SoftBank Tests AI Base Station Powered by Sun and Wind

Cell towers might soon go green without dropping your calls, thanks to a clever system combining solar panels, wind power, and artificial intelligence.

SoftBank is testing the technology at a facility in Ichihara City, Japan. The base station generates most of its own electricity from a unique setup: traditional solar panels paired with a 3 kW wind turbine that works even in light breezes of just 3 meters per second.

The real innovation happens behind the scenes. AI software analyzes communication patterns and human traffic to figure out when a tower can safely enter sleep mode. When usage drops, the system powers down while nearby towers handle the load, ensuring no one notices a difference in their service.

Previously, this kind of power saving required base stations to be in the same building and facing the same direction. The AI breakthrough removes those restrictions, letting SoftBank expand sleep mode from 14,000 target cells to about 24,000.

The system stores renewable energy in batteries and automatically switches to the commercial power grid only when battery levels dip below a safe threshold. That backup ensures service never gets interrupted, even during cloudy, windless days.

The compact design opens exciting possibilities for rural connectivity. Remote islands and mountainous regions that struggle with reliable power infrastructure could finally get strong mobile coverage without depending entirely on diesel generators or expensive grid extensions.

The Ripple Effect

This technology addresses two major challenges at once. Telecom networks consume enormous amounts of electricity, contributing significantly to carbon emissions worldwide. At the same time, millions of people in hard to reach areas still lack reliable mobile service.

By making base stations energy independent, the system reduces environmental impact while expanding access. Communities that once went without internet connectivity or emergency communication could gain those lifelines without waiting for major infrastructure investments.

SoftBank plans to expand testing in the coming months. The company is also working on related projects, including high efficiency solar cells for aircraft that provide internet from high altitudes.

The pilot proves that going green doesn't mean sacrificing quality, a lesson that could reshape how we build communication networks worldwide.