Page 34 - GBC winter 2015

GettinG starteD
First things first, where and when are you using the most power? Before you invest in a solar power energy system, it is important to know that your business is the most efficient with the energy that it uses. This will ensure that if you decide to invest in solar, you are installing the appropriate size project for your usage, the right kind of system (off grid, on grid or hybrid) and ensure you are getting the biggest and fastest return on your investment.
Provincial governments across the board offer rebates and financial incentives to complete an energy efficiency audit. You can find a program for your area at the Natural Resources Canada web page: www.naturalresourcescanada.ca.
tHe riGHt systeM
After figuring out where and how you are using the most power, you need to determine what system is right for your business. There are a few different options when considering solar panels.
Left: An inside look at the battery arrangement to store energy generated from solar panels.
Right: Solar panels are professionally installed on a facility roof.
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Grid-tied systems: Are connected to the electrical grid, allowing you to use solar energy as well as electricity from the grid. When there is no demand for energy, the solar panels send excess electricity back into the grid and receive credit for the excess energy you generate and is typically credited as a kilowatt-hour credit on the next month’s bill. Net metering policies and agreements are different for each province.
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Golf Business Canada
Off-grid system: Requires that the solar panels are able to produce enough electricity to cover 100% of the energy needs of the building. Most systems usually incorporate either a battery (to store excess energy produced during the day), a backup source of energy (like a generator), or both. Off-grid systems are most common in remote locations without utility service and operate independently from the local utility grid.
Hybrid: Grid-tied systems can be upgraded to include a battery backup: a bank of deep-cycle batteries. The backup battery is charged by both the grid and the solar panels. In the event of an outage, the backup battery will need to be switched on either manually or with an automatic system to provide backup power to the building.