What does 'Grid Tie' Mean?
Grid Tie means to have your renewable energy system connected to your utility company power. The Utility Company installs 2 meters. One records the power you add and the other records the power you take.

What is off Grid?
Off Grid means to be 100% independent from any utility lines or gas lines.

What types of systems are available?
Off grid systems – completely independent of the utility grid, battery bank required to provide energy at times of low input or high usage. All power requirements need to be produced from you renewable energy system with an assisted backup generator. Advantages are being independent from the utility companies and not having to pay for utility lines to be brought in to a remote area. Energy usage becomes very aware with an incentive to conserve. Disadvantages are maintenance, troubleshooting and battery replacement every 5-15 years.
Battery based grid tie systems- Connected to the utility grid but also using batteries. The excess power is sent to the grid, when electricity is needed it is taken from the grid. When the grid goes out the battery bank supplies power for the critical loads such as water pump, refrigerator etc. Useful for areas where grid power is not reliable and power goes out frequently for extended periods of time.
Grid Tie Systems- Solar and/or wind energy connected to an inverter then connected to the utility grid. Advantages of being tied to the grid are using the utility company as your on demand maintenance free way of banking energy. You can also use renewable energy to cover only a portion of your energy requirements and get the rest from the grid. Disadvantages are not being aware of you energy consumption. Having an off grid mindset will make the most of your renewable energy system. Drawbacks are not having power from batteries when the grid goes down your system goes down.

Can I put the backup generator and the inverters in the same housing unit?
When planning an off-grid system the ideal housing unit has 3 separate rooms, one for the inverters, one for the batteries and one for the backup generator. Inverters contain spark generating switches and relays that would pose a problem with batteries that create gasses. The generator heats up when running would create too much heat for the electronics so they need to be separated.

How do I connect to the Grid?
H&S Industries offers the service of submitting all of your applications in order to connect to the grid. Types of permits include building, electrical, Transport Canada, Navigation Canada, and your utility company.

Will the Utility Company pay me for any over generation of power my renewable energy system creates?
The utility companies will only credit you in the form of kWh. You will not receive cash back at the moment so it is important to size your system so that you are not over producing.

How can I save energy in my home?
There are very affordable ways to start saving energy in your home today. Replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents, washing your clothes in cold water, air drying your laundry, weather stripping any drafts on windows and doors. Unplug any item you are not using or shut off with a power bar to avoid phantom loads, upgrading to energy star appliances, use laptops instead of desktop computers, at night turn down the thermostat and close all window covering.  Focus on saving energy, 1kW saved is a kW you do not have to produce.

What is a kWh?  
The kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy. Energy delivered by electric utilities is usually expressed and charged for in kWh. The kilowatt (symbol: kW), equal to one thousand watts
kW  X  hours = kWh if you use a 1000Watt heater (1 kW) and run it for 3 hours you would use 1kW X 3 hrs = 3kWh.  

How do I calculate monthly energy cost?
If you have a power bill it will state your monthly power usage in kWh. You can call and request your yearly power consumption from you utility provider or tally up your past bills.
To calculate your monthly energy cost of each electrical appliance please visit http://www.fortisalberta.com/Default.aspx?cid=333&lang=1

What does a system cost?
Each system is custom designed for location, power production, and system type (solar, wind, grid tie, battery backup etc.) please check the pricing page for more information.

How do I know if I can have a wind turbine in my area?
First you need to check with your local town or municipality and find out what the regulations are for your area. For example in the M.D of Foothills No.31 you are permitted to have a windmill for personal use that does not exceed 16m (52.49ft) in height and meets minimum setback distances, also consult with your neighbors.

Should I get insurance on my system?
Yes, many home coverage policies can be extended to your renewable energy system.  When getting coverage with you insurance provider. Be very specific about the system with pictures and information if damage occurs there are no surprises to the insurance company and you get coverage.

Is there financing available?
H&S Industries is working with a local lender to make system financing a simple procedure. Until then your bank can offer mortgage loans with the benefit of low interest rates over a long period of time.