Solar DCAP: Solar-Powered Utility Metering for Remote Installations

Solar DCAP provides off-grid data collection for utility monitoring, making it ideal for remote networks where traditional wired power isn’t available.

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Solar DCAP Overview

Solar DCAP provides off-grid data collection for remote utility monitoring, making it ideal for locations without access to traditional power and internet sources. This device captures and transmits data from various meters in areas where connectivity is challenging, ensuring continuous monitoring and resource management.

With its solar-powered design and built-in cellular, Solar DCAP supports extended operation in remote environments, allowing for reliable data transmission without needing extensive electrical infrastructure. It integrates seamlessly with existing metering solutions, enabling flexible deployment across diverse property layouts.

By implementing Solar DCAP into their monitoring network, property stakeholders gain insights into utility usage and enhance operational efficiency.

Supports wireless ranges from 1 to 10 miles, with extended coverage via repeaters (Standard and MAX) for flexible deployment across diverse property layouts.

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Benefits

Solar DCAP provides an efficient solution for utility data management in locations lacking electrical infrastructure, ensuring reliable performance with minimal maintenance.

  • Utilizes solar power for sustainable operation without the need for electrical connections.
  • Features a robust design suitable for various environmental conditions, enhancing durability.
  • Allows for easy installation with minimal setup required, reducing labor costs.
  • Supports near real-time data transmission for timely monitoring and management.
  • The on-board cellular LTE module means that property supplied Internet is not required for operation.
  • Offers a long battery life to ensure continued operation, reducing maintenance needs.

Whether you need a reliable data collection solution in remote areas or seek to enhance your utility management capabilities, Solar DCAP delivers effective and sustainable monitoring solutions.

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  • Case Study | Guardian Water & Power

    Guardian Water & Power encountered significant challenges in outdoor submetering due to harsh weather conditions. Frequent disruptions led to costly repairs and inconsistent data collection, adversely affecting service delivery and customer trust. Recognizing the urgent need for a reliable solution, they sought innovative technology to enhance their operations.

    Challenge

    • System downtime due to harsh weather
    • Repairs were difficult and costly
    • Cellular technology meant inconsistent data collection
  • Case Study | Kimco Realty

    Kimco Realty Corporation faced considerable challenges in billing their 7,000 tenants accurately for water usage across a diverse portfolio of retail properties. A lack of standardized methods for dividing costs led to disputes and frustration, resulting in millions in uncollected revenue. Recognizing this issue, Kimco sought innovative submetering technology to streamline billing processes and enhance tenant satisfaction.

    Challenge

    • Inconsistent tenant water billing methods
    • Tenant disputes over water costs
    • Millions lost in uncollected revenue
  • Case Study | Fair Energy Submetering

    Fair Energy Submetering faced challenges tracking utility usage and identifying issues such as leaks across various properties. In search of more detailed data for effective management, they turned to Tehama Wireless’ advanced submetering sensors. This innovative technology enabled swift identification of problems, allowing them to avert potential disasters.

    Challenge

    • Inaccurate tracking of utility usage
    • Difficulty identifying leaks in properties
    • Limited data hindered effective management

Documentation & Resources

Input Type Compatible with reed switch and piezoelectric pulse generator meters.
Communication Range Up to 3500 ft (Standard), nearly 10 miles (MAX/LoRaWAN).
Battery Life Operates on two field-replaceable AA lithium batteries with a typical life of 5-8 years.
Operating Temperature Ranges from -20°F to 145°F.
Input Options Available with single or dual pulse inputs for co-located setups.
Waterproof or Water-Resistant Options Available in the Submersible model, a pulse or encoder unit, with non-field replaceable C battery, designed for use in environments where complete water exposure is expected.

Videos

How It Works

Gateway or DCAP captures data from connected submeters and relays it to central management systems, ensuring accurate data collection and near real-time monitoring for improved utility management.

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This diagram illustrates how Tehama Wireless devices work together to optimize metering solutions

FAQs

Solar DCAP is designed for use with Automated Meter Reading (AMR) systems, specifically tailored for remote locations where electric power is not readily available.

Solar DCAP supports wireless communication ranges from 1 mile to 10 miles, with extended coverage enabled through repeaters (Standard and MAX) depending on configuration and environment.

Solar DCAP operates with a 20W solar panel and a lithium iron phosphate battery, ensuring it can fully charge in one day of sunlight and run continuously for over a week without sun exposure.

Yes, installation of Solar DCAP is straightforward. It comes with outdoor-ready enclosures, mounting hardware, and can be easily set up on a pole or wall.

Yes, Solar DCAP provides various data output options, including email with .CSV files, FTP, and an API for pulling data reads, ensuring compatibility with existing systems.

Solar DCAP collects and relays data consistently via cellular LTE, leveraging the solar power supply for operations. It can continue to function and report data even in remote areas.

Solar DCAP operates effectively in temperatures ranging from -5º to 140º F, making it suitable for various outdoor environments.

Minimal maintenance is required, primarily checking the solar panel and battery status to ensure they are functioning properly.

Yes, Solar DCAP can be configured to send alerts for various conditions based on specific settings defined by users.

Solar DCAP comes equipped with an embedded LTE cellular module, allowing for seamless data transmission in areas without internet access, making it highly versatile for utility management.

Solar DCAP can be mounted on poles, and there is also an option for wall mounting with provided hardware. It is designed for quick and easy setup.

Data transmitted by Solar DCAP is encrypted during transmission, ensuring that sensitive information is protected while maintaining efficient communication with the utility management systems.

Solar DCAP uses a lithium iron phosphate battery that provides a long life cycle of over 2000 charge cycles and is designed to last for around 10 years.