We’ve shown how to build a solar sustainable high-site and set up your power supply from a DC source, but in this article we’re going to show you how to set up your devices if you’re using an AC power source. 

What you’ll need:

Batteries:

• 40AH Sealed Lead Acid (FB-12-40)  
• 100AH Sealed Lead Acid Gel (FB-12-100G) 
• 200AH Sealed Lead Acid Gel (FB-12-200G)  

Network Power Monitor:

• Micro Instruments NPM R10, SNMP, 12-48v, 50 Amp 

Passive PoE Injector:

• Rackmount 12 port passive PoE injector, 24V or 48V  
• 8 port passive PoE injector, 24V or 48V 
• Passive Power over Ethernet Injector 10/100  
• Rackmount 16 port passive PoE injector, 24V or 48V 

DC-to-DC Converters:

• 12V DC – 24V DC 25W Converter 
• 12V DC – 24V DC 50W Converter 
• 24V DC – 48V DC 150W Converter 
• 12V DC- 48V DC 100W Converter  
• 24V DC – 48V DC 200W Converter 

Charger:

• 155W 12Volt Battery Charger with UPS function, 220VAC in, 12VDC out 
• 150W 24Volt Battery Charger with UPS function, 220VAC in, 24VDC out 
• 150W 48Volt Battery Charger with UPS function, 220VAC in, 48VDC out 

Setup:

Pros:

• Modular: Unlike UPS solutions that are usually bulky and have fixed maximum and minimum battery requirements the above setup allows for more scalability to adapt as required.
• Ventilation will also become less of an issue and you’ll take up far less space in outdoor cabinets / enclosures.
• The above scenario is also more efficient, as inverters tend to generate more heat.
• Thanks to the Network Power Monitor, you’ll be able to monitor statistics, like Battery voltage, Charge Current, load Current, Temp, etc. of the site.

Cons:

• Knowledge of basic DC wiring is required.
• Longer setup time. Because this setup consists of more components that will eventually save you on time and money in the long run, it is important to get the setup correct or else all is for naught.