Solar Photovoltaic

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are capable of generating electricity for a wide range of applications:

• marine and aviation navigation lights
• water pumping
• telecommunication and weather stations
• oil and gas SCADA systems
• off-grid remote houses
• remote lighting applications
• off-grid lodges for fishing, hunting, and eco-tourism
• grid-tied to help contribute to Green Energy initiatives, reduce peak power loads and save on utility bills
• residential supplement power

The size of your solar system depends on a number of factors, such as the amount of electricity you use, the amount of solar resources at the site, the number of days of backup that you require for an off-grid system, and the peak electricity demand at any given time. Sufficient battery storage can easily allow a solar PV system to operate fully independent of the electrical grid.

Ideally, PV modules should be oriented due south (between south-east and south-west if absolutely necessary). PV panels generally need an unobstructed view of the sun throughout the year. Systems can be sized to provide 100 percent of your electricity consumption at a cottage or campsite, or as a supplement to conventional utility fed electricity.

The efficiency of solar PV increases in colder temperatures and is particularly well-suited for the Canadian climate. A number of technologies are available which offer different solar conversion efficiencies and pricing.

Solar PV modules can be grouped together as an array of series or parallel connected modules to provide any level of power requirements, from watts (W) to kilowatts (kW) and megawatts (MW) in size.

At this time, there are no national incentive programs for the installation of solar electric systems. Provincial governments have implemented various incentive programs for renewable energy that you may be eligible for. For example, ProQuip provides Solar PV microFIT solutions qualifing under the Ontario Power Authority's FIT program. Details can be downloaded here microfit program_web.pdf .  More information on the  micro-FIT program can be reviewed on the OPA website. The OPA will pay you up to 80.2 cents/kWh for solar PV power applications. You will get paid for the power you produce and contribute to the development of clean, renewable energy in Ontario at the same time.

For an accurate assessment of your needs and your site, a qualified ProQuip representative will provide you with the guidance that you need. Feel free to contact us for a no obligation consultation.