Jarred Cobb
Born in the green mountains of Randolph, Vermont, Catamount Solar is not just another solar company. It is a member-owned cooperative that has been transforming how Vermonters use solar energy and energy storage for over 13 years. Catamount Solar specializes in off-grid solar systems, which are essential for many folks in Vermont and New Hampshire, especially those in remote areas. They have installed hundreds of these systems, helping people achieve energy independence. Each system is customized to meet specific needs, whether it is powering a single cabin or an entire homestead.
Embracing New Technology
A 9.6 kW pole mounted solar array with battery backup at a residence in Vermont installed by Catamount Solar. (Photo by Chris Sparadeo)
Once installed, the off-grid solar power system’s solar PV array will automatically generate electricity from sunlight and store excess energy in the battery for later use. The hybrid inverter’s integrated charge controller converts DC power from the solar panels and battery into AC power for use in the home. During periods of low sunlight or at night, the battery will provide power. When needed, the generator will automatically turn on and supply AC power, which is also converted to DC power via the hybrid inverter to be stored in the battery for later use. Together, these system components work hand in hand to allow the end user a seamless experience, with little to no babysitting required. Inverters and batteries typically come with a ten-year manufacturer warranty and solar PV modules with a twenty-five-year warranty. With the right selection of equipment, the homeowner is left with a power system designed to last decades. Instead of depending on a fossil fuel generator to run around the clock off-grid, by implementing a solar plus energy storage system, the generator will only run when it is needed. If the system is sized correctly, this might equate to 60 or so hours of runtime a year. A typical propane generator consumes two gallons of fuel per hour, so cutting down on generator reliance also means real cost avoidance.
Catamount Solar integrates the latest innovations into their systems, with energy storage solutions that improve the reliability of off-grid systems. They also use advanced monitoring platforms, allowing them and their clients to track system performance in real time, ensuring efficiency and early detection of issues. Catamount’s expertise includes Chris Sparadeo, its Master Electrician who is of the two in the nation to currently hold the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners’ Energy Storage Installation Professional certification.
System Snapshot
Catamount Solar integrates the latest innovations into their systems, with energy storage solutions that improve the reliability of off-grid systems. (Photo by Kevin Currier)
In 2022, Catamount Solar was approached by a customer in southern Vermont who had just purchased an off-grid home with an outdated power system. The lead-acid batteries were off-gassing and the small solar array just was not keeping up, putting a big burden on an already down and out propane generator. Catamount surveyed the integrity of the existing system, carefully determined the client’s future load profile and objectives, and presented a solution that would allow for future growth. Catamount installed a 9.6 kW pole mounted solar array with a 15kW hybrid inverter and 37 kWh of energy storage. Fast forward two years and the client is happily powering their home and greenhouse and even makes use of the inverter’s built in smart load management interface to charge their Ford Lightning when the sun is out and the batteries are charged. Smart load management offers the user the ability to prioritize large consumption appliances during conditions only when ample power is available to safeguard power for more essential loads. This can allow a smaller off-grid system to support larger loads than previously imagined, without requiring significant increase of size or cost. Living and thriving off-grid has never been easier.
Catamount is product-agnostic; however, they do have core products that have been vetted in house for quality and reliability. Some of these products include Sol-Ark hybrid inverters, Fortress Power batteries, Discover Energy Systems and Q-Cell Solar modules. Catamount Solar is at the forefront of testing and deploying the highest quality and safest systems on the market. From off-grid cabins to large family homes looking for the peace of mind in knowing they have backup power, Catamount Solar crafts solutions for a range of clients.
Looking Ahead
Catamount Solar aims to expand its impact on Vermont and beyond. Benefits of energy storage are not limited to the off-grid world. Having the ability to generate, store, and use your own power opens the door to infinite possibilities. Whether it is powering your home during an outage, lowering your peak demands, or optimizing your energy consumption, an energy storage system is at the heart of the solution. Taking control of how we interact with power not only makes for a great end user experience, but puts you at the helm of choosing a more sustainable future.
Jarred Cobb is Catamount Solar’s general manager. Learn more at www.catamountsolar.com or call them at (802) 728-3600.
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