Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

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