Location
Sundre, Alberta
Completion Date
2017
Category
Industrial and FarmingSystem Type
Hybrid Grid-Tied/Off-Grid System
Project Size
24 kW Solar Electric PV + 14 kW Solar Heating
Equipment Used
80 Solar Electric PV panels (320Watt Solarland PV Panels), APSystems Grid-Tied micro inverter, 6 Solar Thermal Collectors, 600 liter solar hot water tank with internal heat exchangers
Nestled just outside the vibrant town of Sundre, Alberta, the Bergen Project stands as a testament to the potential of hybrid solar systems in rural and ranching environments. Completed in 2017, this venture marked one of our initial forays into large ranch-style projects, setting a precedent for sustainable energy solutions in agricultural settings.
The project boasts an impressive installation of 80 Solar Electric PV panels, totaling 24 Kilowatts, utilizing high-efficiency 320Watt Solarland PV Panels coupled with APSystems Grid-Tied micro inverters. Complementing the PV array, six Solar Thermal Collectors were installed to generate an additional 14 Kilowatts or 36,000 BTU per hour, serving as a preheat system to the wood boiler. This dual system provides essential domestic hot water and in-floor heating to both the shop and two residential houses on the property, embodying a seamless integration of grid-tied and off-grid capabilities.
By mounting the solar collectors on the shop wall at a 90° angle, the system is optimized to harvest maximum winter energy while minimizing summer heat intake when less heating is required. This strategic positioning, coupled with a 600-liter solar hot water tank equipped with internal heat exchangers, allows for an efficient sharing of heat with the wood boiler system. The inclusion of a heat dump further enhances the system's efficiency by managing excess summer energy.
The client, Double N Ranch, has expressed immense satisfaction with the system's performance, especially noting its efficiency during the harsh Alberta winters, where collector temperatures soared to 80°C and tank temperatures nearly matched at 75°C, even as outside temperatures plummeted to −40°C.
This project not only offers significant savings on labor, wood, and electricity but also promises a return on investment within 8 to 10 years. With a robust 25-year warranty, the Bergen Project is designed to deliver sustainable energy for many years ahead, representing a cornerstone of our portfolio in customized hybrid solar systems.
Off Grid Heating took the lead on both the design and installation phases, with invaluable collaboration and support from Greenlight Power and the gracious cooperation of Double N Ranch. This project exemplifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of solar technology and its applicability in diverse settings, offering a model for future projects in the agricultural sector and beyond.
As one of our first and most illustrious projects, the Bergen Project continues to serve as a showcase for the capabilities of hybrid solar systems in enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of ranch operations, embodying the spirit of innovation that drives our mission at Off Grid Heating.
