Solar energy - Off-grid solar power/electric/photovoltaics tour/details with backup generator

[abisoxth]

do you have any problems with animals, cats, birds etc.. and the solar panels????

[RimstarOrg]

@abisoxth I have cleaned bird droppings off panels. Rain tends to keep them clean in summer. In winter snow becomes an issue. The maintenance you need to do depends on where you live.

[namesleft]

how much would a system like that cost

[RimstarOrg]

@namesleft Around $40000. The components are the same as in any off-grid PV system but this is a large system (2 inverters, 2 charge controllers, large battery bank, 10kW generator) almost capable of keeping people in a city type lifestyle. Even then it can use more solar panels; there aren't enough non-shaded areas on the property.

[namesleft]

@RimstarOrg even a wind gen would help (yep i am just north of kingston) is that instaled or an install your self price thanks

[RimstarOrg]

@namesleft That's an install yourself price (estimate, I don't have the exact figure.) In case you ask, I don't know what install costs came too - I'm just one of the guys who worked on it. There was quite a bit of work involved and it was around 2 hours out of town.

I don't know how much wind they have up there. It'd have to be a very tall tower, though; tall trees all around. Good possible alternative though.

[namesleft]

@RimstarOrg even a wind gen would help (yep i am just north of kingston) is that instaled or an install your self price thanks (or can you add a wind gen to it)

[RimstarOrg]

@namesleft Oh, and it's in Quebec, near Ottawa, Ontario (I noticed you're in Ontario too.)