Solar Energy Advantages

Solar is a clean, efficient, and sustainable form of energy. When the cost of supplying electricity to remote locations is expensive, solar energy becomes a cost-effective alternative.

Cost Benefits

Costs of PV systems have come down 25 fold over the last 20 years and are now often the most cost effective in remote energy applications such as cabins and resorts.

In remote locations, connecting to the grid is prohibitively expensive, making an alternative power system a necessity. A renewable energy system requiring an inverter application is economically viable in most situations, as the cost of extending grid wiring to a remote location.

A full-scale renewable energy system with an inverter to supply AC power to the house is a cost-effective solution to this problem.

Utilities, too, are looking at the cost benefits of solar power .

The trouble with these times is that the future isn't what it used to be. With electrical restructuring occurring in the US, in Europe and most likely evolving in Canada in the next five years, the electrical utilities are looking for new revenue streams, a better, nature-friendly image with consumers, and a more stable cost structure. Renewable energy provides all three.

People are willing to pay a premium for renewable energy. Several market research studies have confirmed this, and early market experience has confirmed this.

Cost effective, even in more northern locations

A typical active solar thermal system will have about 35% efficiency, and solar photovoltaic is about 12% efficiency. Solar photovoltaic energy generation (PV) has a very bright future. Photovoltaics are economical today, especially if you take into consideration the cost of fossil fuel pollution and global warming.

Using an analysis that takes into account the solar energy available with utility seasonal demand patterns, effective load caring capacity and costs show that solar can be cost effective even in northern areas.

Environmental Benefits
In recent opinion polls, solar energy scored higher than all other forms of energy when participants were asked what type of energy is best for future generations.

Economics of Solar Energy
Solar power systems can be a much less expensive way to develop power on your remote property.

Save Money with Energy Efficiency

Conservation-the first thing to do before buying an independent power system!
Regardless of the power generation source you are using, reducing consumption with energy-efficient appliances and lights will save you money. Even if you decide not to use solar energy, you'll still enjoy the financial benefits of energy efficiency and reduce wear and tear on the environment.

Purchasing energy efficient appliances for your home or cabin often pays itself back immediately on larger solar energy system costs.

Here's some tips on reducing your energy consumption:

Switch incandescent lighting (i.e. bulbs) to energy-efficient compact fluorescent.
Switching to compact fluourescent lights reduces your energy consumption by up to 75%. Compact fluorescent bulbs also last up to eight times longer than conventional incandescent bulbs.

Turn off big lights at nighttime.
By turning off large outdoor floodlights and main interior lights you can significantly reduce your daily power consumption. In a small cabin, switching off two 100-watt outdoor floodlights before you go to bed could reduce your total daily consumption by 25%! Motion sensors for outdoor lighting are also a good idea.

Switch to energy efficient refrigeration.
Refrigeration typically uses the most amount of power in a cabin residence on a daily basis. Switching to a more energy efficient fridge or considering electric models specifically designed for independent power systems are usually worth the investment. Propane refrigerators are commonly used in cabins, and should be seriously considered. SolarSense can provide advice on the types of fridges and options in this area.

Check your windows and doors for heat loss.
Up to one-third of the heat in your home can be lost through poorly fitting windows and doors. Repair or replace poorly fitting windows and doors. Caulk around windows that don't open, and weather-strip around windows that open. To prevent condensation and maintain superior air quality in the house, remember to allow for proper ventilation. Window and door manufacturers, your local home building-product store, or public utility will have information on how to ensure proper home ventilation.

Other power sources that complement solar energy

Solar energy is a great way to provide independent off-grid power. In larger home systems, or cabins with continuous use for extended periods of time, other sources of power have roles to play in developing the most energy efficient approach to your needs.

Generators and Solar Power-perfect partners.
Although solar energy has enormous advantages in the provision of clean environmentally friendly electric power, generators can play a key role in your independent power system. Here's why:

More sun in the summer, less in the winter
For most North American residences, there's one unavoidable fact: it's generally a lot sunnier in the summertime. In fact, solar radiation can be as much as three times greater in the summertime than in the wintertime. Even in sunny locations like San Diego, the amount of wintertime solar radiation is roughly 70% of the summertime amount. Relying completely on solar energy to satisfy your wintertime requirements can result in a massive surplus of power in the summertime, as well as an expensive solar energy system that is oversized for much of the year.

Some appliances consume large amounts of energy - perfect for generator operation
Electric stoves and hot water heaters consume massive amounts of electricity, and will very quickly eat up stored battery power. Running these appliances intermittently with a generator reduces the strain on your solar energy system and allows the generator to do what's it's designed for, supplying power at levels close to full capacity.

If you've already got a generator, it will thank you for going solar!
Most generators are designed to be used at close to their rated output wattage. Therefore, if you have a 20-watt light bulb operating from a 1000-watt generator, it basically takes the same amount of fuel as it would to run 1000 watts - two percent efficiency! To make things worse, your generator is practically idling, which it is not designed for. By using your solar energy system to run smaller, intermittent appliances, you'll reduce the amount of wear and tear on your generator, and enjoy lots more peace and quiet!

We recommend sizing your system to meet your year-round requirements, and use a small generator as a back-up battery charger.

Propane or natural gas cooking, heating and refrigeration

To eliminate the massive electricity draws associated with stoves and electric water tank immersion heaters, consider using propane or natural gas for these appliances.