Customers often ask how to determine what size solar array is required for uninterrupted operation of SolarTech equipment. The size solar array you will need depends on two major factors. The first is the amount of sun, or insolation value of the location where you will be using the equipment, and the second is how you intend to use it.
Insolation is measured in full sun hours which is described as 100% sunshine on a flat surface for one full sun hour. So, even though the sun could be out for fourteen hours, the site may only receive six full sun hours because sunlight is more direct during some parts of the day. The most productive hours of sunlight are from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Before and after these times electricity is still generated, but at much lower levels. In general, the lower the insolation value, the larger the solar array you will need.
The second factor in determining which size solar array you will need for your applications is how you intend to use the equipment. The energy consumption of your SolarTech equipment is not constant. The intensity level of the display is automatically adjusted based upon ambient light levels. The SILENT SENTINEL has 10 intensity levels and the SILENT MESSENGER has 16. The higher the intensity of the display, the more energy the display is consuming. Keep in mind that more hours of sunlight in the “dog days” of July also means more hours at full intensity for the display. So, although the equipment is receiving more sun, it is also consuming more energy.
If you know that your equipment will be out only on “small jobs” such as incident or special event traffic management, or construction work less than one week, you can purchase a smaller solar array even in low insolation areas. However, if the equipment will be on site for several weeks, or especially through different seasons, you will want to maximize your solar array for your insolation area. If the equipment moves from a high to a low insolation area, or your operating circumstances change, you can always purchase an upgrade kit for your solar array. Contact customer service for additional assistance or guidance.