Grid electricity reduction of radio base stations with solar cells

This paper describes the basic factors determining the performance and cost of photovoltaic power systems for a power supply for radio base station sites. The daily power consumption profiles of a radio site in an operational network is compared with the electricity generation profile of a photovoltaic system throughout the day including seasonal effects at 45-60degree latitude. The factors needed for a sound calculation of the return of investment (RoI) are presented. Rule-of-thumb equations are presented to allow a quick estimation of the order of magnitude of photovoltaic electricity production and potential energy cost savings possible with solar cells.