A power generating apparatus for use in remote locations, the apparatus including a static base adapted to support a housing and an elongate device support element which is adapted to be upstanding in use, wherein the housing is insulated; an electrical energy storage assembly located within a compartment defined by the housing, the electrical energy storage assembly having an electrical input and an electrical output, and comprising one or more rechargeable batteries; an electrical energy generator carried externally by the housing, wherein the electrical energy generator is the sole source of electrical energy and is in the form of one or more photovoltaic panels configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy, the electrical energy from the electrical energy generator being electrically connected to the input of the energy storage assembly; and a powered device carried by the device support element, the powered device being selected from a camera, a lighting apparatus, a wireless communications assembly and combinations thereof, wherein the powered device is electrically coupled to the output of the energy storage assembly.