Greentech Lead America: Power systems provider Eltek has
completed an off-grid hybrid solar power installation for Verizon Wireless.
The company has installed a Flatpack2 hybrid
solar-propane DC power system at Verizon’s Bear Mountain, Calif., wireless base
station. The cell site serves both local residents and recreational hikers and
outdoor lovers.
The Bear Mountain cell site does not have access to
utility power. It relied on propane generators and a 20-year-old hybrid solar
power system to keep it running around the clock.
Eltek claims that the new system reduces maintenance
costs for Verizon.
The power systems provider offered Flatpack2 HE hybrid
solar power system including Flatpack2 HE solar converter, Flatpack2 HE
rectifier and Smartpack controller. The Flatpack2 HE solar converter is
designed to connect to the solar panels and converts solar power into a
regulated 48VDC for supply to the telecom equipment.
Verizon Wireless has benefited as the Eltek system
boosted solar power production, cutting the amount of time the generators had
to run from 18 hours to less than four hours per day. The Flatpack2 HE hybrid
solar power system provides remote monitoring capability enabling Verizon
maintenance personnel to remotely monitor the site.
“Solar power can play a significant role in powering
telecom sites where it can be engineered to significantly reduce the operating
expenses and maximize power output,” said David Leal, Eltek’s vice president of
North American sales.
Verizon will cut its CO2 intensity in half by 2020
Recently, Verizon said it will cut its CO2 intensity in
half by 2020. The mobile operator will also focus on developing solutions to
address social issues like health care and energy.
“Our business continues to grow at a rapid pace, but
we’re committed to innovating our way to growing responsibly by becoming more
energy efficient, even as our business expands,” said Verizon Chairman
and CEO Lowell McAdam.