Creative Energies Blog

Earlier this spring Toby and I headed down to Mulege Mexico to do some work on the NOLS Mexico off grid solar power system. As the school continues to grow so has their energy loads. Seeing as the roof that the solar panels were mounted to was being replaced it seemed like a good time to make some updates.

In all we added two inverters, two charge controllers, 20 solar panels, connected the new battery bank and a new reconditioned generator courtesy of the NOLS bus. When we left we had more than doubled their production, allowing the batteries to be at a higher state of charge at the end of the day.

I was personally shocked to see the power production jump ten to fifteen percent just after cleaning all the existing panels. Being a bit of a self-proclaimed clean freak, I can tell you it was the most satisfaction I have ever experienced on the job! The system is approximately a six kW system. NOLS Mexico uses power in their daily operations for water pumping, fans, lights, internet and computers. During the day they are able to produce more than enough energy for daytime loads, the excess energy gets stored in their battery bank, and is used throughout the night. all the folks that work at the branch were very nice, and our time spent their was a refreshing change of pace from daily life in Lander. It turns out that its true what they say, that all work and no play makes jack a dull boy. In some down time we were able to do a little sailing……thanks to Alex for literally showing me the ropes! My natural sailing ability is a telltale sign that Ill be back at some point for some more fun, sun and good food. 

Creative Energies has been designing, providing equipment, and installing systems in Antarctica for a number of years. This year we installed and upgraded 5 remote power systems for Antarctic – Logistics and Expeditions. Power in remote areas like Antarctica is important; the system must be reliable and robust for the extreme conditions. As a business we have always worked on remote, small power systems, it is a great application of solar technology. Solar is extremely low maintenance and reliable. The “generator” uses no moving parts and runs on free sunlight (fuel). So Antarctica, space, oilfields, hunting cabins, and bus stops all are remote in their own way, benefiting from free energy from the sun without the burden, cost, and impracticality of an electric grid to connect them to central generation facilities.

Over the last decade electronics have advanced enough to allow all of us to use solar electric energy, even if we are not “remote”, living connected to the electric grid.  Choosing the appropriate energy source for the job will be an increasingly important decision in our growing world. Powering things like lights, computers, kitchen alliances and TV’s with extremely reliable and green solar electricity is available to us all, today. We can all benefit from free fuel, no moving parts and the incredible reliability of solar. 

AJ Linnell, a Creative Energies project manager, recently went on a winter time service trip to a remote cabin in southern Wyoming.  Read his trip report.