Why Modular Solar is Changing the Game for Critical Radio Comms

Critical communications networks — from emergency services radio to environmental monitoring — share one thing in common: they must remain operational at all times. Yet across Australia and New Zealand, many sites still rely on ageing diesel generators or undersized solar arrays that are unreliable or resource-heavy to manage.

With network resilience, decarbonisation targets and operational efficiency now front of mind, modular solar power systems are emerging as a reliable, low-maintenance alternative. One solution attracting attention is Valen’s ModX1 small solar system — a pre-engineered, pre-wired, and rapidly deployable unit designed specifically for critical communications environments.

The challenge with powering critical comms

Power supply remains one of the biggest vulnerabilities for remote and mission-critical sites. Common challenges include:

• Remote site access — travel to repeater and base station sites can take hours or days.
• Increasing load demands — more radio gear, IoT devices, and environmental controls draw more power than legacy systems can deliver.
• Dependence on diesel — fuel is expensive, difficult to deliver, and increasingly subject to emissions constraints.
• Extreme conditions — heatwaves, storms and bushfires demand equipment that keeps running in harsh environments.

From weeks of work to plug-and-play

Traditional off-grid builds often involve site-by-site engineering, component sourcing, and custom wiring — a process that can take weeks.

The ModX1 changes that.

Because it’s pre-engineered, pre-wired and pre-tested, deployment is dramatically faster. Each unit arrives as a fully self-contained package, ready to be placed on-site with no need for solar footings or complex on-site assembly.

The benefits are immediate:

• Time savings — eliminates the design and build phase for each site.
• Cost savings — reduced labour and project management requirements.
• Guaranteed compatibility — all components are selected and tested to work together from day one.

Inside the ModX1

The ModX1 is built around Valen’s long-life lithium battery technology and integrates:

• High-efficiency solar PV for dependable daytime generation
• Lithium energy storage with advanced battery management
• Premium inverter-charger technology for clean AC output as optional
• Energy Management System (EMS) for remote monitoring and control
• Solar Frame mounted to cabinet for a smaller footprint
• Certified foundations — no groundwork required
• 10RU available for ancillary equipment
   

The modular architecture allows each unit to operate standalone or be scaled for higher-load applications.

Built for remote site versatility

The ModX1 is purpose-built for organisations that need reliable power in hard-to-reach locations where running mains supply isn’t practical. Typical applications include:

• Environmental monitoring stations requiring continuous low-load power
• Wireless internet service providers (WISPs) extending connectivity into regional areas
• SCADA systems for councils managing water, sewerage, or infrastructure assets
• Telemetry equipment supporting utilities, transport, and industrial networks
• Small communications loads where autonomy and resilience are essential
   

With its compact footprint and flexible mounting options, the ModX1 can be deployed where larger solar arrays or traditional infrastructure aren’t feasible — delivering dependable power without the overhead of complex civil works.

Remote visibility and control

Through its EMS, the ModX1 integrates with existing network operations centres, giving technicians real-time visibility of performance and status. This reduces unnecessary site visits, speeds response times, and supports predictive maintenance.

Resilience for the future

With more agencies moving to renewable power and distributed generation, modular solar systems like the ModX1 offer a pathway that’s both practical and future-ready. They reduce operational costs, cut reliance on fossil fuels, and — most importantly — ensure communications remain online when they’re needed most. For network operators, that’s fewer callouts, lower running costs, and confidence that critical infrastructure will keep running — no matter what nature throws at it.

At a glance — ModX1 benefits

• Rapid deployment — pre-engineered, pre-wired, ready to run
• Lower upfront cost — no need for custom builds or solar footings
• Guaranteed compatibility — components tested as a complete system
• Mission-critical reliability — industry-leading MTBF
• Scalable — scale units to match demand
• Remote management — integrated EMS for monitoring and control
• 10-Year design life — Including batteries — for peace of mind your comms are covered