Are you looking to drastically reduce generator fuel costs?
Have you considered making the switch to solar energy?
We’ve seen an increasing number of fly-in lodges move away from reliance on generators and embrace renewable energy.
Does this sound like something that could benefit your camp? Check out the case study link below showcasing the success of other lodges.
If you would like to explore this further or have any questions please reach out to us at Raysolar. Or visit our Off-Grid load calculator to see your recommended system size.
CASE STUDY
3-Season Fly- In Fishing Lodge
Background
A 25kW generator, producing 34 horsepower (hp) of electrical output experiences 33% of energy loss, requiring 51 hp to generate the full 25kW. This results in 9 litres per hour, or 216 litres a day. Over a month this adds up to 6480 litres of fuel. To account for varying demand we assume a 25% duty cycle, reducing fuel usage to a quarter of the calculated amount.
Transportation Costs
For fuel transport, a 100 km one way (200 km round-trip) hauling 1,081 litres (approximately 2000 lbs) of fuel costs close to $2,000. This equates to $1.85 per litre for transportation costs, bringing the total cost per litre to approximately $3.50.
Fuel Consumption Costs
Given the fuel consumption rates above the total monthly cost is approximately $5,670. With a 6-month operational season this works out to $34,020 per season.
Proposed Solution
The above situation would be resolved with a system containing:
- 30 kW Inverter
- Approximately 22kW of Solar
- Ground Mount Racking System 40°
- Approximately 68 kWh Usable Battery Capacity
System
Cost and Payback Period
The generator is only used during extended cloudy periods when solar is insufficient The total system has an estimated cost of around $190,000. In a 34-month operational timeframe you would recoup the entire cost of the system through savings in fuel and transportation.
Our
Testimonials
They advised me that the system they would install would meet all my electrical needs. I paid extra to get three days of reserve for cloudy days. I outlined for them all my electrical needs.
The system never performed as promised. Only from end of July to beginning of August did their system ever give me the energy needed.
Otherwise, I was woken during the night, with alarms, saying the system is shutting down because of low battery charge.
Numerous calls to Ray solar were met with no interest in resolving the problem. They never suggested a fix. Never offered to come out and look at the system. They had my money. They had no further interest.
They attached the panels to the side of my water tower. In a high wind, the whole thing blew over because it was off balance.
I sold their equipment for a third of what I paid for it. I installed a whole new system from a different company. They have provided after sales service. Their system works like a charm and provides all the power I need anytime of the day or night. It produces full power from spring until fall.
I would stay away from Ray solar. They were never competent to assess my power needs. They didn’t care of that the system didn’t work.
I am out a lot of money because of them.
Amazing service. After two years we are still thrilled with the solar system. We are planning to build a more permanent home and will definitely go back to Ray Solar for our next solar system.
The after completion service was excellent as well responding to a small issue after hours to ensure that the system was operating properly.
I would recommend Raysolar for your solar needs!