Host a Solar Repeater on Your Building
WNY MeshCore is an all-volunteer community organization. Our solar repeaters form the backbone of a resilient radio mesh network — placed on hilltops, tall buildings, and elevated structures that can bridge long distances and serve entire neighborhoods. If your property is one of those locations, we'll install a solar-powered LoRa repeater at no cost to you, with no maintenance burden and no connection to your electrical or network systems.
How It Works
We handle everything. You just say yes.
Reach Out
Fill out the contact form below or reach us on Discord. Tell us about your building's location and rooftop access.
Site Assessment
We do a quick assessment to confirm line-of-sight and pick the best mounting location. Usually takes under 30 minutes.
Installation
Our volunteers install the solar panel and enclosure. Non-invasive mounting — no drilling required. Usually takes less than an hour.
Done
The repeater goes live automatically. No configuration needed from you. We monitor it remotely.
Flexible Installation Options
Every building is different. We work with what you have — whether you want us to handle everything or prefer your own team does the install.
We Handle the Install
Our volunteers handle the entire installation — site assessment, mounting, and configuration. You don't need to do anything. This is the most common option and typically takes under an hour on-site.
- ✓We supply all hardware
- ✓Non-invasive mounting — no drilling
- ✓Full configuration included
- ✓Ongoing remote monitoring by us
Owner or Staff-Led Install
If you have maintenance staff or a building manager comfortable with basic hardware, they can install the unit themselves. We provide the equipment, step-by-step instructions, and remote support throughout the process.
- ✓We ship the hardware to you
- ✓Written installation guide provided
- ✓Remote support via Discord
- ✓We configure it remotely once mounted
Not sure which option is right for you? Send us a message and we'll figure it out together.
What a Real Installation Looks Like
This is one of our actual WNY rooftop deployments. The solar panel is compact — smaller than a carry-on suitcase — and is angled to catch maximum sunlight through Buffalo's overcast winters.
The LoRa module sits in the weatherproof enclosure mounted alongside the panel. The antenna — a small vertical rod less than 12 inches tall — is the only thing that extends above the roofline. From street level, it's virtually invisible.
- ✓Mounts to HVAC equipment, parapets, or existing structures
- ✓No penetrations into the roof membrane
- ✓Rated to -40°F for Western NY winters
- ✓Self-contained — no electrical or network connection
A Note on Firmware Updates
Like any connected device, repeater nodes occasionally receive firmware updates to improve performance, security, and compatibility. Most updates can be pushed wirelessly over Bluetooth with no disruption to you. However, roughly once every 6–12 months a hands-on visit may be needed for a more substantial update or hardware check. We'll always coordinate these visits around your availability — nothing happens without your knowledge and approval.
Why Building Owners Partner With Us
Hosting a repeater is all upside and no downside. Here's why.
Zero Cost to You
We supply the hardware, install it, and maintain it. There is no cost to building owners or managers. The equipment runs entirely on solar power — no electrical hookup needed.
No Internet Required
Our repeaters are completely standalone. They communicate using LoRa radio signals — no Wi-Fi, no Ethernet, no cellular SIM card. Nothing connects to your network infrastructure.
Minimal Footprint
The entire installation is smaller than a laptop. A compact solar panel and a weatherproof enclosure about the size of a water bottle. We can mount it to HVAC units, parapets, or any existing rooftop structure with no drilling required.
Weatherproof & Low Maintenance
Hardware is rated to -40°F and designed for outdoor Western NY conditions. Once installed, it requires no regular maintenance. We handle any service needs remotely or with a brief site visit.
Community Emergency Infrastructure
Your building becomes part of a radio network that keeps working when cell service goes down. During blizzards, ice storms, or power outages — the mesh stays up. Your tenants and the neighborhood benefit from that.
Removable Anytime
There is no long-term commitment. If your building situation changes, we remove the equipment at no charge and leave no trace. Everything is mounted non-invasively.
Ideal Hosting Locations
Any elevated structure in WNY can help. Here are the types of locations we're actively looking for.
Tall Buildings
Downtown Buffalo and Rochester rooftops provide excellent line-of-sight coverage across the metro area.
Water Towers
Elevated structures in suburban and rural WNY — perfect backbone repeater locations.
Commercial Rooftops
Warehouses, office parks, and retail centers throughout the region, especially near I-90 and Route 20.
Church Steeples & Towers
Historic church towers and community landmarks offer unique elevation in dense neighborhoods.
Hilltop Properties
Rural properties in the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes region, and hill country of WNY.
Industrial Facilities
Factory rooftops and industrial structures, especially in South Buffalo, Cheektowaga, and Lockport.
Finding the Right Fit
We're excited that you want to help grow the network. The right path depends on where you're located — here's how to think about it.
You're in a High-Coverage Location
Hilltops, tall buildings, water towers, church steeples — elevated sites that can bridge long distances or serve hundreds of potential users are the backbone of the network. These are the locations we prioritize. Our team uses signal mapping tools to identify where a repeater will make the most impact.
If your property is one of those spots, we provide and install the hardware at absolutely no cost — and we take care of all ongoing maintenance.
Reach Out — It's FreeYou Have a Residential Home
We genuinely appreciate every homeowner who wants to support the network. As a small volunteer organization building at cost, we focus our free hardware on high-elevation backbone sites — but we still want to help you get connected. You have two solid options:
- 1
At-cost solar node — $80
We source the parts and build the node at cost. Depending on your roof pitch and setup, we may be able to assist with installation as well.
- 2
Build your own
Our community has documented several proven, low-cost DIY solar builds — some under $35. It's more approachable than it sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly will be installed on my building?
A small solar panel (roughly laptop-sized) and a weatherproof enclosure about the size of a water bottle containing the LoRa radio module. The solar panel charges an internal battery, and the whole unit operates completely independently.
Does it need to connect to my building's electrical or network systems?
No. The repeater is entirely self-powered via solar and communicates only via radio signals on the 915 MHz ISM band. It never touches your Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or power systems.
Is there any regulatory issue with hosting a radio transmitter?
MeshCore operates on Part 15 unlicensed ISM band frequencies (902–928 MHz), the same band used by cordless phones and garage door openers. No FCC license is required, and the transmit power is far below regulated thresholds.
I have a residential home — can I still get a repeater?
Absolutely, and we appreciate you wanting to help. WNY MeshCore is an all-volunteer organization, so our free installs are reserved for high-elevation backbone locations that serve the widest area. For residential homes, we offer two paths: we can build and provide a solar node at cost ($80), and assist with installation where the roof setup allows — or you can build your own using our community-documented DIY guides at wnymeshcore.org/guides/nodes-build. Either way, you're contributing to the network.
How do you decide if a location qualifies for a free install?
We use MeshMapper and other signal analysis tools to scout areas where a repeater would have the most impact — typically hilltops, tall buildings, and elevated structures with line-of-sight to large portions of the mesh. If you think your property might qualify, just reach out. We're happy to take a look.
What if we need it removed?
Just use our contact form or reach us on Discord and we'll schedule a removal. There's no contract, no penalty, and we leave no hardware behind.
Who maintains it?
We do. If the unit needs service or replacement, we handle it. You don't need to do anything after installation.
What's in it for us?
Your building becomes part of a radio network that people in WNY can actually use. During an emergency when cell service fails, the mesh keeps working. Your tenants and neighbors benefit from that.
Ready to Partner With Us?
Reach out and we'll walk you through it. A site visit takes under an hour and we handle all the work.