Getting Off the Electric Grid: Is the Sun All We Need?

Solar Power Systems have been getting a lot more attention in the last few years. While most of the attention has been focussed on “Grid Interactive” systems, there is a growing desire to go “Off Grid”.

Is being totally solar powered possible or feasible? Why go “Off Grid”? What are the pros and cons to living “Off Grid”? What makes up a good “Off Grid” system? Different philosophies in going “Off Grid” will determine the type of “Off Grid” system. What are the paybacks, or are there any? What is it like living “Off Grid”? What are the challenges?

Electrical codes, safety codes, Government regulations, human resources and weather all affect the design and installation of both the “On” and “Off Grid” installations. What challenges do these represent? Energy efficiency and lifestyle play a large part in the design and size of the system. Is a lifestyle change required? Is going “Off Grid” for me?

Speaker: Erhard Hermann, CME Erhard is a Certified Master Electrician and Certified Hydronic Designer. He has worked with electricity from his youth and always strived to learn and perform excellent work. He received several awards during his schooling and training and continued by taking on the various challenges that arose during his career. This led to his work in leadership, troubleshooting, electrical controls and other challenging work. Erhard is one of Alberta’s pioneers in renewable energy with the primary focus of providing quality, reliable storage based systems in Alberta and the NWT. He has extensive experience in the testing of these systems at his home and shop, which is one of the most comprehensive and complex private test centers of renewable energy products. He now focuses his attention on “Off Grid” Solar Power systems and custom electrical control systems. Moderator: Mark Goettel Date: Thursday, December 10, 2015 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea at the presentation)

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