.
What are the optimum requirements for an installation to suit your technology solutions?
A stable vertical pole, a reasonable amount of sunlight and people that require lighting, telecom, or CCTV services.
What are the implications of this technology for communities where power grid infrastructure is undeveloped?
Over a quarter of the world’s population lives without access to reliable sources of electricity. Communities without power cannot work longer than daylight hours, engage in the global digital economy via the Internet, or access critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools. This is particularly the case in developing countries, namely those in sub-Saharan Africa, where grid infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with demand as economies have prospered.
As the cost of solar power continues to drop and system reliability increases through the adoption of Smart Off-Grid technologies, these communities in developing countries will have greater access to dependable, affordable, clean power. This is critical to ensuring these communities are not left behind in the digital technology age.
What are the other uses for Solar Jacket?
Several, Homeland Security organisations are using Solar Jacket to deploy security cameras, sensors and lights along remote border areas. The company is also collaborating with companies like Facebook Inc. to improve connectivity in remote communities throughout the world.
Contact us about your next project…
Whatever your communications challenge, we are confident we will have the solution you are looking for. Feel free to call us direct, or let us have an outline of the project and we will call you.
