2023-09-10 23:00:00
An octogenarian who has to drive more than four hours into the woods and take his rowboat (or his snowmobile) to access his chalet manages to meet all the energy needs of his passive house using an autonomous system.
“Hydro will never come here, there is no power, there is absolutely nothing,” says Michel Dudemaine, a resident of Joliette, owner of a chalet in the woods, in the La Tuque sector. .
While his oven and fridge have always run on propane since purchasing his cottage in 2011, Michel Dudemaine had pumps and water barrels for water needs. However, he took it to another level in 2012 by purchasing a tower (like a tower with antennas before cable existed) to install next to his chalet.
He then installed two 4-by-6-foot photovoltaic solar panels at the top of the tower so he might adjust and rotate them depending on the sun. His purchase kit also included 4 12 volt batteries connected in series and an inverter. The whole thing cost him around $7,000.
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“I met a solar panel seller, I explained to him my needs, particularly in terms of voltage,” Mr. Dudemaine explained to us. He analyzed that and made a plan for me to connect and install the system.”
Photo provided by Bobby Dudemaine
The two photovoltaic solar panels measuring 4 feet by 6 feet at the top of the tower next to Michel Dudemaine’s chalet.
Black ice
However, a major problem arose two years ago due to icy conditions, when the batteries failed because the panels were covered in ice.
“It cost us four batteries [environ 800 $]but we never put an extra penny into it,” adds Mr. Dudemaine, very satisfied with his system.
“And when we go away in winter I put the panels at almost 90 degrees to be sure that there is no snow and ice left,” added Mr. Dudemaine, while it can be very cold in that sector.
Mr. Dudemaine and members of his family can sometimes live in the chalet for a month, particularly during the hunting season. “When the heating is correct in the chalet, we turn off the propane heating and just heat with wood,” adds Mr. Dudemaine. The chalet is well insulated, there are no problems.”
Sources of energy :
propane for the oven and fridge 2 solar panels previously pumps and water barrels firewood
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