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Simon H’s Hybrid Solar & Energy Storage Project in Lakeside, Ontario
Simon’s solar project in Lakeside, Ontario goes beyond a traditional grid-tied installation. Designed as a hybrid solar and energy storage system, it delivers strong solar production while adding backup power, smart energy management, and long-term flexibility. This setup allows Simon to reduce reliance on the utility grid while staying protected during power outages, an increasingly important consideration for Ontario homeowners.
By combining high-output bifacial solar panels with Maple Leaf’s advanced Northern Fox hybrid inverter and ESS Hub, this system is built for performance today and adaptability for the future.
High-Output Solar with Maple Leaf All Black Bifacial Panels
The system features 28 Maple Leaf All Black Bifacial Solar Panels, each rated at 570W, creating a total system size of 15.96 kW. These premium panels are designed to perform exceptionally well in Canada’s climate, capturing strong production during long summer days while continuing to generate energy during overcast conditions.
Thanks to their bifacial design, the panels can collect sunlight from both the front and rear surfaces, increasing total energy output when light reflects off the roof or surrounding surfaces. Their sleek all-black finish also gives the installation a clean, modern appearance that blends seamlessly with the home.
The Heart of the System: Northern Fox Hybrid Inverter
At the core of Simon’s system is the Maple Leaf Northern Fox H1 & AC1 Split-Phase Hybrid Solar Inverter, a powerful and versatile solution designed for on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid applications. This flexibility makes it ideal for homeowners who want reliable grid interaction today with the ability to expand into battery storage and backup power.
The split-phase design supports standard North American 120/240V service, ensuring compatibility with residential electrical systems. With CEC efficiency ratings up to 97.6%, the inverter maximizes the usable energy produced by the solar array, improving overall system efficiency and long-term savings.
Beyond efficiency, the inverter includes advanced safety and protection features such as arc fault circuit interruption (AFCI), anti-islanding protection, surge protection, and residual current detection, providing peace of mind for both homeowners and installers. Its NEMA Type 4X weatherproof rating and silent, fanless cooling design make it well-suited for outdoor installations in Ontario’s demanding weather conditions.
Smart Energy Control with the Northern Fox ESS HUB G2
To manage energy storage and backup power, Simon’s system includes 1 Maple Leaf Northern Fox ESS HUB G2. This advanced energy management hub acts as the central brain of the system, coordinating power flow between the solar array, battery storage, the home, and the utility grid.
The Northern Fox ESS Hub enables seamless transitions between grid-connected and off-grid operation, with switchover times under 20 milliseconds, fast enough that most homeowners won’t notice when the grid goes down. During outages, the system automatically isolates itself from the grid and continues to power critical circuits.
With three smart load circuits, the Northern Fox ESS Hub prioritizes essential loads, ensuring that important appliances and systems continue running while optimizing battery usage. The hub also supports generator integration, adding another layer of resilience for extended outages.
Scalable, Future-Ready Energy Storage
One of the standout advantages of this hybrid setup is its scalability. The Maple Leaf Northern Fox ESS supports high-voltage lithium battery expansion up to 27.8 kWh, allowing Simon to increase storage capacity as energy needs change. The ESS Hub also supports parallel inverter operation, making it possible to scale up power output for increasing energy demands in the future.
Remote monitoring through the FoxCloud US App gives real-time insight into solar production, energy consumption, and battery performance, putting full control of the system right at the homeowner’s fingertips.