Solar Photovoltaic Energy | Applications

Telecommunications Repeater Stations

Telecommunications repeater station, Aliant Telecom

Aliant Telecom (formerly Newtel Communications) operates 15 telecommunications repeater stations at remote sites that are not connected to Newfoundland's electrical grid. A typical site has a peak load of roughly 1 kW, and energy requirements of approximately 21 kWh per day. Electricity is stored in deep-cycle lead-acid batteries with a capacity of 3,385 Ah. The battery string voltage is 48 VDC, standard in the telecommunications industry. The peak power of the PV array is 8.5 kW. 2 10-kW diesel gensets provide power when there is not enough sunlight to maintain an adequate charge level in the battery bank. For more information, see the RETScreen case study .

Communications Tower, NorthwesTel

This communications tower is powered by 1.5 kW PV array, two 10 kW diesel generators, and a 24-V battery string. The PV panels supply roughly 75% of the required energy, while a diesel generator provides power during periods when sunlight is scarce. This type of hybrid system is very cost-effective in this type of situation because of the difficulty in accessing the site (accessible only by helicopter).

Cottages and remote residences

Residence, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory

This house, located near Whitehorse, Yukon, is powered by a PV-diesel hybrid power-system with a 1-kWp PV array, and a 10-kW diesel generator set. The occupants use various non-continuous loads at various times of day, which leads to a scattered profile with high consumption-peaks. Some of the heavy loads are powered directly by the genset, which must operate at those times.

Aurum Lodge, Nordegg, Alberta

The Aurum Lodge  is located near Nordegg, Alberta and is powered by a hybrid stand-alone power system consisting of a 1.4 kW PV array, a 2.5 kW wind turbine and a 8.5 kW propane genset. This eco-tourism country lodge apply sustainable building practices to reduce wastes and energy consumption and to produce energy in an environmentally friendly way.

Parks in Remote Areas
 

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve

The Gwaii Haanas PV Hybrid system is located at the park warden station in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, on Ellen Island, Queen Charlottes, British Columbia, Canada. The system provides power to various loads in the park warden residence. The residence is occupied during the summer only. During the spring and autumn, there are occasional visits by park personnel. The power system consists of a 1.5 kW PV array, a 5 kW diesel genset and a 12 V battery bank.