Left to right: PV array for domestic power, Thermal Wall, PV array for thermal wall blower, Solar NS Chair

Halifax County, NS

Musquodoboit Harbour

Keywords: active, air space heating, offgrid, pv, wind turbines

Size:

640 sq ft, 1 baths, 1 bedrooms.

Energy Percents:

% passive, 50% active, 50% external

External Sources:

Oil: 750 litres, Propane: ?? L,

Cost & Value:

Cost: 75,000

Clockwise from top: PV/battery controller, water tank, water pump pressure switch, battery box, and beer.

Purpose

Off-grid year-round cottage

Economics & Performance

Previous winter house was only partially insulated and the solar wall was not installed until late in the season. We used about 1500L of oil. So far, with the solar wall and full insulation we are confident that we can cut that in half, at least.

Lot Characteristics

300 foot frontage on protected salt-water barachois

Description

Primary heat is intended to come from Solar Wall - black, perforated, aluminum siding which preheats air before pumping it (via a PV-powered fan) into the house)., All lighting and well-water is supplied by 24V DC system., Fridge, stove and hotwater are propane., Backup heat is a gravity-fed oil stove., Additional PV with inverter is currently being installed.

Viewing

call 902-441-5746 ask for Derek or Marta

What would we do different?

Solar wall should be heating the slab rather than venting into the living area. Besides being more efficient, it would be quieter. The fan is a fairly good squirrel cage, but still intrusive.