Solar Arrays for Off-Grid Power
Your solar array is the starting point for off-grid power. It supplies electricity during the day and recharges the batteries for evening and overnight use.
The right size depends on how much energy you use, where you live and the sunlight available throughout the year. Panel wattage alone does not tell the whole story—shade, direction, tilt and snow cover all affect what an array can produce.
We’ll help you choose panels and a mounting arrangement that suit your property, your power needs and the seasons you plan to use the system.
Mounting for Canadian Conditions
A good mounting system makes the most of your sunlight and gives you practical access to the panels. For many Canadian off-grid properties, ground and pole mounts offer useful clearance above snow and easier access for inspection and maintenance.
Fixed, vertical and adjustable mounts each have their place. The best choice depends on your available space, seasonal power needs, ground conditions and local wind and snow loads.
Fixed Ground Mounts
A fixed ground mount holds the panels at a chosen angle throughout the year. It is a straightforward option where there is enough open, unshaded space.
Benefits and planning points
- Simple construction with few moving parts
- Accessible for inspection and cleaning when installed at a suitable height
- Flexible placement away from buildings and shade
- Leave enough clearance for snowbanks and vegetation
- Choose the tilt to suit your location and seasonal needs
- A fixed angle cannot follow the changing sun angle through the year
Vertical Panel Mounting
Vertical panels can be a useful choice where snow accumulation is a concern. A suitable south-facing wall or purpose-built structure may provide a practical mounting location.
Benefits and planning points
- Less opportunity for snow to settle on the panel face
- A useful option for the low winter sun
- Reflected sunlight from snow can contribute to production
- Vertical panels generally collect less summer energy than panels tilted toward the sun
- Snowbanks and nearby objects can still shade the array
- The supporting structure and mounting hardware must suit the panels and local conditions
Adjustable Top-of-Pole Mounts
An adjustable top-of-pole mount lets you change the panel tilt with the seasons. It raises the array above the ground and can provide a steep winter angle to help snow slide off.
Benefits and planning points
- A balanced array allows one person to adjust the tilt easily with the seasons
- Raise panels above vegetation and typical snow levels
- On suitable mounts, a near-vertical position can reduce snow buildup
- The pole and foundation must be designed for the array and local loads
- Installation and adjustment need safe access and suitable equipment
- Snow and ice may still require attention
Let’s plan the array around your property. We can quote a top-of-pole package with panels, mounting hardware, wiring, grounding components and a combiner where required. Your quote will clearly explain what is supplied and what remains for foundations, site wiring and installation.
For year-round off-grid living, we’ll also discuss winter production, battery capacity and generator backup for extended cloudy periods.
Before you buy panels, talk to Solarwyse. We’ll help you work out what fits—advice is free.