- Itron Inc. (ITRI, Financial) unveils the Solar Battery Access Point for gas and water utilities.
- The device offers a cost-effective solution by eliminating infrastructure agreements and power bills.
- Set for a North American release in the second half of 2025 with a field lifespan of up to 20 years.
Itron Inc. (ITRI), a leader in energy and water management solutions, has announced the release of its new Solar Battery Access Point (Solar Battery AP) designed to provide reliable network connectivity for gas and water utilities. This solar-powered device addresses the lack of traditional mesh networks by offering an alternative that can be mounted on utility-owned assets, thus eliminating the need for expensive infrastructure such as towers or poles.
Slated for launch in North America in the second half of 2025, the Solar Battery AP boasts a rechargeable power management system with integrated solar panels, which effectively eliminates ongoing power costs such as monthly power bills. By avoiding infrastructure agreements typically necessary for deploying Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), utilities can significantly reduce deployment costs.
The device is engineered to last up to 20 years in the field, providing long-lasting performance that aligns with durable infrastructure requirements. It facilitates a low-latency, battery-powered mesh network, which is instrumental in the transition from Automated Meter Reading (AMR) to AMI networks.
John Marcolini, senior vice president of Network Solutions at Itron, highlighted the Solar Battery AP's role in overcoming the financial and logistical hurdles utilities face in network transitions. The device promises to optimize total cost of ownership, making advanced metering solutions more accessible and reliable, while enhancing the safety and reliability of critical services delivered by utilities.
For more information, visit Itron’s website or follow them on their social media platforms.
