The sceneYou’re in the process of putting together a solar energy system. You’ve picked a brand of solar panel that will fit your needs, and have chosen a 150V MPPT charge controller to manage the battery charging. You’ve done the…
The Best Solar Modules in 2023
Looking for information on the best solar modules on the market in 2023?This page serves as an update on our earlier article regarding the methods we use at Modern Outpost to select from the many brands of solar modules on…
Fridge or Freezer Emergency Back-Up Power
This is a very popular question these days. Your fridge is one of your home’s central appliances, and is one of the tools that comes in very handy when you are living through a prolonged power outage. Not to mention…
BC Utilities Commission Decision on BC Hydro Net Metering Program Amendment Application
The long-awaited verdict regarding the proposed changes has been posted by the BCUC this past weekend. In brief, the decision boils-down to 3 key points… BC Hydro Net Metering Program participants are no longer restricted in the size of the…
Solar Charging An Electric Vehicle
Ah, the lure of the electric vehicle. What’s not to like? Amazing driving experience and emissions free. Best of all, you will pay about $500 per year on electrons instead of over $2,000 per year on gasoline. And feel true…
Energy & Utility Bankruptcy – Who Pays?
This week, PG&E started the process of filing for bankruptcy protection in the fallout of this past summer’s massive California wildfire season. GreenTech Media covers the announcement here… https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/pge-files-for-bankruptcy-protection-facing-billions-in-wildfire-liabilities?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Daily&utm_campaign=GTMDaily#gs.1m8zMEz0 This raises the important question of how exposed energy & utility…
New Federal Tax Policy to Stimulate Investment in Renewable Energy & Energy Conservation
This just in this morning from the Canadian Solar Industries Association… This week’s Federal Fall Economic Statement contains a new measure that will drive significant investment in Canada’s clean technology sector(s). “Full Expensing for Clean Energy Equipment” enables renewable energy…
BC Hydro Net Metering Program Still Pays For Power!
There has been a lot of misinformation floating around since BC Hydro announced changes to the BC Hydro Net Metering Program last spring. I’ve been reading articles and comments that the program has been killed. This is NOT the case.…
How “Green” Is Your Green Energy?
When it comes to green, renewable energy, solar PV tends to hold the high ground. More quiet than wind generators. More accessible than micro hydro. Just install your solar panels and sit back & read the good news every time…
Unhappy With Your Power Bills?
Are you unhappy with your power bills? Would you like a clean, quiet way to reduce them while adding to your home’s value? You have come to the right place. I just finished 3 days of continuous talking at the Comox…
Fall Planning For Solar In Spring
It’s October. The weather is changing here in Canada, and with a waning summer sun, it doesn’t really seem like the time to be discussing solar power. But in fact it is the best time to discuss solar and how…
Emergency Power For Your Home
Emergency Power. In the aftermath of one of the largest power outages in BC history (2015), where more than 700,000 people lost their connection to the BC Hydro grid, many for up to 5 days, I decided to write this…
Solar Trickle Charging Vehicle Batteries
Need to store an RV, car, boat, SeaDoo, or ATV for the winter? Here’s a quick look at your solar options for keeping your vehicle battery maintained through our Canadian winter, and avoid the cost of a ruined battery in…