Solar Power

Off-grid vs Grid-tied:

If you have access to a local power utility (Nova Scotia Power), a grid-tied solar power system is the most economical choice. A grid-tied system connects the solar panels to your main electrical panel through a standard breaker. While the solar panels are generating under the sun, the power can be consumed by other circuits in your home, but otherwise feeds back into the grid through your power-meter. This lowers your power bill as you pay only the net consumption, and in some cases, the power utility will even pay you for generating more than you consumed.

If you do not have access to the grid at your camp or cottage, or you simply don’t want to be dependent on the grid, an off-grid system can allow you to truly generate your own power. Off-grid systems generally require a bank of batteries to maintain a consistent power supply, and that tends to limit the size and scope of these systems. There are small and simple options to provide a couple outlets for things like lights, electronics, or a small fridge. There are also options for high-load applications, or integration with fuel-based generators.

String Inverter vs Micro-Inverters:

Among grid-tied systems, there are 2 main groups, those with a string inverter, and those with micro-inverters. All solar panels produce DC electricity, but the grid is AC, so inverters are required to make the conversion. Micro-inverters are small devices that mount underneath and are connected one for one to each solar panel. A string inverter takes the combined DC output of many panels and makes the conversion in a central device.

A string inverter installation tends to be the most cost effective. But with micro-inverters, each panel’s output is independent and unaffected by shading or orientation of other panels in the array.