Residential Solar
Generate Your Own Electricity in British Columbia
At Energy Economics, we specialize in designing, installing, and building custom residential solar systems tailored to meet your energy needs. Our comprehensive services ensure a seamless transition to solar power, providing you with reliable, sustainable energy solutions. Whether you’re looking to reduce your electricity bills, increase your home’s energy independence, or develop a complete system to live completely off grid, our team of experts is dedicated to delivering high-quality installations that maximize efficiency and savings.
Residential solar energy harnesses the sun’s power to generate clean electricity, providing you with energy independence and financial benefits. Whether you choose a grid-tied system, an off-grid setup, or a hybrid solution, our expertly designed systems maximize efficiency and adaptability. With Energy Economics, your investment in solar not only enhances your home’s value but also supports a greener future, ensuring your home is powered by renewable energy for years to come.
Off-Grid Solar Systems
Off-grid solar systems are completely independent of the utility grid, relying solely on solar panels and battery storage to meet energy needs. They are ideal for remote locations where grid access is unavailable.
Hybrid Solar Systems
Hybrid solar systems combine grid-tied and off-grid features, allowing homeowners to use solar power, store excess energy in batteries, and still draw from the grid when necessary, providing maximum flexibility and energy security.
Micro-Grid Solar Systems
Micro-grid solar systems are localized networks that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main grid. They are typically used in communities or large properties, offering enhanced energy resilience and independence.
Grid-Tied Solar Systems
Grid-tied solar systems are connected to the local utility grid, allowing homeowners to use solar power when available and draw from the grid when needed. Excess energy can be sent back to the grid, often earning credits.
Solar Panel Racking Options
Link to: Residential Solar Racking
Ground Mount Solar Racking
Ground mount racking securely supports solar panels on the ground, offering flexibility in positioning for maximum energy production.
Learn More
Link to: Residential Solar Racking
Roof Mount Solar Racking
Roof mount racking secures solar panels directly to your roof, optimizing space and maximizing sun exposure.
Learn More
Off-Grid Solar Systems
Total Energy Independence
Off-grid solar systems provide complete energy independence by generating and storing all the electricity needed to power your home, without relying on the utility grid. These systems are ideal for remote locations or for homeowners who seek to live sustainably off the grid. At Energy Economics, we design and build off-grid systems that combine solar panels with advanced battery storage solutions, ensuring reliable power even during periods of low sunlight.
Our off-grid systems are customized to meet your specific energy needs, whether for a remote cabin, a rural home, or a completely self-sufficient lifestyle. By investing in an off-grid solar system, you not only gain independence from rising utility costs but also contribute to a more sustainable future. Our team of experts ensures that your system is designed for maximum efficiency, providing continuous power and peace of mind, regardless of your location or energy demands.
Energy Economics is committed to delivering high-quality off-grid solar solutions that empower you to live comfortably and sustainably, wherever you choose to call home.
Benefits of Off-Grid Solar Systems
Complete Energy Independence: Off-grid systems allow you to generate and store all your electricity, eliminating reliance on the utility grid and protecting against rising energy costs.
Reliability in Remote Locations: Ideal for remote or rural homes, off-grid systems provide a consistent power supply, even in areas without grid access.
Sustainable Living: By producing your own energy, you reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle.
System Components
Racking
A solid foundation to hold your solar panels.
VIEW DETAILS
Racking is essential for securely mounting solar panels on your roof or on the ground. It includes mounting hardware, clamps, and rails, tailored to fit various surfaces like flat roofs, pitched roofs, or ground installations. Properly designed and engineered racking ensures your system withstands environmental factors such as wind lift and snow loads, providing stability and longevity to your solar array. By selecting the right racking system, you ensure your panels remain optimally positioned for maximum efficiency.
Solar Panels
Convert the sun’s energy into DC power.
VIEW DETAILS
Solar panels, or modules, are composed of photovoltaic cells encased in a glass frame, converting sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. High-quality solar panels can convert around 20% of sunlight into usable electricity, which is then inverted into alternating current (AC) to power homes and businesses. Solar panels are the heart of your solar system, harnessing clean, renewable energy to reduce reliance on traditional power sources and lower your electricity costs.
Batteries
Store energy generated by your solar array.
VIEW DETAILS
Batteries play a critical role in off-grid and hybrid solar systems by storing the electricity generated by your solar panels for later use. This ensures a consistent energy supply, even when the sun isn’t shining. Various types of solar batteries, including lead-acid, AGM, lithium-ion, and LiFePO4, offer different benefits depending on your needs. Properly sizing and configuring the battery bank is crucial for maximizing efficiency and extending battery life, providing you with reliable power whenever you need it.
Power Center
Efficiently Integrate and Optimize Your Off-Grid System.
VIEW DETAILS
A Power Center simplifies your off-grid project by integrating and pre-assembling all major components into a single, easy-to-use unit. These centers include wiring, assembly, and thorough testing of components, making the transition to off-grid living more straightforward. Designed to handle the complexities of off-grid systems, Power Centers reduce installation time and ensure that all elements work seamlessly together, providing a reliable and efficient energy solution for independent living.
Hybrid Solar Systems
Flexibility and Reliability Combined
Hybrid solar systems offer the best of both grid-tied and off-grid solutions, providing a versatile and reliable energy setup for homeowners. At Energy Economics, we specialize in designing and installing hybrid systems that allow you to harness solar power, store excess energy in batteries, and still remain connected to the utility grid. This combination ensures that you have a continuous power supply, even during grid outages, while also optimizing cost savings by using stored energy during peak times and selling surplus energy back to the grid.
Our hybrid systems are tailored to your specific energy needs, offering flexibility and control over your energy usage. Whether you want to reduce your electricity bills, ensure energy security, or increase your energy independence, our expert team will guide you through the process from design to installation, ensuring your system is both efficient and cost-effective. With a hybrid solar system from Energy Economics, you can enjoy the benefits of renewable energy while maintaining the reliability of the grid.
Benefits of Hybrid Solar Systems
Flexible Energy Management: Hybrid systems allow you to use solar energy, store excess in batteries, and draw from the grid when needed, offering maximum flexibility and energy security.
Enhanced Reliability: By combining grid-tied and off-grid features, hybrid systems ensure a continuous power supply, even during grid outages, by utilizing stored energy.
Optimized Cost Savings: Reduce energy costs by using solar power during peak times, storing excess energy for later use, and selling surplus energy back to the grid.
System Components
Racking
A solid foundation to hold your solar panels.
VIEW DETAILS
Racking for hybrid solar systems secures panels on your roof or the ground, tailored to different surfaces such as flat roofs or pitched roofs. Engineered to withstand wind and snow loads, the racking ensures stability and efficiency for your system, which combines the benefits of grid-tied and off-grid solutions.
Solar Panels
Convert the sun’s energy into DC power.
VIEW DETAILS
Solar panels in hybrid systems convert sunlight into DC electricity, which is then inverted to AC power for immediate use or stored in batteries for later. These panels are critical in reducing energy costs and increasing energy independence by providing power both from the grid and stored solar energy.
Batteries
Store energy generated by your solar array.
VIEW DETAILS
Batteries in hybrid systems store excess solar energy generated during the day for use when the sun isn’t shining. This ensures that you have a reliable power supply even during grid outages. Proper battery sizing is essential for balancing energy needs and optimizing the efficiency of your hybrid system.
Power Center
Efficiently Integrate and Optimize Your Off-Grid System.
VIEW DETAILS
A Power Center in a hybrid system manages the flow of electricity between your solar panels, batteries, and the grid. It ensures seamless transitions between grid power and stored solar energy, providing flexibility and security in your energy supply. The Power Center optimizes system performance, making hybrid solar an efficient and resilient choice.
Residential Micro-Grid System
Achieve Energy Independence with a Residential Micro-Grid System
A residential micro-grid system provides homeowners with unparalleled energy independence by integrating solar panels, battery storage, and backup generators into a self-sufficient energy network. This system operates autonomously, meaning that it can supply power to your home even when the main utility grid is down. Solar panels generate electricity, which is stored in batteries for later use, while a micro-grid controller manages the distribution of energy to ensure that your home always has a reliable power supply.
The addition of a backup generator, whether propane or diesel, further enhances the resilience of a residential micro-grid. Generators provide crucial support during periods of low sunlight or high energy demand, ensuring that your household remains powered under any conditions. A residential micro-grid is particularly beneficial in remote locations or areas prone to power outages, offering a reliable, sustainable solution that reduces reliance on the traditional grid and contributes to a more sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle.
Benefits of Hybrid Solar Systems
Energy Resilience and Security: Micro-grid systems provide reliable power by operating independently from the main utility grid, ensuring your home remains powered during grid outages or disruptions.
Localized Energy Control: With a micro-grid, you have greater control over energy production and distribution, optimizing efficiency and reducing reliance on external energy sources.
Scalable and Sustainable Solutions: Micro-grids can be tailored to power multiple properties or communities, supporting sustainable living through efficient energy management and reduced carbon footprints.
System Components
Racking
A solid foundation to hold your solar panels.
VIEW DETAILS
Racking for micro-grid systems is designed to securely mount solar panels on various surfaces, whether on roofs or the ground. It is engineered to withstand environmental forces such as wind and snow loads, ensuring your micro-grid operates efficiently and reliably in any location.
Solar Panels
Convert the sun’s energy into DC power.
VIEW DETAILS
Solar panels are the primary energy generators in a micro-grid system, converting sunlight into DC electricity. This electricity can be used immediately, stored in batteries, or distributed across the micro-grid to power multiple properties, enhancing energy independence and resilience.
Batteries
Store and manage energy across the micro-grid.
VIEW DETAILS
In a micro-grid system, batteries store solar energy for distribution across multiple properties, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. Properly sized batteries are essential for maintaining energy balance within the micro-grid, allowing for efficient energy distribution and independence from the main grid.
Micro-Grid Controller
The brain of your micro-grid system.
VIEW DETAILS
The micro-grid controller is the key component that manages energy distribution within the micro-grid. It regulates the flow of electricity between solar panels, batteries, and connected properties, ensuring optimal performance and stability. This controller allows the micro-grid to operate independently or in conjunction with the main grid, providing a resilient energy solution for communities and large properties.
Generator
Reliable backup power for your micro-grid.
VIEW DETAILS
Generators provide essential backup power in a micro-grid system, ensuring continuous energy supply during periods of low sunlight or heavy demand. Both propane and diesel options are available, each offering distinct advantages depending on your energy needs and location. Propane generators are often preferred for their cleaner emissions and longer shelf life, while diesel generators are known for their fuel efficiency and reliability. Integrating a generator into your micro-grid ensures that you have a dependable source of power, even in the most challenging conditions.
Grid-Tied Solar Systems
Self-Generation
Grid-Tied Solar System also known as on-grid, utility-interactive, grid intertie, and grid back feeding is a solar system concept that is connected to the utility power grid via your electrical panel. This “behind the meter” system means the solar panels produce electricity that is fed into the breaker panel and always used first by the owner. If there is surplus it goes out to the grid and is counted as credits on your account.
Because a Grid-Tied Solar System does not require batteries and other equipment to use battery storage energy, it will lower equipment and installation cost allowing you to save more money with solar panels through better efficiency rates and net metering. Grid-tied solar systems are generally cheaper and very simple to install.
Benefits of Grid-Tied Solar Systems
Generate Income: Grid-tied systems allow you to sell excess energy back to the grid, turning your solar investment into a source of income.
Lower Energy Costs: By producing your own renewable energy, you reduce your reliance on the grid, lowering your electricity bills and carbon footprint.
Increase Property Value: Installing a grid-tied solar system can enhance your property’s value by offering energy efficiency and sustainability benefits to potential buyers.
System Components
Racking
A solid foundation to hold your solar panels.
VIEW DETAILS
Racking for grid-tied solar systems secures panels on your roof or the ground. It includes mounting hardware, clamps, and rails designed for various surfaces like flat or pitched roofs. Proper design ensures the racking withstands environmental challenges such as wind and snow loads, optimizing the efficiency and longevity of your grid-tied system.
Solar Panels
Convert the sun’s energy into DC power.
VIEW DETAILS
Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity, which is then inverted to alternating current (AC) for use in your home or business. High-quality solar modules convert about 20% of sunlight into electricity, making them a key component in reducing your reliance on the grid and lowering energy costs.
Inverter
Transform DC power into grid-compatible AC power.
VIEW DETAILS
In a micro-grid system, batteries store solar energy for distribution across multiple properties, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. Properly sized batteries are essential for maintaining energy balance within the micro-grid, allowing for efficient energy distribution and independence from the main grid.
Monitoring System
Keep track of your solar energy production.
VIEW DETAILS
A monitoring system provides real-time data on your solar energy production, helping you track performance and efficiency. It ensures your grid-tied system is operating optimally, allowing you to make adjustments as needed to maximize savings and energy output.
Get to know our work
We have created custom solar solutions for hundreds of clients, across British Columbia. Get to know our work, and see the projects we have helped bring to life.