Off Grid Systems
(A.K.A. photovoltaic (PV) systems).
Off grid photovoltaic systems can range in size from a simple livestock water pumping station to a very large system capable of supplying electrical power to a home or commercial building. Currently in Canada these systems are mainly used for "off grid" set-ups where electricity is not available, or where connecting to the electrical grid is just too expensive.
Off grid systems are always designed to meet the needs and demand for each application and are often comprised of solar, wind, and fossil fuel generating elements.
How They Work (A Typical Remote System)…
- The solar module and/or wind turbine converts the sun's radiation into DC electricity.
- The electricity runs down the wires to a charge controller.
- The charge controller stores the energy in the battery bank, and protects the batteries from over-charging.
- The batteries can now send power to DC loads (12-48V) or send it though an inverter to power common household appliances (120 or 240 VAC).
Main Components…
- Solar module: a series of wafer-thin silicon cells covered in a protective tempered glass, it converts solar radiation into DC electricity.
- Wires: these vary greatly in size depending on the size of the system
- Charge controller: an electronic device that controls the charge going into the battery bank in order to prevent an overload, and maximize battery life. Some charge controllers come with added features such as digital displays, maximum power point trackers (MPPTs), and low voltage disconnects.
- Battery bank: stores the energy for future use. The battery bank can be as small as two batteries or as large as the loads require.
- Inverter: an electronic device that changes low voltage DC electricity stored in the batteries into high voltage AC electricity.
- DC loads: these batteries store electricity in Direct Current form, so it is more efficient to power up DC loads. This is usually only done in remote settings where twelve volt lighting can be used.
- AC loads: Alternating Current is what powers most household items.
The Details…
- Lifetime: The standard lifetime of a system is 20 to 25 years, however with proper maintenance it can easily surpass this.
- Costs: Small cottage systems can start at as low as $4000. Firm quotes are available: please see our Site Evaluation page.
- Service Requirement: Service requirements vary depending on the type of system. Lead acid battery systems require regular monitoring, at minimum on an annual basis. Service visits are available at a cost of $75 per visit.
- Rebates: All PV systems are eligible for an eight percent PST rebate and some federal rebates through the EnerGuide for Houses program.
- Installation Time: The typical cottage system takes two days; installation time for residential systems varies depending on the size of the residence.
- Warrantee: All of our systems carry a complete two year warrantee on labour. Equipment warrantees vary from supplier to supplier.
- Payment Terms: A 30% deposit is taken at the start of installation, with the balance due within 30 days.
Common Myths…
An Off-Grid PV system will never pay for itself.
False: In many cottage situations the cost of simply connecting hydro lines is many times what an off grid PV system would cost. With PV there are no monthly service charges.
Canada doesn't have enough sun for PV.
False: Canada has more solar potential than Germany and Japan; the current leaders in installed PV capacity.