On the Canadian prairies near Saskatoon, SK, a determined homesteader named Nate decided to turn his off-grid dream into reality and build the ultimate self-sufficient home for his family, and be prepared for any situation that the future may bring. With a geothermal solution already working on the property, he recognized that going solar for electricity was the next big step. The final objective was to create a completely independent, future-ready homestead powered by clean, reliable, renewable energy.
Nate is the man behind the popular YouTube channel Canadian Prepper, so he definitely knows a thing or two about the importance of being self-sufficient, but he also recognizes how vital it is to choose the right partners. From the beginning, Nate knew he needed more than just the components to build the right solar system for his homestead. He wanted to find a trusted supplier who could also help with solar system design and ongoing technical support, and that’s exactly what he found with Solar Power Store. Working with Nate, we helped to ensure that the system delivered everything he needed, along with the ability to expand for future growth and changing energy needs.
The Vision: Independence With Room to Grow
Nate’s property was the perfect canvas for solar power: wide open skies, no shading, and steady prairie sun. The initial plan was to create a solar solution that would start out as a hybrid solar system with a grid connection, but also would support full-time off-grid living when the time came. Long-term, Nate also made it clear that expandability was crucial to allow for the addition of future energy storage capacity.
Working closely with Nate to clearly understand his goals, Solar Power Store’s design team configured a system that combined reliability, flexibility, and long-term scalability. Together they mapped out the power requirements, layout, and equipment needed for year-round off-grid operation even through Saskatchewan’s notoriously long and cold winters.
The System: Reliable & Efficient Solar Power, Built to Last
Here’s what went into Nate’s custom solar power setup:
- 36 × Maple Leaf 570 W bifacial solar panels: High-efficiency panels that capture sunlight on both sides, boosting winter performance with reflected snow light.
- Maple Leaf Goose Ground Mounts: Rugged, adjustable mounting systems for optimal tilt and easy access.
- 2 × Luxpower 12 kW Hybrid Solar Inverters: Intelligent hybrid inverters that manage both solar input and battery storage, and allow easy expansion.
- 10 × Maple Leaf Beaver Heated LiFePO₄ Batteries: Deep-cycle lithium batteries built for cold climates, with internal heating for reliable year-round performance.
Together, the solar array delivers plenty of power generation paired with a robust LiFePO₄ battery bank, which is enough to run the entire homestead comfortably, even through cloudy winter stretches.
The Build: DIY Effort, Expert Support
Nate is a hands-on builder, but he also wanted to have backup support from experts who knew all the different aspects of solar systems from end to end. With Solar Power Store’s technical team available to assist, he tackled the installation himself with confidence that he could get expert help whenever he needed it.
He started with the Goose Ground Mounts, carefully positioning the racks in a linear arrangement using heavy concrete blocks as ballast to secure them in place. Each Goose Mount was also reinforced with ‘hurricane kits’ to provide greater torsional strength and withstand the worst winds that the prairies can throw at them. The 32 bifacial Maple Leaf 570w solar panels were then installed and wired into two 12kw Luxpower hybrid solar inverters.
His bank of Maple Leaf Beaver heated LiFePO₄ battery units sits in an outdoor-rated Maple Leaf battery cabinet to maintain performance during sub-zero conditions. Throughout the process, Solar Power Store provided design diagrams, configuration help, and step-by-step support for any questions that came up.
Living Off-Grid: Reliable Power Through Every Season
Now that the system is running, Nate enjoys quiet, consistent, and reliable power year-round. The solar panels deliver power to run the home and charge the batteries during daylight hours, while the heated battery storage array ensures full functionality through even the coldest winter nights.
The system's performance can be monitored through the Luxpower app, checking solar production and battery levels right from Nate’s smartphone. Plus, because the system was designed for expandability, Nate can easily add more solar panels or batteries later without having to replace any core components. Yet another benefit of the careful planning that took place before a single piece was installed.
Final Thoughts: Solar Freedom for Canadians, by Canadians
Nate’s off-grid build proves that with smart design, quality equipment, and the right support, full-time solar living in Saskatchewan isn’t just possible, it’s practical. With Maple Leaf bifacial panels, Goose Ground Mounts, Luxpower hybrid inverters, and Beaver Heated LiFePO₄ batteries, Nate has built a system that embodies the best of Canadian ingenuity and resilience.
For anyone dreaming of energy independence, Nate’s project shows what’s achievable when you pair DIY determination with advanced solar technology and expert support, and let the sun do the rest. Based in Barrie, Ontario, Solar Power Store is Canada’s one-stop-shop for everything solar. With the best in solar power technology, world-class technical support experts, and DIY assistance services, Solar Power Store makes it easy and simple for Canadians to go solar with confidence.
Contact us today to get your own risk-free quote for a custom solar power system, and learn how easy it is to go solar!