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From Wind to Solar: A P.E.I. Homeowner’s Renewable Energy Journey
After nearly 15 years of relying on wind power to run his home, Bedeque PEI resident Ron Rayner has made the switch to solar, and he encourages others to do the same.
As a retired electrician, Rayner first installed a small wind turbine in 2009, gradually upgrading to larger systems until he was using a 25-kilowatt turbine for several years. However, after the turbine suffered damage in the winter of 2022, he reassessed his energy options. The thought of climbing a 100-foot tower for yet another repair led him to explore a simpler, more sustainable alternative being solar power.
Rayner took a hands-on approach to the transition, purchasing solar panels himself and repurposing his old wind turbine tower to create ground-mounted solar arrays. Since March, his new 13.5-kilowatt solar system has been generating electricity and after months of monitoring output, he’s convinced he made the right choice.
System Components & Setup
Rayner's solar system consists of high-efficiency, bi-facial solar panels and a microinverter-based setup to optimize energy production and reliability. His system includes:
- 31 x JA Solar 550W Bi-Facial Solar Panels (1 Pallet)
- 12 x Hoymiles Quad Microinverters (HMS-1600NT) – These microinverters allow panel-level optimization, ensuring efficient power conversion.
- 1 x Hoymiles DTU Pro-S Wireless – This device enables remote monitoring and system performance tracking.
This setup is a grid-tied solar system, meaning the energy generated is fed into the grid, and Rayner receives credits for the electricity his system produces. Compared to off-grid setups, a grid-tied system eliminates the need for battery storage, reducing maintenance and costs while ensuring reliable power.
Comparing Wind & Solar
Having measured daily production from both systems, Rayner found that wind and solar generated comparable energy—between 2,000 and 3,000 kilowatt-hours per month. However, the major difference lies in maintenance. While wind turbines require ongoing repairs, specialized expertise, and occasional crane work, solar panels are virtually maintenance-free.
Rayner’s switch reflects a broader trend in P.E.I., where residential solar adoption has surged. As of March 2024, over 3,200 solar systems have been installed with support from the province’s Solar Electric Rebate Program. In contrast, only around 10 homeowners still use residential wind turbines.
For Rayner, it was clear that solar was the best choice for homeowners looking to invest in renewable energy without the hassle of constant upkeep. Now, instead of climbing a tower to keep his system running, he is able to enjoy reliable, hassle-free energy from the ground.
