Hi, I’m just in the process of updating our off grid 2024 season system. The new system is the safest, easiest to operate (and they were already pretty easy), most feature filled, installer and user friendly ever.
When I developed Victron systems I thought they were pretty great. But the new systems are another step beyond. Ease of use and installation keeps improving.
Note: I have begun to charge a $450 consult fee prior to purchase of these systems. The $450 is refunded in the event of purchase or can be used to extend the support period. I receive hundreds of requests for systems and support, and in order to keep overhead and costs as low as feasible, I have implemented the consult fee. Includes membership to the BobolinkBuying club.
To find out more contact us or come back. New system updates coming for mid-October. Along with a lot of other news. Thank you for supporting BobolinkSolar and off grid solar for everyone.
Compare 2013, 2017 small Off Grid to 2023 — yowza right!
ONE new 5kw SRNE AiO from BobolinkSolar
PLUS two battery modules for — $6,500; shipped free in Ontario. Limited time offer.
This 2017 off grid system is smart, bluetooth reporting and programming, fully protected and robust. A 1.2kw inverter and MPPT 150v/35a solar controller with world leading algorithm made this the leading edge in small off grid 3 season cabin life. Cost for DIY: just under $2k unassembled.
Today’s 2023 AiO (all in one) is switched, fused and robust. However it is much easier to assemble, as you can see, it’s one box! The inverter is also 5kw, 4X the power. The solar controller is 450v at 80a; double the power. It also features a built in charger, which the 2017 model didn’t have; that was a $250 option.
That’s why we’re excited about the new solar for 2023. The 5kw AiO at $1750; well you can see the value.
The BobolinkSolar Grey Owl is no longer available. I leave this up to help those researching off grid small systems.
This was our second most popular off grid system. The reason? It was powerful, low maintenance, ultra reliable and brought unbeatable price vs power along with an easy install and no real maintenance.
Oh, and it was expandable.
Our 2023 recommendation for a simple 3 season cottage system is buy one of the portable models available. There are a number of suppliers; bluetti, eco etc.
Tip: When buying an all in one portable watch for the solar charging. Being able to add higher watt panels can save money. Look for a unit that allows you to buy your own panels or even add another solar controller.
Note: You can still self-assemble, but we find the hassle and time consumed to make this more of a hobbiest adventure. Yes, We still recommend Victron equipment. It is NOT generally cUL listed, so don’t use this equipment in ESA required solar systems.
What made our systems so special?
BobolinkSolar only sold lithium batteries
Lithium batteries made our early systems unbeatable. Remember, lithium batteries have the lowest cost per cycle; but more importantly; are 35% more efficient in charging and discharging. What does that mean? If your batteries don’t heat up while running higher draw equipment; stoves, kettles, toasters, hair dryers; you can use them easily even with a smaller system. And you paid enough in sweat and hard work getting those solar panels installed. Don’t you want the battery that charges easier and faster? Hint: yes, you very much do.
Why all Victron?
- Victron solar controllers have an ultra fast dual stage MPPT algorithm. This means better shade handling and superior ability to maximize panel harvest under changing conditions; all resulting in a higher harvest all year round. Many other solar controllers are as good or close. But for the tiny savings. Just go Victron and thank me later.
- Victron inverters not only bring proven longevity, they are so well designed and robust. The numbers look smaller but they actually out “grunt” larger inverters due to the powerful “torodial” technology. I have a customer who’s 3 kw chinese inverter that he saved money on that won’t start what his dad’s Victron 1200 will. Now that particular chinese inverter is really high quality. It just doesn’t have the grunt.
- Programmable: One of the nicest features of the new equipment is that the bits talk to each other and you. Programming Victron equipment is fast, easy and safe. And it helps ensure your investment is protected. Plus its fun to look at the charts and graphs.
- In this class, you can’t pay less for the features, reliability or performance. You can however pay more.
Lithium plus Victron = reliable power
These systems support multiple devices: dishwasher; induction cook top; energy star fridge up to 18cuft.; tv; internet; lights; etc. Well suited for 3 seasons; add our BlackWING charger with your small generator for 4 season/late fall use. (Full timers; ask about load sharing with smaller generators).
This is the system for those who value a trouble free life. These systems are designed from step one to be tougher, more reliable and easier to manage. They will last for a decade or longer without bother. One of the benefits of BobolinkSolar — we want to build 25 year systems and we’re getting there. We believe our systems will prove more reliable than any other available.
BobolinkSolar 3 season cottage system: circa 2019-22
Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 150/35 with custom charge profile. Includes app, updated to latest firmware.
Key Benefits
- ultra-fast mppt tracking. This allows it to compensate for shading in a way no other controller in its class can.
- Programming and monitoring over Bluetooth is neat too!
- Victron reliability
- 5 year warranty!
Victron Inverters Victron 1200
Key benefits
- These are the proven reliable inverter
- Remarkable 3x surge handling
- 94% efficient
- Torodial hybrid (more oomph for a longer time)
- Bluetooth voltage control and monitoring!
- 5 year warranty. Best in the business!
PowerWings SESS with exclusive BobolinkSolar harness
(no longer recommended)
Key Benefits of PowerWings lithium batteries
- Your system is 20% more efficient with lithium!
- Far superior charge / discharge efficiency
- Lower maintenance
- Safer
- Far longer life span (30 years or more)
- Smaller, lighter, space saving
- No toxic gas venting!
- They make your system super fly.
- YellowBird harness (included);
- New BlueBIRD BMS
- 6 month full exchange warranty. 7 year prorated!
MonoPERC Solar Panels
Key benefits
- 60 cell high efficiency == good grief, we’ve had reports of up to 344w / panel. The PERC effect!
- 40 lbs
- 39×65″
- 25 year warranty
BOS: Balance of system: Our systems come complete. All wiring. Fuses. Etc. Designed right!
- Marine rated for off grid reliability
- Now with 100a CSA battery bus bar with circuit breakers per module as well as terminal w/fuse (300a)
- solar combiner box with dc rated 20a circuit breakers (expandable)
- ALL relevant wiring from: panels to combiner box; combiner to solar controller; Controller to battery switch; Switch to battery bus; Battery bus to battery; Battery to monitor; monitor to inverter. Anything I’ve forgotten to mention. All carefully designed. Wiring sourced to be the very best for its use. YES. We use High Strand wire.
- Tested, designed, proven.
- a set of IKEA instructions (kidding, Bobolink assembly instructions of course. Have you read the site? More words, fewer drawings of people with question marks over their heads).
More is more. And our systems, now in dozens of cottages, are proven reliable and low maintenance. Let the decades roll on!