Reference

Batteries

Lead-acid batteries are considered to be the weak link in renewable energy systems. Today's renewable energy batteries, however, are better than ever, and so are the devices that regulate and protect them. Battery failures are rarely the fault of the batteries themselves. Follow these guidelines to avoid the vast majority of battery problems.

Charge Controllers

A charge controller is an essential part of nearly all power systems that charge batteries, whether the power source is PV, wind, hydro, fuel, or utility grid. Its purpose is to keep your batteries properly fed and safe for the long term.

Inverters

The inverter is one of the most important and most complex components in an independent energy system. To choose an inverter, you don't have to understand its inner workings, but you should know some basic functions, capabilities, and limitations. This article gives you some of the information you'll need to choose the right inverter and use it wisely.

Photovoltaic Technology

There are three general families of photovoltaic (PV) modules on the market today. They are single crystal silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and thin film. This article will help you to understand the differences that are relevant to the system designer and owner.

Surviving winter with a PV power system

The winter season puts photovoltaic systems to the test. The electrical demands are highest while the least amount of sunshine is available. Here are some suggestions for maintenance, plus some tricks-of-the-trade to minimize or eliminate the use of a backup generator.

System Sizing Tool

Before sizing a wind/solar powered system you need to calculate your power consumption. Use the tools on this page to help you get started.

The Power of the Wind

There a lot of different wind turbines out there. How do I know which one is the one for me. How can I estimate its power production or reliability?

Tying into the Grid

If you are thinking about Solar/Wind grid tie in areas serviced by EPCOR or ATCO Electric, take a look here.

Wind Prospecting

Before you invest in a large wind turbine system you may want to know what amount of electricity you can expect to produce.

Further reading

These are some useful guides to help you with your energy efficiency choices.

• Introduction to Photovoltaics (PDF)
• Photovoltaics Buyer guide (PDF)
• Stand-Alone Wind energy Systems (PDF)
• ATCO Energy Sense has a great piece of information on how to manage your home electricity cost (PDF)
• ATCO Energy Sense also offer the Energy Score Card as another tool to reduce your energy costs (PDF)
• Natural Resources Canada offers incentives to make your home more energy efficient. Check out the EnerGuide for Houses if you plan on renovating your home (PDF)
• Looking to up grade your existing windows? Check out this Canmet article (PDF)
• The City Of Portland offers this Green Office guide to help make your place of work more energy efficient (PDF)