The present invention relates in general to solar power generating units and in particular to a hybrid smart solar power unit most suited for remote rural solar powering, especially for stand-alone applications. The unit has been designed to be very light and easy to install, which are key requirements of a solar power unit that is meant primarily for remote rural areas.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
Solar power units are well known in the prior art. There are many sizes and types of such units in existence. However, the present discussion is limited to the relatively smaller sized units, primarily used for domestic and street lighting purposes in remote areas where electricity is difficult to reach, hence is mostly absent.
Although such units are very common and popular in many parts of the country, and have been in existence for a long time, there are certain problems that plague the units of the prior art.
A solar power unit generates electric power from sunlight during daylight hours through solar photovoltaic panels, which is stored in a storage cell (or battery) for night time usage. An electronic solar charge controller is provided for proper controlled charging of the battery and for the prevention of overcharging, which is harmful to the battery health.
The conventional units use lead acid battery weighting 9.0 kg approx. This makes the system bulky and heavy. Moreover, lead acid batteries involve high maintenance which includes periodic charging from electric power source as well as periodic replacement of the acid and the electrodes after some time. This makes the transportation, installation and maintenance of these systems

expensive. Transporting and storing acid for the battery involves a fair amount of risk and hazard too.
Also, installation of the systems of the prior art requires specially trained technicians, who are difficult to find in remote rural areas.
The existing solar power units do not have a data communication tool, limiting its operation and maintenance to physical inspection, which invites movement of technical staff to remote installations for finding out likely causes of malfunctions.
Prior art solar battery chargers do not follow mandated charging algorithm, which results into shorter battery life. Charging properties are not user settable. Solar chargers do not allow use of batteries of different chemistry like Li-ION, Li-Polymer or Li-Fe-P04. These rigid battery chargers are not geared for a long-life deployment. If use or availability of Lead Acid Batteries becomes un-viable, the whole system becomes obsolete, wiping out entire investment.
Remote monitoring of electrical data of the working site is not available and if an external remote monitoring system is installed, it occupies additional space, needs environmental protection, operating power and has additional cost, which makes the idea of remote management un-viable or expensive.
The idle current drawn by the solar charger has to be minimum, so that optimum utilization of available stored battery energy can be made. This is not the case in the prior art.
The present invention seeks to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the primary object of the invention is to provide a hybrid smart solar power unit which overcomes the disadvantages of prior art and additionally is light in weight, hence is easier, less hazardous and less expensive to transport.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a hybrid smart solar power unit which can be remotely monitored through an electronic device such as for example a cell phone.
A further object of the invention is to provide a hybrid smart solar power unit which can be installed by semi-skilled or even non-skilled persons.
How the foregoing objects are achieved will be clear from the following description. In this context it is clarified that the description provided is non-limiting and is only by way of explanation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides a hybrid smart solar power unit comprising of a solar panel operatively connected to a hybrid smart solar charge controller having a high capacity Li-Ion battery pack. The hybrid solar charge controller is provided with IoT interface which is configurable using an easily available simple electronic device and having the ability to connect to both electrical mains as well as the solar panel for charging the battery pack. The controller further has mains charger, POE adapter and necessary interconnections. The unit is integrated to have the desired load for undertaking continuous uninterrupted autonomous operation for the desired duration, without solar or electric powering.
Preferably, the hybrid smart solar charge controller is provided with PWM solar PV charger, AC mains charger, a 16 x 2 LCD display, IoT chipset with antenna and li-Ion battery pack, all of which are built-in in an IP65 polycarbonate/abs enclosure which is light-weight, compact and elegant, the solar charge controller being suitable for operating in the temperature range 0 - 50°C, the entire solar controller being housed in a small enclosure of 100 x 100 mm size.
More preferably, the hybrid smart solar charge controller is adapted to remotely display site electrical data on pre-determined web page/website and user/WiFi configuration settings and the solar panel is a 60 W solar panel and the unit is light weight and wall mountable and said unit is integrated to have 15W (max)

load for 24 hrs autonomous operation without solar or electric powering and is provided with IP65 protection.
Even more preferably, the solar PV charger of hybrid smart solar charge controller is provided with short circuit protection, reverse polarity protection and reverse leakage protection and the AC mains charger is provided with overload/short circuit fuse protection, under/over voltage and reverse leakage protection, 2.5 KV surge protection and built-in thermal protection.
Most preferably, the size of battery that is used is 100 Ah, while the size of solar panel is 150 Watt.
The present invention also provides a process for the installation of the hybrid smart solar power unit as described herein comprising of the following steps of:
unpacking the solar panel and the hybrid smart solar charge controller unit;
- fixing the pole with the help of fasteners provided in the mounting kit;
- fixing the solar panel, orienting it in the south direction with 30° inclination to horizontal;
- connecting cable to the solar panel;
in the event of mains being available, connecting mains cable to the terminal block;
- connecting the cat6 cable from access point to PoE output; and
- flipping the switch to turn on the unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The nature and scope of the present invention will be better understood from the accompanying drawings, which are by way of illustration of a preferred embodiment and not by way of any sort of limitation. In the accompanying drawings:-
Figure 1 is a photographic illustration showing the hybrid smart solar power unit according to the present invention installed on a rooftop.

Figure 2 is a photographic illustration showing the hybrid solar charge controller with IoT of the smart solar power unit shown in figure 1 in a door open configuration.
Figure 3 is a photographic illustration showing the hybrid smart solar power unit installed against a wall of a building.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Having described the main features of the invention above, a more detailed and non-limiting description of a preferred embodiment will be given in the following paragraphs with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In all the figures, like reference numerals represent like features. Further, the shape, size and number of the devices shown are by way of example only and it is within the scope of the present invention to change their shape, size and number without departing from the basic principle of the invention.
Further, when in the following it is referred to "top", "bottom", "upward", "downward", "above" or "below", "right hand side", "left hand side" and similar terms, this is strictly referring to an orientation with reference to the apparatus, where the base of the apparatus is horizontal and is at the bottom portion of the figures. The number of components shown is exemplary and not restrictive and it is within the scope of the invention to vary the shape and size of the apparatus as well as the number of its components, without departing from the principle of the present invention.
All through the specification including the claims, the technical terms and abbreviations are to be interpreted in the broadest sense of the respective terms, and include all similar items in the field known by other terms, as may be clear to persons skilled in art. Restriction or limitation if any referred to in the specification, is solely by way of example and understanding the present invention.
The smart solar power unit according to the present invention ensures a perfect balance of cost, packaging, size, portability, efficiency, operating life and remote

monitoring. The features are perfectly attuned to customer requirement for a 'fit-and-forget' solar power system.
It is an integrated solar unit with a multi-function use. It has a programmable PWM solar charger, a Wi-Fi controller which uses the existing default network for transmitting electrical data related to battery, mains, temperature, charging status etc.
The solar charger is fully programmable to adjust battery charging parameters like battery voltage, charging current, boost voltage, absorption voltage, float voltage, battery low cut off level. Wi-Fi parameters like SSID and password are user-settable using a mobile phone. Updating frequency is also user-settable.
The entire solar controller is housed in a small enclosure of 100 x 100 mm size. Despite use of Wi-Fi controller which demands high operating power, an idle current of less than 5 mA is achieved through advanced electronic circuitry. New PCB has been designed according to Li-ion operational philosophy so that the Solar Charge Controller (SCC) PCB circuitry itself draws less power than any known previous design. Previously the system consumption was around 1 watt, which has been reduced to 60 milli watt. This is a design break through, which has enhanced battery life by up to 2 years. Hence, lower cost of maintenance and replacement is achieved.
IP address for local dialog with the system for monitoring, setting of charging parameters and instant performance data update is made possible using a mobile phone App. The integrated solar charger has a built-in voltage multiplier which delivers the desired output voltage needed for operation of the AP. It is factory set at 24 V or 48 V.
The net weight of the entire system is less than 2.5 Kg. with Li-Ion battery pack, solar charger, Mains charger, POE + injector packed therein.
As stated briefly before, the invention provides a hybrid smart solar power unit. The unit comprises of a 60W solar panel, a hybrid charging circuit having smart charge controller and a wall/pole mounting kit. The Hybrid Solar Charge Controller is provided with IoT. It has Power over Ethernet (PoE) cables as per

IEEE 802.3af/at PoE 48v & Passive PoE 24/48v. Each Access Point used with the solar unit provides internet access through WIFI.
The unit is rated for 15W (max) load. It has a high capacity Li-Ion Battery. The unit is rated for 24 hrs autonomous operation without solar or electric powering. It is compatible with the latest 802.11ac model of Cisco, Meraki, Cambium, Engenius and all leading Wi-Fi APs.
The hybrid charging circuit has the ability to connect to both electrical mains as well as the solar panel of the unit for charging the high capacity battery. The battery is a 12V, 18.1AH high capacity Lithium-Ion battery pack provided with advanced protection. However, the system is readily adaptable for use with lead acid or Li-Ion batteries. This has been made possible only due to provision of user-settable battery parameters.
The unit has a built in POE Plus adaptor, making it ready to use with POE+ devices. Energy Management is an integral part of the unit. It makes all internal functions suitable for user settings for a given period of time. A serial port is provided for allowing the user to change the factory-set parameters.
A unique feature of the hybrid smart solar power unit according to the invention is that the system is adaptable for use with higher or lower size of batteries and solar panels. The maximum size of battery that can be used is 100 Ah, while the maximum size of solar panel is 150 Watt.
The idle current drawn by the solar charger is very low, so that optimum utilization of available stored battery energy can be made. In the event of long blackouts, battery is not allowed to be over discharged.
The unit has a built-in Wi-Fi IoT Module which sends all essential parameters such as mains on/off, charging current, battery voltage, temperature, status, radio supply voltage, solar on/off to a cloud server. It is provided with an easy-to-read display panel having 16x2 LCD display to show all parameters locally.
The output of the unit is compatible with IEEE 802.3af/at PoE, ready for providing power to PoE capable Wi-Fi access points.

The unit is lightweight and wall mountable. The total weight of the unit with battery pack is only 1.8Kg and it can be easily mounted on walls.
As the unit is meant to be installed out doors, it is rated IP65 for installing in harsh outdoor conditions. The unit is supplied with a high efficiency 60 Watts solar panel, but can work with any industry standard panel rated up to 150 Watts.
A fully charged unit can provide power to an AP for a period of 24 hrs in the absence of sun and grid Power in autonomous mode.
The unit is provided with several smart features. It can be configured using an app on a smartphone by the field technician through the built-in Wi-Fi module.
Applications: The hybrid smart solar power unit according to the present invention is ideally suited for several applications, some which are listed below. Other applications of the unit will be clear to a person skilled in the art.
Powering up Rural Wi-Fi Networks: —Ideally suited for projects such as Bharat Broadband, Wi-Fi Choupal, Smart Villages, DigiGaon and so on. However, it is within the scope of the present invention to tune up with all types of Wi-Fi networks.
Powering up Smart City networks:—Wi-Fi, CCTV and Smart LED lamps deployed onstreetlight poles.
—Built-in IoT gateway for additional IoT sensors thatare installed in the vicinity.
Reference is now made to figures 1 and 2. The hybrid smart solar power unit (1) is delivered at site packed in a in weather proof poly-carbonate enclosure containing solar charger, IOT interface which is configurable using a mobile phone, mains charger, a Li-Ion battery pack, POE adapter and all the necessary interconnections in a single package. The solar unit (1) has a 60W solar panel (2), hybrid smart charge controller (3) and a wall/pole mounting kit. A pole (4) is to be procured at site for poll mounting of the unit.
The minimum self power consumption of the unit is less than 100 milliwatt, boosting its battery life. Its gross weight is 1.8 Kg against 10.0 Kg of a similar

conventional system using lead acid battery. The system uses an LCD display to make the field user aware of its internal health parameters.
The system can be configured remotely through mobile phones. This wireless configuration using mobile phone is a milestone in technical advancement making customer and user empowered to derive desired operational benefits.
Installation Process:
The units are pre-configured and only need semi-skilled personnel to deploy the following 7 step process for the installation of the hybrid smart solar power unit according to the present invention.
a) unpack the solar panel (2) and the hybrid smart solar charge controller
unit (3);
b) fix the pole (4) with the help of fasteners provided in the mounting kit;
c) fix the solar panel (2), orienting it in the south direction with 30° inclination to horizontal;
d) connect cable to the solar panel (2);
e) connect mains cable (if mains available) to the terminal block;
f) connect the cat6 cable from access point (AP) to PoE output; and
g) flip the switch to turn on the unit.
Figure 3 show one such solar unit installed as per the process described above.
Specifications: The following are the specifications of the smart solar unit (1), which may undergo variations due to design and/or hardware changes.
Dimensions: 180 X 250 X 130 mm
Weight: 1.8 Kg Unpacked
Solar Charger Capacity: 12V, 10.0A
Mains Charger Capacity: 12V, 2.5A
PV Input Voltage Range: 24.0V Max

Mains Input Voltage Range: 120 V - 280 V AC, 50 Hz
Mains Charging Current: 2.5A
Battery Voltage: 11.IV
Battery Capacity: 18.1AH
Solar Panel Rating: 60 Watt (36 Cells, 22.0 V Voc)
Battery Protection Circuits: Built-in in the battery pack
Display: 16x2 Alphanumeric LCD
DC Output Configurations: 24V/48V
Operating Temperature Range: 0-50C
PV Charger Protections: The solar photovoltaic (PV) charger is provided with the following protections:
Short circuit protection, reverse polarity protection and reverse leakage protection.
AC Charger Protections: The AC charger for charging the battery from an AC supply source has the under mentioned protections:
Overload/short circuit fuse protection, under/over voltage andreverse leakage protection, 2.5 KV surge protection and built-in thermal protection.
SPECIFICATIONS OF SOLAR HYBRID IOT CHARGE CONTROLLER (3):
SALIENT FEATURES: It has a light-weight, compact and elegant design and an IP65 polycarbonate/abs enclosure. Built in PWM solar PV charger, built-in AC mains charger, 16 x 2 LCD display, built-in IoT chipset with antenna, built-in li-Ion battery are also provided. It can remotely display site electrical data on pre¬determined web page/website and user/wifi configuration settings.

SPECIFICATIONS:
SOLAR CHARGER CAPACITY- 12 V, 10.0 A
MAINS CHARGER CAPACITY -12 V, 2.5 A
PV INPUT VOLTAGE- 24.0 V MAX
5 MAINS INPUT VOLTAGE RANGE- 120 V - 280 V AC, 50 Hz
MAINS CHARGING CURRENT- 2.5 A
BATTERY VOLTAGE - 11.1 V
BATTERY CAPACITY - 18.1 Ah
SOLAR PANEL RATING- 60 WATT (36 CELLS, 22.0 V VOC) OPTION TO USE
10 SOLAR PV PANEL UPTO 100 W
BATTERY PROTECTION CURCUITS -BUILT-IN THE BATTERY PACK
DISPLAY - 16 X 2 ALPHANUMERIC LCD DISPLAY
USER/WIFI CONFIGURATION SETTINGS- WIRELESS USING ANDROID APP
BATTERY CHARGE SETTINGS- USING ANDROD MOBILE APP
15 DC OUTPUT CONFIGURATIONS- 24 V / 48 V
PROVISION FOR POE- TO BE HOUSED IN SAME ENCLOSRE
PV CHARGER PROTECTIONS:
SHORT CIRCUIT, REVERSE POLARITY, REVERSE LEAKAGE
20
AC CHARGER PROTECTIONS:
FUSE PROTECTION, UNDER/OVER VOLTAGE PROTECION, REVERSE LEAKAGE
2.5 KV SURGE PROTECTION
THERMAL PROTECTION- BUILT-IN
25 TEMPERATURE RANGE- 0 - 50˚C
DIMENSIONS180 X 250 X 130 MM
12

Advantages:
Some of the non-limiting advantages of the present invention are mentioned in the list below. Other advantages will be clear to a person skilled in the art from the description provided above.
• Very lightweight compared to conventional systems. The conventional system uses Lead Acid Battery weighting 9.0 kg Approx, which has been replaced with Li-Ion battery pack weighing less than 1.3 Kg. The net weight of the entire system is less than 2.5 Kg.
• Internal power consumption has been reduced from over 1 Watt to less than 60 milli watt by using advanced PCB engineering.
• IOT module (wireless communication chipset) embedded in solar charger to obtain health data from the solar charger, communicate wirelessly with the user for the purpose of configuration, communicate wirelessly with the network for obtaining rights of connectivity, and consume minimum amount of power.
• Reduces shipping cost and avoids manpower wastage.
• Ease of maintenance.
• Ease of diagnosis- Field level village users can ascertain system health through built-in display, see site data on website or mobile app, seek help support when needed.
• Online Health reporting on remote website empowers Government authorities to track their investments and monitor whether the services are being delivered to the intended target population and make the service providers accountable.
• The product has technological and socio political advancement skew.
The present invention has been described with reference to some drawings and a preferred embodiment purely for the sake of understanding and not by way of any limitation and the present invention includes all legitimate developments within the scope of what has been described herein before and claimed in the appended claims.

We claim:
A hybrid smart solar power unit (1) comprising of a solar panel (2) operatively connected to a hybrid smart solar charge controller (3) having a high capacity Li-Ion battery pack, the hybrid solar charge controller (3) being provided with IoT interface which is configurable using an easily available simple electronic device and having the ability to connect to both electrical mains as well as the solar panel (2) for charging the battery pack, the controller further having mains charger, POE adapter and necessary interconnections, said unit (1) is integrated to have the desired load for undertaking continuous uninterrupted autonomous operation for the desired duration, without solar or electric powering.
The hybrid smart solar power unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hybrid smart solar charge controller (3) is provided with PWM solar PV charger, AC mains charger, a 16 x 2 LCD display, IoT chipset with antenna and li-Ion battery pack, all of which are built-in in an IP65 polycarbonate/abs enclosure which is light-weight, compact and elegant, the solar charge controller being suitable for operating in the temperature range 0 - 50°C, the entire solar controller being housed in a small enclosure of 100 x 100 mm size.
The hybrid smart solar power unit as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein said hybrid smart solar charge controller (3) is adapted to remotely display site electrical data on pre-determined web page/website and user/WiFi configuration settings and the solar panel is a 60 W solar panel and the unit is lightweight and wall mountable and said unit is integrated to have 15W (max) load for 24 hrs autonomous operation without solar or electric powering and is provided with IP65 protection.
The hybrid smart solar power unit as claimed in claims 1-3, wherein the solar PV charger of hybrid smart solar charge controller (3) is provided

with short circuit protection, reverse polarity protection and reverse leakage protection and the AC mains charger is provided with overload/short circuit fuse protection, under/over voltage and reverse leakage protection, 2.5 KV surge protection and built-in thermal protection.
The hybrid smart solar power unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the size of battery that is used is 100 Ah, while the size of solar panel is 150 Watt.
A process for the installation of the hybrid smart solar power unit as claimed in claims 1-4 comprises of the steps of:
unpacking the solar panel (2) and the hybrid smart solar charge controller unit (3);
- fixing the pole (4) with the help of fasteners provided in the mounting kit;
- fixing the solar panel (2), orienting it in the south direction with 30° inclination to horizontal;
- connecting cable to the solar panel (2);
in the event of mains being available, connecting mains cable to the terminal block;
- connecting the cat6 cable from access point (AP) to PoE output; and
- flipping the switch to turn on the unit.