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OFF-GRID: REMOTE HOMES & CABINS

Reed Point Solar

Independent Power Systems, Inc. designs and installs remote off-grid electrical power systems that utilize state of the art equipment for cabins, full-time homes and lodge settings. Our systems employ components and methods with which we have many years of experience.

All off-grid electrical systems have three things in common: one or more energy sources, energy storage (battery bank), and a power conversion unit (inverter). There are many different sizes and types of each of these components and each is interdependent on the others. Our off-grid systems employ the highest quality components available and we work closely with the system owner to customize the power system to meet specific applications, no pre-boxed systems, we design our systems to meet your needs, not ours.

All systems provide continuous, high quality power. Cabins should be wired with conventional methods.

Main Components

Energy Sources
The energy sources typically are a combination of two or more of the following electrical generators: a solar array, a wind generator, and an engine generator. Each source has its own merit and can be easily combined with another to form a very efficient and reliable power source.

• Solar array: A solar array is an assemblage of solar panels. Solar panels convert sunlight into energy. The amount of energy a solar array produces depends on the size and number of panels employed and the time of year. The main virtues of solar energy include: silent power production, zero emissions released into the air, no maintenance, and they will provide reliable power for 50 years or more.
• Wind generator: A wind generator converts wind energy into electricity. The higher the wind speed, the more electricity produced. Wind generators are a practical option only in areas that are exposed and receive average annual wind speeds of at least 9 miles per hour. The main virtue of a wind generator is that it produces electricity in a complementary manner to solar power, such as during the night and in winter.
• Engine generator: The engine generator uses fuel (primarily propane) to produce electricity. Typically used to supplement the renewable energy sources (which are weather dependent), the main virtue of an engine generator is that it will supply electricity whenever it is called upon to do so.

Energy Storage

• Deep-Cycle Battery Bank: The battery bank stores electricity produced by the energy sources. The larger the battery bank capacity, the greater the amount of energy stored. Batteries require only minimal maintenance over time and have a service life of between 7 and 10 years.

Power Conversion Unit

• Inverter: The inverter converts DC electricity from the battery into conventional household power - 120 or 240 Volts AC. It also controls the starting and stopping of the generator automatically, resulting in an uninterrupted power supply with no involvement on the part of the homeowner.

Off-Grid Sample Systems

Minimal Use Cabin -Livingston, Montana

• 2 - BP 75 Watt Modules
• 1 - Trace DR3624 Inverter
• 8 - Trojan L-16, 6 Volt Deep Cycle Batteries
• 1 - Kohler 8.5 kW Propane Generator

Full-time Residence -Greycliff, Montana

• 16 - Kyocera 175 Watt Solar Modules
• 1 - Direct Power and Water Fixed Pole Mount Rack
• 2 - Xantrex SW Plus 5548, 5500 Watt Inverters
• 16 - Deka 8G8D Sealed Gel Batteries
• 1 - Kohler 8.5 kW Propane Generator

Solar & Wind Hybrid Full-time Residence -Clyde Park, Montana

• 24- Shell 70 Watt Solar Modules
• 1- Fixed Pole Mount Rack
• 1 - Southwest Windpower Whisper 175, 3000 Watt Wind Turbine
• 1 - Trace SW4024, 4,000 Watt Inverter
• 12 - Trojan L-16, 6 Volt Deep Cycle Batteries
• 1 - Kohler 8.5 kW Propane Generator

Commercial Off-Grid, Lodge and Multiple Cabin Resort

Homestake Lodge Cross Country Ski Center -Homestake Pass, MT

• 36 - BP 175 Watt Solar Modules
• 1 - Roof Mount Rack
• 2 - OutBack 3648 Inverters
• 32 - 8A8D Gel Batteries
• 1- Kohler 35 kW Propane Generator

Check out Chris and Mandy's sustainably minded Homestake Lodge XC Ski Center

Customization and Warranty

Our systems can be customized to meet any variety of special electrical needs, site issues or budgetary constraints. In addition, our systems are covered by a one-year, full coverage warranty whereby any system problems will be repaired or replaced at no charge. Here at IPS we understand what it means to live and work in a remote location. If your system goes down, which is a reality of living off-grid, our service technicians will be there as soon as possible to get your power system up and running.

Qualifications

Independent Power Systems, Inc. is a registered and licensed Montana & Colorado Electrical Contractor. We have been in business since 1996 and have installed over one hundred systems around the state. We strive to impress our clients and welcome requests for references.