May 2024 brings new engineering service and the latest battery supported solar system for Eastern Ontario homes
May 1, 2024 — Good news folks. Solar is getting easier to install. And BobolinkSolar now has new ways to build.
Consult support, from $450
Our consult support contract is for those looking to build. We answer questions, look at issues and options, and make sure you get the best system, regardless of who sells it to you.
The right stuff.
- Includes site visit as appropriate
- Gathers site specific information to facilitate planning and approval processes
- Ensures up to date system specification documents reducing overhead and cost
- Ensures the latest tech done the right way
Get started with Kelvin here.
Engineering drawings, from $650
Speed up your approvals and reduce electrical install costs with a fully approved drawing.
Grid tie with battery, from 17,000
Grid tie / Behind the grid with battery / Off Grid: Fully code recognized BobolinkSolar Powerwall allows easy code approved energy savings, green power, home backup, net metering and more.
A turnkey Bobolink installation (without rooftop solar panels) for home backup and grid feed typically costs between $17,000 and $27,000 (for large capacity), excluding taxes. Adding capacity is straightforward and can be done at any time.
Contact Kelvin to get our team started.
Your new system starts at
- 10kwh battery and 7kw inverter. Latest LFP cell technology for vastly improved lifespan. Inverter can run up to 11kw and even add grid tie or generator for larger home loads.
- Up to 20kwh of battery per inverter
- Up to 8 battery/inverter units combine for unprecedented power. Individual units start at 10,500.
- Solar panel arrays up to 15kwh per inverter module. Ultra low panel rates at .45/w and $125/kw ground mount racking.
- full electrical and engineering support
- managed code approval
Note: these systems are 9450 code approved and we recommend electrician install to assure best warranty support.
2024 Off grid cottage system improves again!
Cottage systems, DIY from $8,600
New cottage/tiny home inverter: Our new 6kw 240 split phase inverter makes cottage solar easier than ever. All in one includes solar panel MPPT control as well as easy generator support. Starting at $2,200. Contact Kelvin to learn more.
More batteries for cottage life: Our new stackable 5kwh batteries are the safest and longest lived ever. Contact Kelvin to learn more. Full approval. Starting under $400 per kwh complete plug and play with Battery management, disconnect, inverter communication built in. Starting under $2,000 per 5 kwh battery building block.
Solar panels: New 430w bifacial solar panels with a reasonable size and, used with a good quality and tested MPPT algorithm, improved performance.
BESS: Big batteries offer up to 400Mw for grid support. Contact Kelvin for more info. Project starts mid-March.
Remember, we are always testing to make sure our systems offer the highest value
2024
Winter 2023/24 we tested bifacial solar panels to see if we could manage shade losses to winter branch obstructions as the sun passed lower on the horizon.
The news is in
Shade losses were far lower than we expected based on current research. We found that with a high quality MPPT algorithm (Victron in this case) we were able to pull 368w of power out of a 820w panel array. That was with some branch shading on every cell of the panels. Unprecedented. In 2017 we would have seen single digit inputs, yup, like 6 watts not 368w. Over 600w with partial panel shading. Almost 1kw with no shading.
Folks, the combo of new algorithmic MPPT magic and bifacial panels is a game changer solar value.
Thank you Mr. M for helping sponsor this research.
2023
First of three test batteries BobolinkSolar supported in 2023. Testing confirmed the 9450 compliance, system capacity, ease of use. In 2024 we can offer a tested battery at a very good price. Thank you to Mr S and Mr P for their contribution. Yes, prices are continuing to drop. But they have installed working systems. Huzzah.
July 12, 2023 — New electrician installer available
Our new relationship with two local electricians means better service and installation for BobolinkSolar sources equipment. Ask us for references.
New 430w bifacial solar panel arriving May.
bulk order discounts start at .45/w. Pallet qty available. Minimum order applies.
Contact Kelvin here to order.
Thank you for helping us help you build.
Since 2017 Bobolink “buyers club” has saved folks money
This years buyers club features the new Bobolink solution for grid tie with battery. The new solution offers:
- link up to 8 for large homes and industrial workshops
- astonishing 8,500 cycles service life
- cUL 1973 and 9450 approval
- lowest cost ever; both buying and installing
- Smart sub panel for critical loads included
- -25 to 45C operation, customized for Eastern Ontario weather!
- easiest installation
- Contact Kelvin to learn more.
New premium product: the “Lumera” bifacial 410w
The Lumera solar panel from Canda is a hit. Benefits include the latest solar cell tech, a lighter 21kg weight, attractive all black look. Good size at aprox. 41″ (1042mm) by 76″ (1928mm) for DIY installation. Ideal for boat/cottage/rv due to the light weight and smaller size.
570w bifacial: Need 12 or more? Ask about our new low low buyers club price. From .45/w
some insights from 2023 on small off grid power
In June 2023 we began using a new inverter brand. SRNE. We have seen quite a few installs due to the high quality and low price.
We are happy to recommend SRNE inverter AiO (All in One)
Here is the 5kw, 48v, high voltage MPPT, direct connect Grid / Generator, 120v pure sine model. cETL. Astounding price for astounding AiO technology.
Full system recommendation: SRNE AiO is complemented by 2000w of solar (bifacial), 10kwh battery storage. NOTE: we will not be offering systems for 2024. If you would like equipment and install guidance we do have a consult contract which pays Kelvin for his time while he customizes your system.
Here’s a DIY off grid system that was updated
2013
The old inverter is 2kw modified sine wave (eats motors and the new laundry machine wouldn’t start). The solar capacity was small. Switches were all manual. However, high quality, well installed system for its day.
- 1.2 kw of solar panel
- 900 lbs of lead for 5kwh storage, 1500 cycle lifespan, off gassing and watering maintenance required.
- System is 65% round trip efficient
2023
Which looks easier to install?
Upgrade improvements include:
- safer and easier to use
- inverter is 2.5 times more powerful and pure sine for longer motor / equipment life,
- autotransfer of generator charging avoids manual switching
- solar panel doubles to 1840w plus bifacial for winter while keeping the old racking!
- new battery is 300 pounds of lithium with 10kw usable storage and no maintenance. Big space saver.
- system efficiency increases to 95%. An extra 30% for free.
Join the club
New for BobolinkSolar is our Club Membership. This is for new solar system builders and those who need advice about older system updates. The membership covers Kelvin’s research costs, gives access to “bulk buy” pricing, reduces shipping costs and much more.
The membership fee is $450. In our experience members save thousands and get better systems. Remember. Today’s solar has been a BobolinkSolar promise, delivered, since 2017.
Two new tech improvements now available at BobolinkSolar
1 – Inverters that can sense current and respond accordingly
Grid Tie: New current sensors make your inverter safer; For you and for grid linesmen. Automatic detection whether grid power is flowing in or your solar power is flowing to the grid makes life easier. Automatic grid disconnect still allows solar and batteries to provide power to your home in the event of an outage. Bidirectional charging and load management ease operation and improve return on investment.
Why choose an inverter that can’t run your home if the grid goes down?
The new inverters fix this problem. The new hybrid models can be programmed to adjust for changing circumstance; from just solar (when the sun is out) or a grid/battery power combo for more power. Multiple paths pay you back by reducing energy cost.
Other new features include:
- Built in high voltage MPPT solar tracking. This innovation improves efficiency and lets you move your solar panels up to 1,000 ft/300m from your home, easily (stock 10g RPVU solar cable!) by lowering the amperage your cables need to carry.
- All-in-one solar/charger/inverters also greatly, hugely, enormously reduce install time and difficulty.
- High tech AiO makes more features available at an amazing price.
- cETL stamps make electricians happy.
This is all just better folks.
New ONTARIO 2.4 cent overnight electrical rate!
April 2023 — The new rate rolling out across Ontrio makes Hybrid grid connect systems with battery very appealing. Charge your battery with the grid at night. Use battery power during the peak rate time. And save, save, save. Plus, power outage … not for you!
2 – New batteries that talk to the inverter
For off grid folk letting the battery program the inverter and allowing, via CAN or RS485, the inverter and battery to talk to each other. Another win for safety. And improved solar power use efficiency. Plus watch your solar power from your phone!
The batteries have built in BMS and disconnect switch. Easier, more reliable, safer to use. This is what Kelvin has been waiting for. With the price drops in 2022 and 2023 these new batteries are the best value we’ve ever seen in power security for home use.
All in all it’s a new ballgame folks. As a result BobolinkSolar will be specifying brand new technology and methods for 2024. BobolinkSolar continues to push the quality of off grid and grid tie solar systems.
2023 Battery blitz: SOLD OUT
We love the new 5.38kwh 48v Lifepo4 batteries. Reliable, safe, talk to the inverter, easy to set up and install. This is the advancement in batteries we’ve been waiting for. For spring we have a 5.38kwh, communication enabled (CAN/RS485 talks to inverter), ready to install battery for off grid. Stack them up to 85kwh. Multi module discount. AND shipping now with cUL or cETL.
Sold out: These batteries were very popular. New battery options coming for 2024. Along with lower prices for 2024, and longer cycle rates; up to 8,500.
3 Bifacial solar panels change winter
Bifacial solar panels basically have a solar panel in the front and a solar panel in the back. For cold Ontario winters with snow and high albedo (light that reflects off of snow), this new technology improves winter production dramatically.
Bifacial panel testing continues in 2024
For 2024 A grade panels with excellent efficiency at over 22% are dropping in price.
Note: we will only be suppling bifacial panels from here on. Why? Snow is the short answer.
- new test launched in January 2024. Literally days ago. Two thumbs up so far.
- Data for vertical “fence” orientation panels is very encouraging. Not quite as much power overall but more power early and late. The time most people are using power. So definitely interesting.
We are not anticipating panel shortages in 2024. Prices should return to .50/w at the retail level.
Ontario experiences darkest winter
March 10, 2023 — Climatologist shows eastern and southern Ontario just went through the darkest winter in 73 years.
Check in to get the latest price and volume discounts
Report shows big advantage for Canadians with bifacial
This report shows that bifacial solar panels have a 2x advantage during winter months: noting faster snow shed from the heat generated by the back sheet and outperforming albedo production.
Remember: We are DIY and lithium battery only since 2017
We have offered the best products for Off Grid since 2017. Our systems have consistently improved safety and reduced cost; we help design and support DIY installs; However! we are not system installers. Nor are we available 24/7 for support. This is important to realize. If you are mostly DIY handy but just need a bit of help; we’re your guy. If you need better pricing and are happy to do it all yourself but want to ensure you are building the best value for 2024; we are your guy. If you need an electrician and labour; we’re your electrician/install crew’s guy on a consult contract, or, in Eastern Ontario, we now offer electrician recommendations.
NEW — for Perth/Westport area: Master Electrician installs now available
See our 2017 to 2023 system overview of larger systems. Or check out the early DIY 3 season cottage builds. Still happily running cottages across Ontario and beyond!
BobolinkSolar is for those who wish to save money by building and managing a better solar system more easily
Consulting
Kelvin consults on
- Off Grid homes
- Off Grid camps
- Workshops
- hybrid behind the grid models
- special use (boats, RVs, tiny home)
Fees start at $450. You get the latest solar models for the most reliable long term value, and, in our experience, much lower upfront and ongoing costs.
We’ve help folks build
- multi unit camp systems
- electric boats
- cottage systems
- upgrade older systems
- hybrid grid/off grid
- grid tie
- RV systems
- and much more
These processes take time and research. Cut your costs by letting Kelvin do the hard stuff. Remember: Kelvin has been building off grid systems since 2011; he’s built dozens of systems; helped hundreds of families; consistently improved off grid system design. Your support of Kelvin makes your life easier and helps many others.
Thank you for your support!
For net metering see our easy to use Ontario Net Metering Guide. The guide takes you step by step through the net metering application process. Its quick, simple, easy, and it is working!
Free, easy to use net metering guide
2023 Small System Recommendation continues 2024
In 2023 for small cottage systems our recommendation is : buy a pre-built. Bluetti, Ecoflow or other “all in one” tow it anywhere powerstation. They are not perfect. But for the money and ease of use. It gets the two wings up from BobolinkSolar.
Spending more than $4k? Need improved solar? Then look to an AiO and build a better system.
Adding better solar panels to these systems is a good “upgrade.” Which means get bifacial solar panels and maybe a better solar controller. Avoid “solar kits” and you will be surprised how good these little guys have become and how much hassle you avoid.
Good value for lighter use and shorter duration
Special thanks to Mr. G for his deep insights into these systems.
3/6/10kwh Net Metering Group buy: Offer now over
We continue to have Net Metering on offer, and now with full Master Electrician and project managed installs; however new inverters are coming and the group buy for systems is under review.
Recommended 2024: New string inverters are superior in electron capturing and far lower cost to install. A wave of the wing to the wise.
Still available: Get involved in our Group Buy to purchase solar panels and battery modules: please use our “Need a Quote” page to contact us.
Nothing else right now.