Remote sites
Remote monitoring power is a winter energy problem.
Use the continuous load, communications peaks, local winter resource, battery temperature, access interval, and required uptime.
Direct answer
A 15 W continuous monitoring load uses 360 Wh per day. At 2.0 winter peak sun hours and a 0.78 derate, screen about 250 W of panel and a 12 V 300 Ah AGM bank for five days at 50% usable depth.
Before the hardware
Collect these four inputs.
- 01Continuous load
- 02Winter resource
- 03Battery temperature
- 04Visit interval
Decision table
Winter sizing table
| Continuous load | Daily energy | Screened panel | AGM bank at 50% usable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 W | 120 Wh | About 100 W | About 100 Ah at 12 V |
| 15 W | 360 Wh | About 250 W | About 300 Ah at 12 V |
| 25 W | 600 Wh | About 440 W | About 500 Ah at 12 V |
The table is calculated from the published model, then rounded up. Site shade, snow, cold capacity, communications peaks, and uptime requirements can increase it.
What makes it work
Three choices that need to be checked together.
Winter array
Use local winter resource, shade, snow, tilt, and access, not an annual average.
View the categoryCold battery bank
Chemistry, usable depth, cold derating, enclosure, and visit interval set capacity.
View the categoryPermanent protection
Disconnects, surge protection, fusing, grounding, and enclosure follow the site risk.
View the categoryRemote power still needs inspections, battery checks, and written findings. For the critical-power side, review preventive field service for critical power equipment before setting the visit interval.
Help around the hardware
A product record does not replace a system review.
Free sizing review
A load worksheet review with the assumptions, missing inputs, and a hardware direction.
See all servicesCustom battery bank assembly
Series or parallel configuration with cables cut, crimped, and labelled after compatibility review.
See all servicesKeep checking
The method and terms used here.
Read the sizing method
See the assumptions, suppression rules, and evidence standard used here.
Read the guideCheck the energy glossary
Confirm the meaning of capacity, energy, current, and autonomy.
Read the guideHonest limits
Know before you buy
- The table is a winter screen, not an uptime guarantee.
- Local shade, snow cover, cold battery capacity, communications peaks, and service interval must be measured.
- Permanent remote installations require site-specific enclosure, protection, grounding, and maintenance planning.
Common questions
Short answers, limits included.
Why size from winter instead of annual solar?
A remote load must survive its worst required season. Annual average resource can hide the winter shortage.
Why use five days of autonomy?
It is the approved winter-critical screening assumption. The real visit interval and uptime target may require more or less.
Does the table include snow and shade?
No. It uses the published resource model. Site snow, horizon, shade, tilt, and soiling must be assessed.
Can this guarantee camera uptime?
No. Load peaks, communications, weather, battery temperature, equipment faults, and service access prevent a guarantee.