Meraki Releases World's First Solar-Powered WiFi Device
Yesterday, wireless networking provider Meraki started shipping the world’s first solar-powered WiFi mesh device. Meraki’s groundbreaking energy-independent device is powered by a single solar panel and solar-charged battery. Since the unit requires no grid-derived energy, it can be set up in areas lacking power supplies, like parks, golf courses, rural areas, and resorts.
With a price range of $848 to $1,497, Meraki’s set-up isn’t exactly cheap. It is, however, cheaper than most other outdoor wireless network installations. The most expensive item in outdoor wireless networks is often the electrical cabling installation— a step that isn’t necessary for the Meraki unit since it uses a solar-powered battery.
Meraki’s battery is made up of lithium iron phosphate for fast recharging and high-power density. The company provides a web-based dashboard to monitor charging.
While the Meraki device’s release may not impact you directly just yet, start looking for wireless popping up in unexpected places in the near future.
Photo Credit: Meraki
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Wow, I really didnt think I would ever see affordable, cost effective solar panels. Well done.
jess
http://www.anonymize.us.tc
Wow, I really didnt think I would ever see affordable, cost effective solar panels. Well done.
jess
http://www.anonymize.us.tc
I don’t know about the world first Solar-Powered WiFi Device, maybe the world first commercial packaged…there was a project that I participated in which they already had solar powered WiFi hot-spot device. Later I came along and assisted with deploying a wireless mesh network as part of my undergrad work. As the project was growing we added a new solar powered unit where power was unavailable.
You may want to check out the following URL’s for additional information:
http://home.csumb.edu/k/kibakhenrik/world/wireless/00.html
http://wetec.csumb.edu/site/x17443.xml
These guys in Kansas were doing this over a year ago.
http://tinyurl.com/5u6ay3
These guys in Kansas were doing this over a year ago.
http://tinyurl.com/5u6ay3
what a load of rubbish. We have had solar-powered WiFi mesh devices in the pacific islands for years.
what a load of rubbish. We have had solar-powered WiFi mesh devices in the pacific islands for years.
I love that someone’s put together a commercial version of a solar wifi installation that doesn’t have to include the electrical cabling part. This would be great for a remote location to get a connection going with solar.
I love that someone’s put together a commercial version of a solar wifi installation that doesn’t have to include the electrical cabling part. This would be great for a remote location to get a connection going with solar.
We have been shipping Solar Powered Mesh systems for the past two years!
We have been shipping Solar Powered Mesh systems for the past two years!