About Sue and Kelvin


Welcome to BobolinkSolar

BobolinkSolar started February 2017 as an idea from the mind of Kelvin Hodges. For 2023 we are offering a “refresh” of our solar support model. We will transition from system and components sales (too labour intensive) to a consulting and “group buy” model. Deals will continue to appear in our products list as we find them.

Welcome friends. Sue and I met in 2015. Sue has 2.5kw of grid tied solar and 2 solar thermal panels; I have 2kw of off grid solar and a farm built solar thermal panel. What a great match.

The kids on holiday. Florida 2016.
Finding great solar equipment at the right price

One of the early stories Sue and I shared was how difficult it had been to find good solar equipment.  Especially for small installs. We were both left asking “Where is the leading edge? How do you balance lowering costs vs quality and lifespan.” We didn’t have answers.

So in 2017 we started BobolinkSolar. We were going to find answers. Build systems with those interested in new equipment, using the latest technology, while looking for longer trouble free lifespans.

We did okay

BobolinkSolar was the first to introduce lower cost lithium battery storage (SESS or solar energy storage systems). We had solar racking deals and blow out solar panel bargains. We price matched on Victron equipment even against US online bargain shoppes; And we continued to research new and better solutions, picking up deals as we could.

We’re very proud of our ability to help hundreds of families. Thousands of web researchers. We’ve had over 50,000 visitors. As a result, you’ll see our systems (or very, very similar) in hundreds of DIY posts and on many solar retailer websites.

Thank you to the many hundreds of folks who have sent me kind messages and pics and supported BobolinkSolar and … your joy and consideration is a big part of my being able to help so many families. You know I’ve been asked to do so many presentations, training days; and done many of them. All because of your support.

That said, we weren’t perfect. In no way did I understand the huge demand. I’m not kidding when I say I sold over 50 times my highest targets. There is huge unrealized demand here. And I am not stopping supporting it. I’m just realizing that I need to find a way that requires fewer hours from yours truly. Sue did insist.

So if you want to invest in a business. Contact me. We will be launching an updated BobolinkSolar experience in 2023. Join in!

From the archives: New for 2020: Grid tie

In 2020 we began offering grid connected solar. We had two sizes, both battery ready. A 5kwh system. And a 10kwh system.

This project exposed one of the “why isn’t there more solar in Canada” answers. Easy: there’s nobody to do the installs. I kid you not. I have had over 50 grid tie enquiries from folks who eventually managed to get something done. It was never easy.

Again. Want to invest in a business with huge underlying potential. Contact me. I will work with you to build your business. Its a fair undertaking though. Be prepared for some serious investment requirements.

Off grid inverters improve!

For 2020 new inverters means robust off grid life improves. Starting in 2022 we will be offering only 1 system with a few variables. (Inverter size; solar energy size; battery pack (ESS) size.

The inverters / controllers for both off grid and grid tie are so much improved over the past two years I don’t have the words. Solar panels; meh, the efficiency continues to go up … 10 years ago it was 16% today its around 20. But prices have been pretty stable. Maybe a 3% drop this year?

That’s our report for 2021

Thanks again to everyone who put up with 2020/21. I was super busy with a huge variety of projects (electric water taxi, ONfungi.net, soil restoration, solar development, education, advocacy, Renewable Business Development training). Thank you for your understanding and, often, patience.

Remember, Sue and I remain committed and, of course, are living solar. This site was built using solar power. I have 10 years of actual living off grid on solar experience* to draw on. Developing and installing a lithium SESS on July 1, 2016 is just one highlight. Sue has 11 years of grid tied solar. If you wonder why our solutions are so meticulously detailed and robustly built; its because they have to be. First hand experience is a pretty good thing to expect of your system builder.

Thank you for joining us. Check back often as we are growing and expanding our offerings. Expect big and exciting things continuing through 2022. We welcome feedback and if you see any services or equipment you think we should be promoting or selling. Let us know.

Please remember. The time is now.

Peace and happiness
Kelvin and Sue

  • Kelvin’s off grid system has been running without issue since 2013.

About BobolinkSolar, the name

The bird with the word on solar

First, Sue wants me to remind you, smile,
its pronounced: bob-o-link solar

About Bobolinks (pre-2020 commentary)

Part of Sue and I’s commitment to our green future is maintaining 6 acres of forest, field and stream habitat for Bobolink nesting habitat (and other birds and bees).

Bobolinks are these cool little birds that fly up from South America to nest in our Canadian farm fields. Once they were on the endangered list. Today they are returning in numbers. Why? Because a few people pointed out that if farmers delay hay field harvest at the end of June for just a few days, until the baby Bobolinks are fledged and flying, why they’ll get better hay and the Bobolinks will be happier too.

Note: due to farmer action Bobolinks are now off the endangered list.

This tiny behavioural change; merely delaying hay harvest for a few days, saved the Bobolink. Proof that we can change our behaviours and make a difference to the environment. Its not even hard.

This is how we feel about solar power. A little change in behaviour; and we eliminate a lot of waste, slash CO2 emissions and make everyone’s energy grid more robust and lower cost.

Electric cars. Warmer homes. Solar is bringing us freedom, independence and a better tomorrow for our children. While lowering our costs and increasing our ability to responsibly create and use energy.

The fact that we can assure electric power for your home and vehicles at a price now said to be lower than the cost of power from the grid.

Yup. The time really is now.