The goal of the Summerside solar project was to integrate solar power with other energy sources in the city to reduce electricity consumption. These communities aren’t connected to a major power grid and instead rely on diesel for power generation. The project is a model for how remote communities can incorporate solar technology to lower electricity costs and generate clean energy for their everyday purposes. By installing a solar array, complete with battery storage, to power the city’s largest community center, the facility now saves more than $100,000 annually.

When it’s sunny in Summerside, the battery energy storage system (BESS) stores excess energy. BESS components go hand-in-hand with successful solar systems. That way, none of the generated energy goes to waste, and there’s a reliable backup on cloudy days when solar panels generate less power. In the event of grid failure, the BESS also provides backup power for facilities that rely in part on power from the grid.