NBN Co is trialling a solar panel ‘sleeve’ designed to keep fixed wireless services running during power outages using solar energy and battery storage systems.

The innovative flexible solar laminate solution is being tested as part of a proof-of-concept trial on a live nbn fixed wireless site at New Gisborne, Victoria in the Macedon Ranges.

This trial aims to demonstrate how installing onsite solar generation to power fixed wireless towers can help improve network reliability and resilience while reducing energy demand.

Combined with existing battery storage and other energy saving features, the bendable solar laminate solution is designed to run sites equipped with the solar sleeve solution for up to 12 hours during a power outage. This has the potential to improve network resilience and maintain connectivity for nearby customers. 

Early results from the month-long proof-of-concept trial indicate the solar sleeve system can generate the equivalent of up to 40 per cent of total site power demand during daylight hours, depending on weather conditions.

The solar sleeve system, battery storage system and mounting solution were developed by Decon Corporation at their manufacturing headquarters in Scoresby, near Melbourne, utilising highly efficient, thin solar laminate technology.

Many network outages during emergencies are a result of mains power outages in affected communities. Alternative renewable energy sources will help both strengthen the resiliency of the network and nbn’s commitment to becoming a more sustainable business.

Guy Scott, nbn Chief Technology Officer, said: 

“This is an important initiative for nbn and through our partnership with Decon, we’re also demonstrating how local innovation, paired with the latest in renewable technology can help strengthen Australia’s connectivity and resilience.

“The initial trial demonstrated the potential of the curved solar solution in reducing our overall carbon footprint through more solar and batteries.

“Now we’ve moved into the operational phase and believe this solution could help improve the resiliency of the nbn® network by keeping selected Fixed Wireless sites online during mains related outages, keeping local communities connected during times of need.”

“We’re excited to be looking at innovation ways to utilise our existing infrastructure to generate renewable energy.”

Brett Matheson, Chief Executive Officer at Decon Corporation, said: 

“Decon is proud to have played a key role in developing this innovative solar sleeve solution for nbn."

“As a 100 per cent Australian-owned and operated business, we greatly appreciate nbn’s continued support of local industry and working with Australian businesses to solve complex network challenges.”

"A key differentiator of this solution is Decon’s patented mounting technology, which enables solar laminate systems to be integrated onto existing monopoles in a practical, scalable and repeatable way."

nbn will continue to evaluate the performance of this integrated renewable energy solution and explore additional opportunities to strengthen network resilience through the deployment of innovative energy solutions.

Footnotes

• The bespoke bendable solar panels have been wrapped around the north facing side of the 40-meter-high monopole to harness available sunlight during the day. Due to the lightweight, snug fit of the curved panels, there is minimal impacts to structural loading.
• Decon Technologies (https://www.deconcorp.com.au/) is an Australian owned and operated provider of core telecommunications and electrical infrastructure services. Specialising in manufacturing, construction, installation and network maintenance to Australia’s major telco carriers with a major focus on renewable energy technologies. 

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