Skip to content

Solar Mesh Node Overview

Designed by Holobiont Lab, we install solar-powered wifi access points at gardens and other spaces where electricity is not available. For more information, see Holobiont' meshbox docs.

Hardware Specs

  • An enclosure
  • 25 -50W solar panel
  • Any assortment of appropriate repurposed batteries nominal 24v
  • A charge controller
  • A low-temp disconnect (depending on the battery)
  • A mesh node : starting with the Ubiquity mesh access point

Deployments

PCW installed a solar mesh node in Norris Square Neighborhood Projects Colobo Gardens in 2021, and it only recently needed to be fixed with a replacement battery. Here are a few photos of what the setup looks like.

Colobo AP
A photo of the AP at Colobo.
Installing the AP at Colobo
Installing the AP!
Installing the AP at Colobo
The meshbox's contents

Troubleshooting Solar Mesh Nodes

For additional troubleshooting help, check out the 'Troubleshooting' section (pg. 12) of the Meshbox Documentation.

Common issues include:

  • Battery Discharge - the battery should read between 12.5V > 14.6V.
    • Anything less than 12.5v and the battery management system will shut off to save power.
  • Connections between the enclosure and the charge controller, as well as the connections between the charge controller and AP.
    • There should be a red light on the charge controller, and a green light on the PoE injector.
  • Low temperature or bad weather conditions