Vancouver Island solar projects and installations.
Off Grid Lakehouse
Challenge
Bringing power to a brand new off-grid lakehouse. The Finished solar system powers lighting, septic pump, well pump and furnace fan as part of a whole off grid power solution that includes propane and a generator for backup.
Solution
- PANELS
Installed two solar arrays that collect maximum solar energy using six 400W panels in a limited space. - AUTOMATIC GENERATOR STARTUP
Included an Automatic Generator Start (AGS) to seamlessly support solar power when batteries get low. - VENTED BATTERY BOX
Installed a custom-built battery enclosure that vents to the outside. The battery bank uses 16 6-Volt batteries connected to create a 48V DC supply. - RAPID SHUTDOWN
System design includes rapid shutdown disconnects with RSD switch for safety, as per the new CEC standards. - CONTROLLER
Installed a controller that grabs the DC power from the solar arrays and converts it to 48V DC, supplying energy to the battery bank and the inverter. - INVERTER CHARGER
Installed a Inverter Charger to convert the DC power received from the controller into household power.
Complete Off Grid Solar System Upgrade
Challenge
Existing solar system could not sufficiently provide enough power to enjoy the client’s lakeside off-grid home. Installation of a completely new system was required.
Solution
- SOLAR PANELS
The original solar provided a total of 200W, enough to power some lighting and a few small devices. Installed a new solar array that provides five times the original output. - SOLAR CONTROLLER
Installed a new 60AMP 150V solar controller that takes the power from the panels, regulates and controls it with the latest programmable features, and allows the client to add more panels to the system in the future. - INVERTER CHARGER
A new 24V 4KW inverter charger was selected to create a system powerful enough to energize not only lighting but multiple devices and appliances such as the dishwasher, well pump and power tools. These items previously needed a gas generator to power them. - BATTERIES
Designed a new battery bank with powerful lead carbon chemistry involving no maintenance and improving the lives of the individuals who continuously had to test and add fluids to the old bank of wet lead acid batteries.
Off Grid Solar Ground Mount Upgrade
Challenge
A recent upgrade to an older off-grid solar system included a new inverter charger and batteries, but the outdated and under-powered solar panels lacked the proper output to effectively charge the new battery bank. Installation of a new ground mounted solar array, new controller, and breakers were needed to complete this upgrade successfully.
Solution
- SOLAR PANELS
Installed two new strings of panels to adequately supply sufficient power to the system. - SOLAR CONTROLLER
Upgraded solar controller to accommodate the increased level of power coming from the array. - BREAKERS
Added necessary breakers with a new disconnect at the array and a higher amp rated breaker at the DC side of the electrical panel.