The design and performance of a stand-alone solar and wind powered RTM House

Abstract

This research project investigates the viability of using renewable energy sources and passive solar design in Saskatchewan, with its harsh climate, abundant energy resources, and absence of financial incentives for residential renewable energy systems. An experimental Ready-To-Move (RTM) house, using passive solar design and stand-alone solar and wind power with gas generator backup, was designed and built and has been tested for a one year period from January to December, 2006.The design methodology was based on well established design procedures for passive solar homes and renewable energy systems that are documented in the literature. A data collection system was used to record solar and wind charging currents, and battery status and temperature data was recorded on a daily basis. Average household loads were estimated from this data. For 2006, the power generation of the solar array was 990 kWh, which was better than the expected output of 927 kWh. However, the wind generator produced only 475 kWh, which was substantially less the expected output of 1430 kWh. Average wind speeds were lower than the normal for 2006 and power production was less than the manufacturer’s projections for the specified wind speeds. Financial analysis showed that the lack of incentives and net metering made an off-grid system economically feasible only in remote locations where the cost of grid connection is over $20,000.