Lunenburg County, NS

Upper Branch

Keywords: offgrid, pv

Year Built:

1860's?

Size:

1000 sq ft, 0 baths, 2 bedrooms.

Energy Percents:

30% passive, 70% active, % external

External Sources:

Wood: 3-5 cords, Propane: 250 L,

Cost & Value:

Cost:

Purpose

To provide electricity to a house which has never been on the grid.,

Economics & Performance

Within the first year of operation of the PV panels, the supply got low in late November. This was due to neglecting to change the angle of the collectors, and lack of attention. As well as low sun angle dipping behind perimeter trees.

Lot Characteristics

Hilltop site, house facing south-east with windows facing south-east and south-west. 1.5 kms off the main road.

Description

Post and beam original construction with full basement of large granite fieldstone, dirt floor. Water delivered by hand pump. Grey water in kitchen only. Basement has been damp proofed, and has new cold cellar.

Solar Voltaic 375 watt panels, two 6 volt s-530 Surrette batteries, Morningstar charge controller, Eliminator 400 watt inverter.

Suppliers

Kyocera: Panels

Morningstar: Charge controller

Canadian Tire: Inverter

Installers

Ann Bromley

Comments

Near the Monk Road intersection in Upper Branch

What would we do different?

Increase number of batteries. Move the panels outside perimeter. Change the angle of the collectors on a seasonal basis.