Iluminar and PowerStack launch modular off-grid security pole for utilities

Iluminar Inc. and PowerStack have introduced a U.S.-made modular solar pole built for utility security and remote infrastructure needs. The system is designed to cut copper theft risk, speed deployment and support cameras, lighting and connectivity without grid power.

Why it matters: - Utilities face rising copper theft, remote-site security gaps and limited infrastructure at substations, water sites and other critical assets. - The Iluminar PowerStack is designed to provide lighting, cameras, networking and other security tools without trenching, concrete work or copper wiring. - The system is aimed at faster deployment in places where utilities need backup connectivity and perimeter monitoring.

What happened: - Iluminar Inc. and PowerStack released the Iluminar PowerStack modular vertical solar pole for physical security use in the utility sector. - The pole is U.S.-manufactured and built as an off-grid energy platform. - The product is rated to withstand temperature extremes and Category 5 hurricane winds. - The pole includes a factory 10-year warranty.

The details: - The Iluminar PowerStack supports up to 120W of continuous power. - The system includes five days of no-sun battery backup using long-life batteries. - The square pole design is intended to maximize solar collection with no loss. - The installation is designed to require no concrete or conduit work. - The pole requires zero copper wiring to operate. - The product qualifies for solar credits. - The pole can be installed in under an hour. - The installation uses a proprietary hinge plate and an included winch powered by a battery-operated drill, which is not included. - The pole stands 25 feet tall. - The system can support PoE lighting, CCTV, flashing LED lights, environmental sensors, SIP-enabled intercoms, blue light emergency phones, hardened networking, WiFi, 4G/5G/Starlink connectivity, point-to-point and point-to-multipoint wireless connectivity, USB-C charging, PoE outdoor gunshot detection and drone nests. - The platform is technology-agnostic and can support Iluminar PoE lighting and partner technologies.

Between the lines: - The launch targets utilities that are dealing with organized copper theft rather than the smaller-scale theft patterns seen in 2006. - The off-grid design appears aimed at remote sites where cellular connectivity and buried conduit make conventional installations difficult. - The product’s focus on modular mix-and-match technology suggests utilities may use the pole as a single platform for both security and communications.

What's next: - Iluminar is taking orders for the PowerStack pole, lights and infrastructure at sales@iluminarinc.com. - The company also directs customers to its social channels for updates, including LinkedIn, Facebook and X. - Utility buyers will likely evaluate the system based on deployment speed, off-grid reliability and the mix of supported security technologies.