As mobile networks undergo massive expansion in developing markets, wireless carriers are beginning to take advantage of warm climates by harnessing solar energy, so as to reduce the cost of wireless service delivery.

Lower power consumption and improved solar technology have transformed solar energy into a viable alternative power source for cellular base stations.

“Solar power will first be used in conjunction with other primary energy sources such as diesel or grid-based electricity, but will increasingly be seen as a primary source for autonomous cell sites,” explained ABI Research vice president, Stuart Carlaw. “The market for autonomous solar powered cell sites looks set to grow from extremely modest levels today to over 40,000 renewable energy sites by the end of 2013. A further 295,000 base stations are expected to supplement on-grid power usage with solar.”

Solar power, of course, is not the only renewable energy source being looked at by carriers. Wind power may also have potential in areas that receive less solar energy, but it tends to be less predictable. Fuel cells and compressed air, meanwhile, hold significant long-term promise for powering wireless base stations.