A video released by Nihtat Energy shows how solar can be an effective power source for cabins in the Beaufort Delta.
Nihtat Energy Ltd. president Grant Sullivan produced the video after the Hamlet of Aklavik reached out to him.
"While this system was being developed for cabin owners in the Beaufort Delta which are very remote and hard to get to," he said in the video. "There's a lot of other applications to cabin owners in other locations."
At the base of the system is a battery-inverter package, the Yeti 3000X Goal Zero. It can store 3000 Watts of energy and is chargeable with numerous sources, including solar panels, generators and wall outlets. This allows for multiple power sources to account for the winter months and the system includes a 600 watt fast-charging system.
To show the basics of how to manage a system, Sullivan demonstrates with a panel of 100 Watt light bulbs. He then switches the lights to LED Lights to show the difference in power load.
'Greening' your cabin
In addition, the video also lists off sensible uses for solar at beaufort cabins.
"Most cabins today, people use their cell phones and their laptops pretty consistently," explains Sullivan. "Most cabin owners today have a television as part of their cabin as well."
Other electronics demonstrated to be solar-friendly include a modern refrigerator and sewing machine. It's even possible to use solar to charge other batteries for cordless power tools and machines — even e-bikes.
Sullivan notes the best time to charge other batteries are on sunny days to maximize the energy storage.
"When you have excess watts you always want to make sure you use them," he said. "If your battery is full, how do you get the most out of them?"
Cleaner and quieter
Panels are a required part of any solar system. In his demonstration, Sullivan uses six panels, able to draw 600 watts of energy. All in all, the system can run all the electronics in the demonstration for 22 hours from full charge.
"Everyone will end up using this system in a different way," said Sullivan. "What I've tried to demonstrate here is a typical cabin and what I would think would be used at a cabin.
"But what i think the system is really showing here is there all there are alternatives than a traditional generator running 24/7 with noise and fumes, that a system like this can actually operate the bulk of your needs at a cabin."
Watch the video
