IES sells pre-designed DIY kits for our customers. IES can also work with you to create custom systems to best suit your needs.

This solar panel system is installed on an isolated island located in northern, Ontario. This is a relatively small cottage with limited energy requirements. Keeping ice longer than a few days has always been difficult at this cottage. Running a generator is loud and inconsiderate to their neighbors.  This solar panel system allows the owners to come to their island with less supplies and have the piece of mind knowing they can now stay for extended periods with the new addition of a NEW mini fridge. The frequency of use at this cottage is light. Overnight stays are limited to 4 or 5 nights. The batteries are given enough time to reach 100% prior to the next visit.

The owners will eventually add 2 more panels and upgrade their battery bank for more electricity and added amenities to their cottage

System components:

• 2 x 280W solar panels. Mono-Crystalline
• Applicable wiring, battery jumpers, inverter cables.
• Kisae 1000W true sine wave inverter. 120V
  • digital display indicates amp draw and battery voltages
• 45 AMP  MPPT Tristar charge controller
• 3 x 125ahr 12V batteries

This system runs;

• 4 LED light fixtures (in each of the 2 bedrooms, living room/kitchen, outside deck)
• CD player/Radio
• Mini fridge. 5.3cuft with inside freezer tray
• USB charging for cell phones
• Charging Laptops

The owners have learned their systems limitations and conserve electricity whenever possible. Adding 2 more solar panels will make a significant difference to this systems ability to keep the batteries charged during visits to the cottage.

Things to consider for your project:

• Shade has a major impact on the performance of your solar panels. If you have a shady location it is very important to find the best site for maximum sun exposure. If that sun exposure is limited in duration, you can offset this lack of sun by adding more solar panels.
• The longer you stay at your cottage, the more electricity you will need. Keeping food cold or frozen requires more energy than you might think. If in doubt, add more panels.
• Solar panels are the cheapest part of a battery back up system. You will never regret over-sizing your solar panels.

Call IES or send us an email with questions or help on designing your system.

905-562-1426. Sales@iesinc.ca