Motorola Tests Wind and Solar Powered Base Station

Motorola says that it has deployed a wind and solar power system to operate MTC Namibia's GSM cell site at Dordabis village in the Khomas region of Namibia. The trial with MTC Namibia supports the African operator's strategy for increased voice and data service coverage in rural areas of Namibia and is the first of its kind globally.

"With the implementation of cell sites into more remote areas this Motorola solution provides us with an efficient and reliable alternative to the often costly roll-out of mains grid electricity. This is an important project for us and commencement of the wind and solar cell site trial is proof of our commitment to our customers to provide the essential communication services needed in the region," said Albertus Aochamub, corporate services general manager, MTC Namibia.

By incorporating renewable energy solutions into communication networks Motorola is trialling this solution as a feasible option for operators instead of utilising costly fuel generators or waiting long periods for a mains grid connection. The Dordabis cell site will remain a part of MTC Namibia's live GSM network throughout the trial.

Test Setup of Solar and Wind Powered Base Station (not in Namibia)

"We are excited to be working with MTC Namibia on this solar and wind power powered cell site. Though this particular trial is being delivered on a GSM network, the Motorola solution has the capability to be applied to other wireless networks that have rural cell site power issues," said Ali Amer, vice president, Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility.

Once installed, the cost of power is almost zero, and wind and solar powered cell sites require minimal maintenance unlike a diesel driven generator which generally requires, at a minimum, a monthly visit for refueling.

The table below gives some indication of the power required and the possible solutions for other telecoms solutions. These examples need to be seen as indicators of possible configurations and the local conditions may require larger or smaller solutions.

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Posted to the site on 17th May 2007