Iluminar PowerStack Modular Solar Poles: A New Off-Grid Energy Platform for Smart City Infrastructure

SUGAR LAND, Tex. — The term “Smart City” has circulated for nearly two decades, yet implementation remains challenging. Jon Polly, Chief Solutions Officer at ProTecht Solutions Partners, a security technology consulting firm with experience in the smart cities sector, defines a Smart City as “an ecosystem of interconnected technologies and unified planning across city stakeholders and public-private partnerships, championed at the highest levels, to increase the livability of the city.” Most smart city initiatives hinge on lighting, connectivity, and sustainability—elements that, until recently, were rarely complementary.

Enter the Iluminar PowerStack modular pole. Iluminar Inc. (www.iluminarinc.com), a manufacturer of infrared and white light illuminators, has partnered with PowerStack to release a U.S.-manufactured modular vertical solar pole built for modern physical security. The pole features vandal-resistant glassless solar panels, is rated to withstand temperature extremes and up to Category 5 hurricane winds, and carries a factory 10-year warranty.

The Iluminar PowerStack is more than a solar pole—it is an entirely off-grid, vertically integrated energy platform. This design allows users to mix and match technologies for up to 120W continuous power with five (5) days of no-sun battery backup using long-life batteries. Because it is off-grid, installation is quick, requiring zero concrete or conduit work. Unlike other solar poles, its innovative square design maximizes solar collection with zero loss.

Solving Smart City Problems

Smart city goals often include the 15-minute city, Vision Zero strategies, micro-mobility solutions, interconnected technologies, and increasing livability. These are achieved through governance over data collection, integrated technologies, and transparency. For residents, this translates to enhanced digital connectivity, improved cost efficiencies, and a better overall citizen experience—which, in turn, boosts livability. The Iluminar PowerStack checks the box on each of these.

Most smart city implementations prioritize lighting solutions, especially those that can support additional connectivity or infrastructure. The Iluminar PowerStack provides low-wattage street lighting and wireless connectivity with no-sun battery backup. Even if the utility provider loses power, the PowerStack does not. It requires no trenching, no cabling, or dealing with local utility providers. Installation is conduit- and concrete-free and can be completed in under an hour—no heavy machinery needed, thanks to a proprietary hinge plate and a winch (included) powered by a battery-operated drill (not included). Users can quickly add lighting, USB charging stations, and security cameras. The Iluminar PowerStack has been installed in parks, transit stations, stadiums, and more.

Another major driver of smart cities is environmental friendliness. Many have adopted environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals to reduce environmental impact. One ESG initiative involves energy management to deploy smart and solar-powered grids that lower municipal utility costs. Another is digital equity, providing free broadband networking and digital public services. The Iluminar PowerStack meets these and other ESG requirements, and as an added benefit, the poles qualify for solar credits, reducing environmental impact with each installation.

Every city has different technologies and requirements. If smart city status seems daunting, starting small is an option. The Iluminar PowerStack changes the smart city narrative. Cities that implement these poles take their first steps toward smart city status. The Iluminar PowerStack is a completely technology-agnostic option, supporting Iluminar PoE lighting, technology partner solutions, and more.

Technology Options (mix and match solutions not to exceed 120W):

• PoE Street Lighting
• PoE Infrared Lighting
• CCTV
• Flashing LED lights
• Environmental Sensors
• SIP-Enabled Intercom
• Blue Light Emergency Phone
• Hardened Networking
• WiFi
• 4G/5G/StarLink connectivity
• PtP/PtMP Wireless Connectivity
• USB-C Charging
• PoE Outdoor Gunshot Detection
• Drone Nests

Order your Iluminar PowerStack pole, lights, and infrastructure today at [email protected]

About Iluminar

Iluminar (https://www.iluminarinc.com/) is a specialist manufacturer and supplier of IR and white-light illuminators and license plate recognition products. For over 15 years, Iluminar’s industry-leading performance, customer service, and support have been sought after by end-users, consultants, and security integrators for security and general lighting solutions.