Solar Battery Lite for Sensor Hub

What is Solar Battery Lite for Sensor Hub?

Solar Battery Lite is a solar-powered energy unit that enables the RAK2560 WisNode Sensor Hub to operate in remote or off-grid environments without relying on conventional power sources. It draws energy from sunlight to keep the sensor hub active and transmitting data, even when no electrical infrastructure is available. 

Designed to work in outdoor conditions, it delivers consistent energy availability and helps reduce the need for manual battery replacements or frequent site visits. Users can track battery status through their existing management tools, making it easier to plan maintenance activities. By using renewable energy, this solution supports sustainable operation while ensuring continuous data collection from deployed sensors.

Battery status and state can be checked locally with the WisToolBox, and remotely through LoRaWAN messages transmitted by the Sensor Hub.

Solar Panel Variants:

If you're interested in ordering the Solar Battery Lite with Large Panel, feel free to drop us an email at inquiry@rakwireless.com. Let us know your requirements, and we can customize them to fit your needs. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Why You Need Solar Battery Lite for Sensor Hub

A dependable power supply keeps sensor networks running where electricity is unavailable or unstable.

Why it's useful:

• Uninterrupted uptime: Keeps the sensor hub continuously operational without relying on the power grid.
• Lower upkeep: Reduces the need for frequent site maintenance visits.
• Flexible deployment: Enables sensor placement in hard-to-reach or off-grid locations.
• Sustainable power: Uses renewable energy to support long-term environmental goals.

Key Features of Solar Battery Lite for Sensor Hub

• Battery capacity: 5200 mAh
• Operating temperature: -20～60° C
• Dimensions: 180 x 130 x 60 mm
• Outputs: one 12 VDC output for Sensor Hub; one 9-13.2 VDC output for WisGate Edge Pro/Prime/Other devices
• Integrated BMS and heater
• Supported mounting pole diameter: 65～89 mm

Use Cases of Solar Battery Lite for Sensor Hub

Harnessing solar energy ensures uninterrupted field data collection with minimal maintenance demands.

Use Case #1: Environmental Field Station

A research team deploys a weather station in a remote valley. Solar Battery Lite powers their sensor hub continuously, allowing them to collect and transmit climate data without sending staff for maintenance.

Use Case #2: Agricultural Soil Monitoring

Across several fields, a farming cooperative places soil sensors connected to a central hub. With Solar Battery Lite keeping the sensor hub active, they gain ongoing moisture and nutrient insights that guide irrigation schedules and improve yields.

Performance Examples:

Example 1: Standard Use

• Setup: Weather station, moisture sensor, three MEMS sensors, and two extra sensors.
• Wake-up Interval: 1 minute per hour
• Total Power Consumption: 615.6mWh
• Battery Life: 73 hours (3 days) without sunshine

Example 2: Extended Use

• Setup: Soil Integrated Sensor, moisture sensor, three MEMS sensors, and two extra sensors.
• Wake-up Interval: 0.1 minutes per hour
• Total Power Consumption: 51.5mWh
• Battery Life: 873.2 hours (36.4 days) without sunshine

What’s in the Box

• 1 pc Solar Battery Lite RAK9154
• 1 pc Mounting Kit for Solar Battery Lite RAK9154
• 1 pc Solar Panel (10W)
• 1 pc Solar Battery Lite RAK9154 Connection Cable to SensorHub
• 2 pc steel strips (φ65-89mm)
  

How to Get Started with Solar Battery Lite for Sensor Hub

• Overview of RAK9154 Solar Battery Lite
• Datasheet of RAK9154 Solar Battery Lite
• Installation Guide of RAK9154 Solar Battery Lite

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Solar Battery Lite maintain reliable operation in low-sunlight periods?

It uses an energy storage system that charges during daylight and discharges when sunlight is unavailable. The system includes charge regulation circuitry to prevent over-discharge and to stabilize output. This architecture allows the connected RAK2560 WisNode Sensor Hub to run for multiple days without sun, depending on sensor activity cycles and environmental conditions.

Can it power other types of IoT devices besides the Sensor Hub?

Yes. It can support other low-power IoT devices that require similar input characteristics. The main requirement is that the device must operate within the battery’s supported voltage range and power envelope. Users should confirm that the device’s startup current demand is within what the battery system can supply without triggering protective cutoffs. It is also available as a gateway backup solution and backup power for custom or DIY devices for broader IoT applications.

How is battery status monitored when used with the Sensor Hub?

When connected to the Sensor Hub, battery status can be viewed through the WisToolBox application. The hub also transmits battery state information over LoRaWAN®, allowing remote systems to log and track energy availability. This enables operators to predict maintenance needs and avoid unexpected downtime.

How does solar panel size choice impact performance?

A larger panel collects more energy under low-light conditions, which helps sustain operation during extended cloudy periods or when sensor duty cycles are high. However, larger panels take more space and may require sturdier mounting. Users should select the panel size based on local solar irradiance and sensor workload.