The Different types of Solar Systems

Link to example prices here

An Introduction to the Systems:

Solar can be integrated into different situations in many ways and it would be too confusing to list all the possibilities here, but these are the most common. For example, we see situations where the system is designed to be off grid but uses the grid for backup since a connection may already exist, and so on. So if you don’t see an exact system that suites your situation, that is alright, we build systems to suit your needs. These also form a framework so you can see what approximate pricing may be.

Our "Connected Series" grid-tied systems:

Straight grid-tie systems have the advantage of being the most economical; they take the least amounts of components to build and are simple. When you produce more power than you use, your surplus green / renewable electricity goes into the grid to be used by others. When you use more energy than you produce or at night when your solar panels do not produce, power produced by your utility is sent to you via the grid. No matter what size system you have, you do not have to make any lifestyle changes.

The disadvantages are that if the grid fails there is no reserve power so you are not protected from power outages. Solar panels are wired specially for grid-tied inverters and would require rewiring if you want to add battery back-up later. These systems are very popular in southern climates where the longer power outages can be merely inconvenient, not life threatening.

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Our "Secure Series" grid-tied battery backup systems:

Battery backup systems have all the benefits of being grid tied as above, but also have battery reserve capacity that will get you through power outages. The solar panel array is wired to a lower voltage, so that the different power inverter can work efficiently charging your batteries and send power to and from the grid. The increase in cost is minimal and most customers like the added feature of having their solar and keeping some too.

Grid tie in Alberta:

Part of the Boyd advantage is that Boyd helps you through the paperwork. Unfortunately, present Alberta legislation is outdated and very complicated for "microgeneration," which all residential and small commercial installations fall under. While we are working within this framework we are awaiting the new legislation for simplified hook up due in January 2009. Although we do all your applications for connection to the grid and ready them for you to sign, and quickly submit your applications, the process itself is still slow, from 6 months to 2 years. We have no control over the line owners, retailers, or government. We apologize for the inconvenience. We recomend systems that do not sell back to the grid at this time but be prepared to do so when it becomes easier to connect.

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Our "Independence Series" off-grid systems:

Off grid systems come ready for stand-alone service, but are ready to be augmented with generator or wind backup if desired to reduce the system's required size for our very short winter days. These systems are as or more reliable than grid power, and take very little maintenance (but remember your generator). Your lifestyle depends on the size of the system but our residential systems can be built to over 30KW for even the most exuberant green lifestyle. Most of our customers become more power aware and find it fun to chase waste out of their electrical lives. Adjustment is merely attitude and doing the same things but doing them differently: the majority relate that their new solar lives are better overall, and have no lifestyle regrets.