Solar Gardens Across Minnesota Powered by MultiTech

Overview | Increases In Solar Power Require the Installation of Solar Gardens

In 2020, solar power accounted for 43% of the newly added electric capacity to the grid, marking the highest proportion in history. This marked the second consecutive year in which solar energy contributed the most to the grid's generating capacity, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

Recognizing that not all community residents or businesses can harness solar energy individually, many depend on solar resources situated remotely. These collective solar initiatives, often called "solar farms" or "solar gardens," involve shared solar arrays connected to the grid and owned or subscribed to by community members.

Initially, the expansion of community solar installations was predominantly driven by three key markets—New York, Minnesota, and Massachusetts. However, an increasing number of states implementing community solar programs have contributed to market diversification.
Minnesota is a notable example where solar power witnessed substantial growth in the early 2010s, partly attributed to the declining costs of photovoltaics and favorable policies. The momentum gained further traction nearly a decade ago and continues to experience rapid growth today.

The Challenge

Establishing Reliable Connectivity Across Wide Geographic Area

By harnessing cutting-edge technologies in solar and communications, a provider of commercial and industrial solar solutions effectively manages numerous solar gardens across Minnesota. The vital data requiring access is housed within the solar inverters located within these solar gardens. Often regarded as the "brains" of a project, solar or PV inverters play a pivotal role in any solar energy system.

These inverters convert the variable direct current output from photovoltaic solar panels into utility frequency or AC energy. This AC energy is fed into a commercial electrical grid or utilized by a local, off-grid electrical network. The extraction of information from inverters is crucial for gathering metrics related to power usage and monitoring the systems, identifying potential downtime, and ensuring optimal performance. Integrating the latest technologies allows the organization to efficiently manage and maximize the output of its solar installations, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.

Confronted with establishing a robust connection to geographically dispersed inverters, the company embarked on a mission to identify a data transmission solution that was independent of pre-established internet connections. Critical factors guiding their decision-making process included:

The coverage area of cellular networks.
The cost of data transmission.
The reliability of hardware and power options.

Another crucial factor in their decision was the ability of the hardware to withstand extreme temperature conditions since they required cellular service equipment that could handle temperatures ranging from minus 50 to over 130 degrees with minimal to no maintenance.

The Solution

MultiTech MultiConnect® eCell Cellular-to-Ethernet Bridge

After evaluating various options, such as hard-wired fiber connections, the organization chose the MultiTech MultiConnect® eCell cellular-to-Ethernet bridge.

This choice empowered them to swiftly and easily integrate cellular connectivity into their existing wired assets. The MultiConnect eCell facilitates cellular connectivity for the company's Ethernet-connected PV inverters, enabling seamless and consistent data transmission from the PV inverters to the cloud. This enhances their capability to monitor and manage their solar installations efficiently, overcoming geographical challenges and ensuring a resilient and reliable connection for optimal system performance.

MultiTech eCell Connectivity for Solar Farms Graphic

"Hard-wired fiber or cable proved to be economically impractical for our projects, and MultiTech's bridge offered us a reliable connectivity solution that was also affordable – a genuine game changer," the Superintendent emphasized.

Benefits

Reliability, Connectivity, and Cost-Savings

Leveraging MultiTech's hardware, the company benefits from a fixed monthly charge using a single piece of equipment with Ethernet capability, drawing power from a standard 120V outlet. The Superintendent noted that alternative solutions from other vendors necessitated more maintenance, both in regular operation and during testing, and lacked the same level of reliability.

The future appears promising for the organization and other solar providers, but the Superintendent emphasized the critical importance of government and public support for diversifying energy sources. "Legislatively, states need to embrace local support for the grid and raise awareness about the positive role of solar energy in enhancing various energy sources, including nuclear, wind, and gas power," he added. "As developers, we are cost-conscious, and MultiTech products not only resolved our communication challenges but also came at a price that we, and ultimately our customers, could afford."

About MCA and The CNS Team

MCA is one of the largest and most trusted integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives. More than 65,000 customers trust MCA to provide carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace.

Our Cellular Networking Solutions (CNS) team (formerly known as USAT) is made up of certified experts in designing and deploying fixed and mobile wireless data connectivity solutions for public and private enterprises nationwide - complete with implementation, training, proof of concept (POC), system auditing, and on-site RF surveying services with optional engineering maintenance contracts.

Our extensive catalog of world-class routers, gateways, and software designed for remote monitoring and management in even the harshest environments allows us to deliver a full suite of reliable technologies capped with a service-first approach.