EPISODE VI Everything you need to know about solar

Have you ever asked yourself these questions:

• Is solar right for me?
• How do I know what to install?
• Am I allowed to?
• Is it cost-effective?
• Should I add batteries?
• And many more...

If so, this episode is for you! We tackle all these questions and more with Fred, owner and president of Alt-Énergie.

And the best part ? We do it in a completely self-sufficient house. 🔋

Happy listening ! 🎧

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FAQ

What does energy self-sufficiency mean?

It depends on the person, and it is the first thing to define with a specialist. Some want to eliminate every generator or fuel, out of conviction; others simply have a remote site to power practically and accept a backup generator a few days a year. This choice completely changes the size and cost of the system.

What does a fully off-grid house look like?

The house visited in the episode, the family home of Frédéric Lavoie of Alt-Énergie, starts with its design: south-facing, shaded from summer heat and very well insulated. Heating is by gas, wood and a glycol system, while 32 panels of 400 W (12.8 kWp) and a 15 kW inverter supply all the electrical needs of a standard home.

How do you assess your electricity needs for an off-grid project?

List every appliance with its power in watts and hours of use, then average it per day, per week and sometimes per season. A professional's experience helps catch forgotten needs. The larger the project and the more autonomy matters, the more precise this assessment must be.

Do you have to connect to Hydro-Québec's grid?

According to Frédéric Lavoie, no law requires you to connect, even if the grid runs past the house; municipal bylaws still apply. But if the grid is available at a reasonable cost, staying off-grid rarely pays off: the grid acts as a battery. Off-grid makes the most sense when a connection is unavailable or expensive.

Does an off-grid solar system need much maintenance?

Very little, because there are almost no moving parts. In Quebec, the most frequent question is how to deal with snow on the panels.