Hugh’s Solar Battery House Toronto 2019

Hugh’s Solar Battery House Toronto

As an environmental scientist, I was aware of the need to move away from fossil fuels quickly. In addition, my ageing father needed the house to be heated and cooled for long periods each day, which was leading to large power bills.

So, beginning in October 2015 I installed a 4.94kW solar system on my garage. Each of the 19 panels has an Enphase micro-inverter so that I maximise the power output despite afternoon shade on some panels. Then in February 2017 I installed a 10kWh battery as part of a Suncrowd bulk buy scheme. Most recently, in August 2017, I installed a Sanden heat pump hot water system when the old off-peak tank started leaking. In 2015, I also renovated a granny flat downstairs using a secondhand kitchen.

To round out my home’s sustainability, I have a small veggie garden, an electric scooter for heavy shopping trips and a Toyota Prius for longer trips.