Due to growing demand BobolinkSolar is announcing 3 new ways to install solar
September 24, 2023 — Good news folks. Solar is getting easier to install. And BobolinkSolar now has two ways to build solar and one in development.
Off Grid: New easier to install DIY systems with the latest longevity, clean power and ease of use. Booking 2024 orders now. Pre-pay options for even bigger savings. See the new systems here (coming in October).
Behind the Grid: DIY or electrican installed the new model of behind the grid solar and battery is ideal for rural and cottage owners who want the benefits of solar: to wit, lower electrical cost, security of uninterruptable power, and increased power available. Hot tub/arc welder, no problem; plus lowest running cost.
Note: we are in the process of building a code approved system with drawings and specifications for all to benefit from. Since 2016 we have helped build better systems through equipment “deals” as well as education and information sharing. Please stay tuned as there are some significant updates coming this fall.
See the BtG system here (coming October).
Grid tied: This service is in development. Please come back for more news (New and improved code coming spring 2024).
Hi Folks, here’s the first of three test batteries BobolinkSolar is installing in 2023. Why do we test? Because that’s how we offer real value. Yup, lower purchase costs; But not on “hope for the best”; instead “tested to conform”. Our systems are tested, proven and true before they are shipped to you.
July 12, 2023 — New electrician installer available
Our new relationship with local electricians means better service and installation from BobolinkSolar. Ask us for references.
Jinko 460w bifacial arriving October 16: $340 /ea. bulk order discounts
Contact Kelvin here to order.
Thank you for helping us help you build.
Book Now for 2024 — up to a 100kwh of storage easily
The new BobolinkSolar battery is a 14.3 kwh beast with brains
- link up to 8 for large homes and industrial workshops
- astonishing 8,500 cycles service life
- cUL 1973 and 9450 approval
- lowest cost ever; both buying and installing
New premium product: the “Lumera” bifacial 410w
The Lumera solar panel from Canda is a hit. Benefits include the latest solar cell tech, a lighter 21kg weight, attractive all black look. Good size at aprox. 41″ (1042mm) by 76″ (1928mm) for DIY installation. Ideal for boat/cottage/rv due to the light weight and smaller size.
Fall SALE: SOLD OUT
$1,250 shipped FREE to your home
June 23, 2023 — This is the latest: 5kw, 48v, high voltage MPPT, direct connect Grid / Generator, 120v pure sine model. cETL. Astounding price for astounding technology. Nothing else comes close right now. Just restocked (Sept 21). Full system recommendation, add: 1840w of solar (Jinko 460), 10kwh battery, Plug and play. NOTE: our systems are a bit more expensive because they are pre-tested: firmware is updated, etc. and you receive support to minimize problems and install time.
Here’s a DIY off grid system that was just updated
2013
The old inverter is 2kw modified sine wave (eats motors and the washing machine wouldn’t start). The solar capacity was basically 1kwh. Switches are all manual. High quality, well installed system for its day.
- 1.2 kw of solar panel
- 900 lbs of lead for 5kwh storage, 1500 cycle lifespan, off gassing and watering maintenance required.
- System is 65% round trip efficient
2023
Which looks easier to install?
Upgrade improvements include:
- safer and easier to use
- 2.5 times more powerful,
- pure sine inverter for longer motor/equipment life,
- autotransfer of generator charging avoids manual switching,
- solar panel doubles to 1840w plus bifacial for winter,
- new battery has 300 pounds of lithium with 10kw usable storage and no dangerous gasses or maintenance.
- installs much faster and easier
- system efficiency leaps to 95%. An extra 30% for free.
Join the club
New for BobolinkSolar is our Club Membership. This is for new solar system builders and those who need advice about older system updates. The membership covers Kelvin’s research costs, gives access to “bulk buy” pricing, reduces shipping costs and much more.
The membership fee is $450. In our experience members save thousands and get better systems. Remember. Today’s solar has been a BobolinkSolar promise, delivered, since 2017.
Two new tech improvements now available at BobolinkSolar
1 – Inverters that can sense current and respond accordingly
Grid Tie: New current sensors make your inverter safer; For you and for grid linesmen. Automatic detection whether grid power is flowing in or your solar power is flowing to the grid makes life easier. Automatic grid disconnect still allows solar and batteries to provide power to your home in the event of an outage.
Why choose an inverter that can’t run your home if the grid goes down?
The new inverters fix that problem. This hybrid model is so flexible. Use just solar (if the sun is out) or a grid/battery power combo for more power. Multiple paths pay you by reducing energy cost.
Other new features include:
- Built in high voltage MPPT solar tracking. This innovation improves efficiency and lets you move your solar panels up to 1,000 ft/300m from your home, easily (stock 10g RPVU solar cable!) by lowering the amperage your cables need to carry.
- All-in-one solar/charger/inverters also greatly, hugely, enormously reduce install time and difficulty.
- High tech AiO makes more features available at an amazing price.
- cETL stamps make electricians happy.
This is all just better folks.
New ONTARIO 2.4 cent overnight electrical rate!
April 2023 — The new rate rolling out across Ontrio makes Hybrid grid connect systems with battery very appealing. Charge your battery with the grid at night. Use battery power during the peak rate time. And save, save, save. Plus, power outage … not for you!
2023 Inverter deal — Sold out
We have just started testing a new inverter: The 10kwh SRNE 240v split phase. This is an all in one (AIO) for easy set up. Dual MPPT trackers; 20kwh surge; smart BMS management with our new Lifepo4 battery; code approved and much more. New inverter coming for 2024 with three improved features.
10kwh SRNE split phase inverter all in one — just $3,150 w/support.
This inverter was tested charging an electric car at 32 amps/240v. Power draw combined the battery and solar. Solar only when the sun peaked. Balanced and stable even under cloud. Wow.
up to 450v solar charging, with dual MPPT (8kw, 4kw per string of panels means two locations!) and really straightforward installation. Complete with a base support plan from Kelvin. AND its got cETL to delight your electrician or make DIY so much easier.
Check the Full Time system page for more details
Note: Now booking installs for late summer.
2 – New batteries that talk to the inverter
For off grid folk letting the battery program the inverter and allowing, via CAN or R485, the inverter and battery to talk to each other. Another win for safety. And improved solar power use efficiency. Plus watch your solar power from your phone!
The batteries have built in BMS and disconnect switch. Easier, more reliable, safer to use. This is what Kelvin has been waiting for. And our spring price. This is the best value we’ve ever seen in off grid / grid connect with battery ever.
All in all it’s a new ballgame folks. As a result BobolinkSolar will be specifying brand new technology and methods for 2023. BobolinkSolar continues to push the quality of off grid solar systems.
2023 Battery blitz: SOLD OUT
We love the new 5.38kwh 48v Lifepo4 batteries. Reliable, safe, talk to the inverter, easy to set up and install. This is the advancement in batteries we’ve been waiting for. For spring we have a 5.38kwh, communication enabled (CAN/RS485 talks to inverter), ready to install battery for off grid. Stack them up to 85kwh. Multi module discount. AND shipping later in the fall with CSA or CETL.
Sold out: These batteries were very popular. New battery options coming for 2024. Not so much lower prices for 2024, but longer cycle rates; up to 8,500. Beat that anywhere? Nope. You can’t do it. Once again; the latest tech from BobolinkSolar means a better system for you.
3 Bifacial solar panels change winter
Bifacial solar panels basically have a solar panel in the front and a solar panel in the back. For cold Ontario winters with snow and high albedo (light that reflects off of snow), this new technology improves winter production dramatically. Combined with improved inverter/charging efficiency, higher voltage MPPT, the new LiFePO4 batteries. Well 2023 sees the dawn of a series of improvements.
Bifacial panels
460w Jinko. These are an A grade panel with excellent efficiency at over 21%.
Note: we will only be suppling bifacial panels for off grid from here on. Ask us why? Snow is the short answer.
- new shipment coming October 10
- pallet level shipments return! NEW container has arrived.
Please note we may see some shortages this year. If you want panels order them now. And yes, club members get a better price. If you're ordering more than 4kwh it pays for the membership.
Ontario experiences darkest winter
March 10, 2023 — Climatologist shows eastern and southern Ontario just went through the darkest winter in 73 years.
Check in to get the latest price and volume discounts
Report shows big advantage for Canadians with bifacial
This report shows that bifacial solar panels have a 2x advantage during winter months: noting faster snow shed from the heat generated by the back sheet and outperforming albedo production.
Remember: We are DIY and lithium battery only since 2017
We have offered the best products for Off Grid since 2017. Our systems have consistently improved safety and reduced cost; we help design and support DIY installs; However! we are not system installers. Nor are we available 24/7 for support. This is important to realize. If you are mostly DIY handy but just need a bit of help; we’re your guy. If you need better pricing and are happy to do it all yourself but want to ensure you are building the best value for 2023; we are your guy. If you need an electrician and labour; we’re your electrician/install crew’s guy on a consult contract, or, in Eastern Ontario, we now offer electrician install.
NEW — for Perth/Westport area: Master Electrician installs now available
See our 2017 to 2023 system overview of larger systems. Or check out the early DIY 3 season cottage builds. Still happily running cottages across Ontario and beyond!
BobolinkSolar is for those who wish to save money by building and managing a better solar system more easily
Consulting
Kelvin consults on
- Off Grid homes
- Off Grid camps
- Workshops
- and hybrid behind the grid models
- special use (boats, RVs, etc)
Fees start at $450. You get the latest solar models for the most reliable long term value, and, in our experience, much lower upfront and ongoing costs.
We’ve help folks build
- multi unit camp systems
- electric boats
- cottage systems
- upgrade older systems
- hybrid grid/off grid
- grid tie
- RV systems
- and much more
These processes take time and research. Cut your costs by letting Kelvin do the hard stuff. Remember: Kelvin has been building off grid systems since 2011; he’s built dozens of systems; helped hundreds of families; consistently improved off grid system design. Your support of Kelvin makes your life easier and helps many others.
Thank you for your support!
For net metering see our easy to use Ontario Net Metering Guide. The guide takes you step by step through the net metering application process. Its quick, simple, easy, and it is working!
Free, easy to use net metering guide
2023 Small System Recommendation
In 2023 for small cottage systems our recommendation is : buy a pre-built. Bluetti, Ecoflow or other “all in one” tow it anywhere powerstation. They are not perfect. But for the money and ease of use. It gets the two wings up from BobolinkSolar.
Spending more than $4k? Need improved solar. Then look to an AIO and build a better system.
Adding better solar panels to these systems is a good “upgrade.” Which means get bifacial solar panels and if the system is getting a bit bigger … time for an All in One. But to get started, avoid “solar kits” and you will be surprised how good these little guys have become and how much hassle you avoid.
Note: solar and grid/genny charging not up to par on these. Good value for lighter use and shorter duration.
3/6/10kwh Net Metering Group buy: Offer now over
We continue to have Net Metering on offer, and now with full Master Electrician and project managed installs; however new inverters are coming and the group buy for systems is under review.
Still available: Get involved in our Group Buy to purchase solar panels and battery modules: please use our “Need a Quote” page to contact us.
Nothing else right now.