Sproat Lake, Vancouver Island, BC

Latest Articles

Solar With Confidence

Why Support Makes All the Difference Introduction Investing in a solar system is a big decision, one that can transform your relationship with energy, save you money over time, and bring you closer to energy independence. But while the technology itself is powerful, the real game-changer is support. Whether you’re buying a solar system for…
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MPPT VOLTAGE & CURRENT

Understanding Voltage and Current in MPPT Solar Controllers Introduction When designing or installing a solar power system, especially for off-grid or hybrid setups, one of the most critical components to consider is the MPPT solar charge controller. Whether you’re using a standalone unit, like the Victron 250/100, or a hybrid inverter with built-in MPPTs, such…
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What is a Bypass Switch?

Understanding the Role of a Bypass Switch in Solar Systems Introduction Last week, I wrote about portable power stations, inspired by a customer who chose one to power their cabin instead of a full solar system. Since their energy needs are minimal, this solution works well. However, if the battery runs low at night, the…
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Portable Power Stations vs. Permanent Solar Systems

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Cabin Introduction A customer recently asked me to install a bypass switch in their cabin so they could easily connect a portable power station, such as a Bluetti or Anker SOLIX. The idea was simple, they wanted the flexibility to use one of these units instead of installing a…
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Protect Yourself from Solar Scams

The Importance of Education and Choosing the Right Installer Introduction I recently had a conversation with one of my connections through our network, and the stories he shared about the number of solar scams out there were really eye-opening for me. Innocent people are being taken advantage of, which caught me off guard. But on…
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Springtime Solar Issues

Essential Seasonal Checks to Keep Your System Running Smoothly Introduction As temperatures rise and spring approaches, many of my customers are returning to their off-grid cabins and homes. While some live off-grid year-round, others only spend time there from spring through fall, or even just during the summer months. This means that many of these…
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Dual Purpose Lithium Battery

High-Performance for Cranking and Deep-Cycle Applications Introduction When I first came across these dual-purpose lithium batteries, I saw them as a major leap from traditional deep-cycle batteries used for storage or electric vehicles. But then I remembered a video I watched years ago, where someone started a car using a small lithium battery and a…
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What Is A Microinverter?

How Does It Work And Where Would I Want One ? Introduction When I was first introduced to solar around 2008, the focus was primarily on off-grid systems. This may have been because I was deeply involved in the telecom industry, where power and storage were critical, and my work centered around battery backup systems.…
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Top 5 Questions To Ask Before Going Solar

Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before You Buy Introduction I have countless conversations with customers, potential customers, friends, and colleagues, I live and breathe solar every single day. Whether it’s batteries, the latest inverter technology, or system design, solar is always at the forefront. If you’re considering generating your own power, it’s essential to connect…
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Understanding Dry Contact Relays

How They Work and Why They Matter For Your System Introduction Imagine you have a light switch in your home, but instead of directly turning on a light, it simply tells another switch to do the job. This is similar to how a dry contact relay works. It’s a type of electrical switch that doesn’t…
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