Reliable Solar for Gas Monitoring Equipment

Challenge

Airgas required a solar solution to power remote tank monitoring systems used by industrial and medical gas customers.

The system required:

• Defined voltage and minimum current output.

• Reliable performance in field conditions.

• Oil and gas industry–grade cabling.

• Domestic manufacturing preference.

The new design needed to replace a legacy panel that was unsafe and unreliable.

Approach

A flexible amorphous silicon panel was selected to meet voltage, current, and mounting constraints.

The solution included:

• Double-jacketed cable with silicone filler for crush and kink resistance

• Adhesive-backed flexible module for direct tank-side mounting

• Output alignment with system charging requirements

The flexible design eliminated the prior mounting mechanism and improved orientation flexibility.

Solution

The redesigned solar assembly delivered stable output and field durability for remote tank monitoring.

Prototypes were validated in field testing before release to production.

The system is manufactured in the United States and supports ongoing deployment across Airgas monitoring installations.

Testimonial

"PowerFilm was a great partner when we developed our remote monitoring system. Their design team was very creative and energetic and really listened to our requirements when building our prototypes. From our first consultation through to our first volume order, the PowerFilm team was responsive and attentive. We enjoy doing business with PowerFilm and recommend them to anyone who needs remote or portable power."

-Bill Bertuleit, Research & Development ASG, Airgas