Solar Power for Telecommunications - The Last Decade

A decade ago, solar photovoltaics were considered an expensive and exotic alternative, only to be used for a few very specialised applications. Today, solar is seen as a conventional power supply, preferred for most rural and remote communication sites where commercial mains power is unavailable. This paper deals with Telecom Australia´s experience with solar power through the years and will discuss the design philosophy used, and where Telecom Australia plans to go in the future in the solar photovoltaic field.