Solar Power System (SOL)

The APS Materials SOL Solar Power System is a modular photovoltaic (PV) energy solution designed to power cathodic protection (CP) systems, remote monitoring stations, and off-grid infrastructure where conventional AC mains power is unavailable or unreliable. The SOL system captures sunlight, converts it to DC power, stores energy in batteries, and delivers stable DC current to support ICCP rectifiers, anode beds, or other DC-powered equipment.

With integrated solar panels, battery storage, and a cathodic protection CP-compatible controller, the SOL delivers a reliable, low-maintenance, and sustainable power source—ideal for remote pipelines, tank farms, offshore or rural CP installations, and other facilities needing autonomous power.

Key Features & Benefits

Energy Generation & Independence:

Photovoltaic Power Source: Solar arrays generate electricity from sunlight—no fuel or grid connection required, eliminating dependence on external power.
Battery-Backed Storage: Built-in batteries store surplus solar energy during the day for use at night or during extended cloudy periods, ensuring continuous power for CP loads.
Self-Sustaining Operation: Enables true off-grid operation, ideal for remote or hard-to-reach sites where grid access is impractical or unreliable.

CP-Optimized Output & Control:

DC Output for ICCP Systems: Provides DC power compatible with cathodic protection rectifiers and anode beds, matching requirements for impressed-current CP systems.
Flexible Power Control: Can be paired with CP controllers that support constant current, constant voltage, or reference-cell (half-cell) control modes, optimizing protection based on soil, coating, and structure conditions.
Low Maintenance Power Supply: Solid-state electronics and battery storage reduce the need for frequent servicing compared to fuel-powered generators.

Durability & Environmental Suitability:

All-Weather Design: Solar modules, battery enclosures, and CP components are designed for outdoor deployment and can endure exposure to sun, rain, and variable temperatures common in remote CP sites.
Reduced Environmental Impact: Renewable solar energy eliminates fuel use and emissions compared to generator-based power, supporting sustainable infrastructure.
Scalable & Modular: System size (panel wattage, battery capacity, controller output) can be tailored to project needs from small test stations to full-scale pipeline or tank CP systems.

Safety & Reliability:

Integrated Protection Features: CP-compatible solar systems often include surge protection, reverse-polarity protection, and low-voltage shut-off to safeguard batteries and CP components.
Independent Power Backup: Even in remote or off-grid settings, the SOL ensures continuous power, reducing risk of CP system downtime due to external power failures.
Lower Operational Cost: With no fuel costs, minimal maintenance, and long-life solar modules/batteries, overall lifecycle costs are often lower than generator-based solutions.

Applications

Remote or rural pipeline cathodic protection systems where grid power is unavailable.
Storage tank farms / terminals with remote anode beds needing steady DC supply for impressed-current cathodic protection (ICCP).
Offshore, marine, or coastal structures requiring CP without shore power.
Infrastructure in remote locations—pump stations, valve sites, utilities—needing independent power for CP, instrumentation, or monitoring.
Temporary or portable CP test units and maintenance stations that require autonomous power.

Installation & Accessories

Site Assessment & Solar Array Installation: Choose location with good sun exposure; install solar panels on racks, poles, or frames with proper tilt and orientation according to geographic location.
Battery & Controller Setup: Install battery bank and CP-compatible controller in a weatherproof cabinet or enclosure; ensure proper ventilation, grounding, and surge protection.
DC Output Wiring: Run DC leads from controller to rectifier or CP load, using appropriately rated cable and connections; include fuses or circuit breakers per CP design.
Monitoring & Controls: Optionally include meters, remote monitoring, or data-logging systems for CP performance and battery health tracking.
Maintenance & Inspection: Periodically inspect solar modules, clean panels, check battery condition, verify controller and output settings, and test CP system output and structure potentials.
Optional Accessories: Spare batteries, weatherproof enclosures, surge arrestors, remote telemetry modules, and maintenance kits (cleaning supplies for panels, replacement fuses, tools).