Location
Didsbury, Alberta
Completion Date
Winter 2023
Category
ResidentialSystem Type
Hybrid Grid-Tied System
Project Size
10 kW Solar Electric PV + 7.2 kW Solar Heating
Equipment Used
23 Solar Electric PV panels (455Watt Longi PV Panels), SolarEdge Grid-Tied string inverter, 3 Solar Thermal Collectors, 300 litter solar hot water tank with internal heat exchangers
Tucked away just outside the charming town of Didsbury, Alberta, the Didsbury Project emerges as a sterling example of hybrid solar system efficiency. Completed in the winter of 2023, this innovative installation combines the strengths of solar electric and solar heating technologies to offer unparalleled energy independence and sustainability.
The project boasts 23 Solar Electric PV panels, totaling 10 Kilowatts, featuring 455Watt Longi PV Panels installed by Greenlight Power, alongside a SolarEdge Grid-Tied string inverter for optimal energy conversion. Complementing the electric array, 3 Solar Thermal Collectors add an impressive 7.2 Kilowatts or 24,000 BTU per hour, catering to the home's domestic hot water and in-floor heating needs.
To ensure optimal energy capture and system protection, the solar thermal collectors were strategically divided: two placed over the house's roof peak and one at the south end of the garage roof peak, all positioned at a 60° angle. This setup not only maximizes winter energy harvest but also shields the system from snow and hail.
Connected to a 300-liter solar hot water tank with internal heat exchangers, the system efficiently distributes heat throughout the home, significantly reducing the need for traditional heating and resulting in considerable savings on gas and electricity. Plans to add a heat dump to the system will further optimize its performance by managing excess summer heat.
Our client was stoked to see the collector temperature reach 72°C, bringing the tank temperature up to almost 70°C during a cold snap.
Showcasing the system's exceptional performance even in the extreme Alberta winter temperatures, which dropped to around −40°C.
This project is not just about immediate energy savings; it's a long-term investment in sustainability. With a 25-year warranty and a design expected to outlast that period, the Didsbury Project illustrates the tangible benefits and reliability of custom hybrid solar systems.
Off Grid Heating took the lead on design and installation, with invaluable input and assistance from the client and expert electrical installation by Greenlight Power. This collaborative effort underscores the project's success and its role as a model of innovative, sustainable energy solutions for years to come.
