POP Module 2 - Sustainability

Solar Power Systems and Energy Management

Master solar power fundamentals, battery management, troubleshooting, and sustainable operation of off-grid POP systems

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Explain how solar panels, batteries, and controllers work together
Diagnose and resolve common power system issues
Calculate power budgets for POP equipment loads
Describe sustainability benefits of solar-powered POPs
Monitor battery charge levels and interpret system health indicators

Sustainability Benefits and Grid Independence

Environmental impact, cost savings, and resilience advantages

 

Solar-powered POPs represent a significant sustainability initiative for NMSU, reducing carbon emissions, eliminating infrastructure costs, and providing resilient connectivity that operates independently of the electrical grid.

 

Environmental Impact

~200 kg
CO₂ avoided per POP annually

Equivalent to planting 5 trees or taking a car off the road for 500 miles per year, per POP.

  • Zero operational emissions
  • No fossil fuel consumption
  • Renewable energy source
  • Minimal environmental footprint

Cost Savings

$200K+
Infrastructure cost avoided per site

Eliminates need for trenching, conduit, fiber installation, and ongoing electricity costs.

  • No utility bills ($50-100/month saved)
  • No trenching costs ($50K-200K+ saved)
  • Minimal maintenance expenses
  • Redeployable to new locations

Grid Independence

100%
Uptime during grid outages

POPs continue operating during power outages that affect main buildings and facilities.

  • Resilient to grid failures
  • No outage-related downtime
  • Emergency communication capability
  • Operates in any location

Long-Term Sustainability Analysis

20-Year Lifecycle Comparison

Grid-Powered Option:
  • Infrastructure: $150,000-250,000
  • Electricity: $1,200/year × 20 = $24,000
  • Maintenance: $5,000/year × 20 = $100,000
Total: ~$300,000
Solar POP Option:
  • Initial equipment: $25,000-35,000
  • Electricity: $0
  • Maintenance: $500/year × 20 = $10,000
  • Battery replacement (year 10): $5,000
Total: ~$50,000
Savings: $250,000 per site over 20 years

Additional Benefits

Mobility & Flexibility

POPs can be relocated to different fields or research sites as needs change, without abandoning infrastructure investment.

Rapid Deployment

POPs can be deployed in days versus months for traditional infrastructure, enabling immediate research support.

Scalability

Adding new POPs is straightforward and cost-effective compared to extending wired infrastructure to additional locations.

Alignment with NMSU Sustainability Goals

Solar-powered POPs directly support NMSU's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship:

✓
Carbon neutrality: Reduces campus carbon footprint through renewable energy adoption
✓
Resource efficiency: Eliminates ongoing energy consumption and associated costs
✓
Educational value: Demonstrates renewable energy technology to students and visitors
✓
Resilience: Enhances operational continuity during emergencies and grid disruptions
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