Solar Power for Outdoor Networks

June 6, 2007 – Vol.12 No.11

HERE’S SOMETHING NEW:
SOLAR POWER FOR OUTDOOR NETWORKS.

Here’s some stab-in-the-dark, no-research-involved, generalized thoughts on the American consumer (and others like them around the globe). They really like to buy plug-and-play solutions. They really like instant gratification with their purchases. But, they don't give a wit about long-term benefits.

(There are exceptions of course. Hopefully you.)

If the above is true (which of course it is) this bodes well for the continued success of small solar applications: solar energy used to handle small tasks. Solar landscape and walkway marking lights are everywhere. I now have three neighbors that have solar-powered roof vents. And a friend wants a small solar system to power lighting and a small bilge pump for his boats on a newly built dock. (Aside from being clean energy and independent from the grid, solar will be cheaper to install than hardwiring the pier to his home some distance away.)

Further small, task-specific solar isn’t frighteningly expensive like a full blown roof top solar system. Plug-and-play small solar instantly gratifies for little investment. It's perfect for American consumers.

Here’s the latest solar gizmo: solar power for Wi-Fi networks. (That’s Wireless Fidelity local area networks for Internet access, computer connectivity, gaming and other uses, for those unfamiliar.)

Meraki Networks, of Mountain View, California, a maker of hardware and software used to create wireless networks, has introduced two new products; Meraki Outdoor and Meraki Solar that working together can create wireless Wi-Fi computer networks covering entire neighborhoods while being powered by the Sun.

Meraki Outdoor, mounted on the side of a house or on top of a pole can send a signal up to 700 feet (or 6-14 miles with an additional antenna). Paired with Meraki Solar, which includes solar panel as well as a battery pack for nighttime and back-up power, the network can be installed without power grid electrical connections. The network is managed by Meraki Dashboard, a free web-hosted management tool to monitor, configure and possibly monetize (meaning be able to charge money for access to) the network.

Wireless connections from Meraki Outdoor to home wireless networks are made through Meraki’s Mini. The cost of Meraki Outdoor is a whopping 99 bucks, Mini another $49 each. The solar power accessory will be priced this summer.

Can small application solar save the world? Not directly, but it does get consumers and businesses accustomed to the idea that energy need not come from the grid and can be emission free. Further, the continued success of small solar in the marketplace can lead product manufacturers to invent and develop even more plug-and-play solar solutions. Any ideas? Visit Meraki at http://www.meraki.net/