Going Off-Grid?
Here's What You Need to Know
It's not as complicated as you might think. Larry and his wife moved to a 15-acre plot near Beaverlodge, Alberta in 2005. They set up their own solar system. That first winter cost them under $1,500 total for power.
The key is getting the system sized right. Too small and you'll run your generator constantly. Too big and you've wasted money. The real issue is usually batteries, not panels.
All our kits ship with CSA-certified components from brands like Victron. Larry's system has handled -40°C winters for almost 20 years now.
Still have questions? Call us. Larry's been explaining this stuff for 20 years. He'll tell you if solar makes sense for your situation—and if it doesn't, he'll say so.
Products & Services
We've shipped to Nunavut twice. If we can get a system there, we can get one to you. Each kit arrives ready to install with instructions and phone support.
Pre-configured kits for cabins, homes, and RVs. Everything's matched and tested together—panels, batteries, inverter, charge controller. Pick a package that fits your power needs, or call us and we'll build something custom.
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Call us when you're stuck. Seriously. We'll walk you through troubleshooting, help your electrician understand the system, or figure out why your batteries aren't charging right. No ticket system, no call center—you get Larry or someone who actually knows solar.
Read MoreFeatured Products
Explore our most popular off-grid solar solutions, hand-picked for quality and performance.
Solarwyse Solar Power Solutions
At Solarwyse, it is our goal to ensure you are educated about Solar Power before making the investment.
Feel free to contact us directly with any of your questions.
An Abundance of solar power
Sunshine is freely available nationwide. Canada's prairies are not only the sunniest, but they also offer the greatest potential for solar harvest. Our Canadian prairies are therefore a major resource for harvesting solar energy. Sunshine is an abundant but long-forgotten and underutilized natural resource. Learn more about how you can leverage the power of the sun to power your home today!
Learn MoreWhy Live Off-Grid?
It's not roughing it. It's freedom.
Larry runs a dishwasher, two freezers, and an air conditioner off his solar system. No power bill for almost 20 years. When the grid goes down in a storm, his lights stay on.
Solar Solutions Life in Canada
Be your own electricity provider.
Larry founded Solarwyse in 2005 after converting to the off-grid lifestyle. In his first winter, he saw utility costs reduced to under $1,000 per year for his household.
Testimonials
What our valued clients have to say about our business.
Supplying Solar Power Systems to Canadians
At Solarwyse, we take pride in being a Canadian-owned and operated company. Based in Beaverlodge, Alberta! Our mission is to provide high-quality solar power systems that empower families across the nation. We carefully select solar panels and alternative energy solutions designed specifically for the Canadian climate, ensuring our products meet the unique needs of our customers.
We offer a range of CSA-certified solar packages featuring trusted brand-name products and knowledgeable, friendly service. Our solar panels are chosen for their efficiency, making them ideal for powering homes, cottages, and recreational vehicles.
Are We the Right Solar Power Specialists for You?
Absolutely! We provide prompt support over the phone and collaborate with your electrician to ensure a smooth installation process. Solarwyse has delivered easy-to-install solar packages to locations across Canada, including Nova Scotia, Whitehorse, and Vancouver Island.
Solar Energy Systems in Canada
We offer tailored power solutions and home energy packages, featuring high-capacity solar panels that align with your specific needs and preferences. Our products are sourced from reputable suppliers, with a strong preference for Canadian-made components.
With over 40 years of experience in the electronics trade as Electronic Engineering Technologists, our team is dedicated to finding the best solar solutions for Canadians. Established in 2005, Solarwyse is a trusted Canadian trademark committed to expanding access to renewable energy across the country.
What You Should Know
Before you buy a solar system from anyone
Size Your Batteries First
Most people focus on panels, but batteries are what get you through cloudy weeks. Figure out your winter power needs, then work backwards.
Buy Canadian-Certified
Cheap imported kits often aren't CSA-certified. Your insurance company will care. Your inspector will care. All our gear is certified.
Match Your Components
A 48V battery bank needs a 48V charge controller and inverter. Sounds obvious, but we get calls every week from people with mismatched systems.
Get Phone Support
When something's not working at 9pm on a Sunday, you need someone to call. We answer our phones. The big box stores don't.
Plan for Shipping
Batteries are heavy and expensive to ship. We've shipped to Nunavut. Ask for a quote upfront so there are no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions About Off-Grid Solar
Why should I switch to solar energy?
Honestly? It depends on your situation. If you're in a remote location without grid access, solar is usually your cheapest option—way cheaper than running power lines. Larry's own utility costs dropped to under $1,500 a year after going off-grid in 2005. But if you're already connected to cheap grid power in a city, the math might not work for you. The real benefit is independence: no outages, no rate hikes, no relying on anyone else.
How many solar panels will I need?
Most people overthink this. For a typical off-grid cabin, you're looking at 4-8 panels. A full-time home needs 8-16. But here's what actually matters: your battery bank and winter consumption. Panels are cheap now—it's the batteries that cost money. Larry always says to size your batteries first, then figure out panels. Call us with your power bill and we'll give you a straight answer in 10 minutes.
Do solar panels work in Canadian winters?
They work better in cold weather, actually. Heat is what hurts panels—cold helps them. The issue is shorter days, not temperature. In northern Alberta, Larry's system produces about 30% of summer output in December. That's why battery sizing matters so much—you need to store enough to get through cloudy stretches. Snow usually slides right off if your panels are angled properly (40°+ in most of Canada).
What's the difference between off-grid and grid-tied?
Grid-tied means you're still connected to the utility—you make power during the day and sell the extra back. No batteries needed. Off-grid means you're completely independent—you need batteries to store power for nights and cloudy days. Most of our customers go off-grid because they're in locations where grid connection would cost $30,000+ just for the power line. That money buys a lot of solar panels.
How long do the panels actually last?
Twenty-five years minimum. Larry's original panels from 2005 are still producing. The panels themselves are the most reliable part—no moving parts, nothing to wear out. Warranties guarantee 80% output after 25 years, but most panels still hit 90%+ at that age. The real replacement cost is batteries: expect to swap those every 10-15 years. That's where you should focus your planning.
Do you install the systems?
We don't do installations ourselves—we're in Beaverlodge, Alberta, and you might be in Nova Scotia. But we've shipped systems to every province and territory, and we'll walk you (or your electrician) through the whole setup over the phone. Most of our kits are designed for DIY installation. The electrical connection should be done by a licensed electrician, but the rest is straightforward if you can follow instructions.
Our Blog
Practical guides, troubleshooting tips, and the stuff we've learned from 20 years of helping people go off-grid. No fluff—just useful information.
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