At IRRIOT, we often receive inquiries about whether our Wireless Precision Irrigation Automation system can be used in locations without access to a power grid or other sources of electricity. The answer is a resounding YES! While many customers typically install our Controller in areas such as pump houses or farmhouses, our solution is equally effective in remote locations with only a communal water source or a diesel pump, for example.

We understand these challenges and have designed our system to operate entirely off-grid when necessary. Several of our customers are already successfully implementing this option in their setups. In this article, we will explain how you can utilize our technology to achieve efficient, off-grid irrigation automation.

Introduction 

When planning to operate the entire IRRIOT installation, including the Base Controller and a third-party cellular router for Cloud connectivity, in an off-grid location, a Solar Power Plant will be required.

The Solar Power Plant comprises the following components:

  • Solar Panel
  • Solar Charge Controller
  • Rechargeable Battery
  • Extension board for Controller RE-8 or MPE6-4

It is not mandatory to use the Solar Power Plant provided by IRRIOT. Any similar arrangement that provides the same functionality is acceptable, provided it meets the technical requirements of the power consumers: the Base Controller and the cellular router.

In the basic configuration, the power consumption of the Base Controller is below 1W. However, when the controller is equipped with extension modules, the consumption may substantially increase—to 7W per extension board.

In order to calculate the maximum total power consumption by the Base Controller add the consumption of the unit itself and for example 2 Extension Boards: 1W + 7W + 7W = 15W.

The supply of the cellular router, if required, will depend on the model used. The typical power requirements for a cellular router is 6-7W.

The power provided by the solar panel should be sufficient for powering the system and have excess supply to store as the charge in the battery for use at night. 

We recommend using a 12VDC solar panel of 50W power. 

It is recommended to use a regular 12V car start battery of the minimum capacity of 50Ah. When selecting a battery, make sure that the battery type is supported by the solar charge controller.

Notice that IRRIOT does not supply these batteries. Please obtain it from a local store.

Technical Characteristics

The table below contains technical data of the power plant offered by IRRIOT.

Solar Charge Controller
Nominal Voltage 12V/24V Auto Recognition for non-lithium batteries
Rated Charge Current 10A
Max Gauge Size Up to 12 AWG
Max. PV Input Voltage 50 VDC
Self-Consumption <10mA
Working Temperature 31°F – 113°F / -25°C – 45°C
Dimensions 4.7 x 3.0 x 1.1 in / 119x75x27.5mm
Weight 0.27 lbs / 122.47g
Storage Temperature -31°F – 176°F / -35°C – 80°C
Temperature Compensation -3mV/°C/2V
Max PV Input 130W / 12V; 260W / 24V
Certification CE / ROHS

50W Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Electrical Data
Maximum Power at STC* 50 W
Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp) 18.6 V
Optimum Operating Current (Imp) 2.69 A
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) 22.3 V
Short Circuit Voltage (Isc) 2.94 A
Module Efficiency 16.9%
Maximum System Voltage 600 VDC UL
Maximum Series Fuse Rating 15 A
Thermal Characteristics
Operating Module Temperature -40ºC to +90ºC
Nominal Operating Cell Temperature (NOCT) 47±2ºC
Temperature Coefficient of Pmax -0.37%/ºC
Temperature Coefficient of Voc -0.28%/ºC
Temperature Coefficient of Isc 0.048%/ºC
Junction Box
IP Rating IP 65
Diode Type 15SQ045
Number of Diodes 1 Diode(s)
Output Cables 14 AWG (1.3 ft long) 
Mechanical Data
Solar Cell Type   Monocrystalline (6.25 x 1.9 in)
Number of Cells 33 (3 x 11)
Dimensions 22.9 x 20 x 1.18 in (581 x 509 x 30 mm) 
Weight 7.72 lbs (3.5 kg)
Front Glass Tempered Glass 0.13 in (3.2 mm) 
Connectors Solar Connectors
Fire Rating Class C

In case of any inquires or other questions please reach out to us using our standard contact form.

IRRIOT Team