The Marine Navigation Services division of the Canadian Coast Guard is charged with the duty of keeping the waters accessible by providing navigational aids, developing waterways, and protecting navigable waters. The navigation aids are either shore fixed or anchored buoys. In most cases the aids are comprised of a flashing beacon powered by a small solar array and battery system. The aids serve to mark hazards and geographic locations. In some cases, the aids are fitted with a radio transmitter to identify a specific geographic location for global satellite (GPS) systems.

SPS has supplied a number of different solar modules to meet the varying criteria prevalent on both shore fixed or anchored buoys. One such module is BP85 from BP Solar that incorporates a proprietary ultra high efficiency laser grooved monocrystalline cell. The BP85 provides the most power per square meter of any commercially available module, ideal for an area where space is at a premium.

Another module used on navigational buoys is the SPS MAR-115. This is a proprietary 11.5 W module designed by SPS exclusively for the Canadian Coast Guard to meet some of the toughest marine environmental standards in the world.

The programs of the Marine Navigation Services benefit pleasure craft, fishing and commercial vessels, and ensure the public's right to navigate.

SPS designed and supplied 14 solar power systems to automate lighthouses on the coast of Newfoundland. The systems were supplied to the Canadian Coast Guard and included over 800 Shell SP-75 Solar Modules, and the SPS manufactured PV-3 Charge Controller and mounts. System design and full training was also provided by Soltek Powersource. The systems power beacons and fog horns in the lighthouses and are located on Newfoundland's coast.

There are four types of solar systems installed at the various lighthouse sites that range in size from 8400 watts at the largest to 525 watts at the smallest. The 8400 W systems consist of four solar arrays, and each measures 17 m long and incorporates 112 solar modules.

The power systems use Shell SP-75 solar modules. These 75 watt panels offer the superior low light level performance of single crystal cell technology, ideal for foggy coastal areas. They also feature Shell Solar industry leading 25 year power warranty. Soltek Powersource manufactures the high-amperage PV-3 Charge Controllers that will protect the batteries from overcharging and deep discharges. Digital metering came standard with this model, and Soltek Powersource added accessories like alarm relays as required. SPS has supplied power systems to the Canadian Coast Guard for the past eight years. Past experience has included lighthouse generator to solar conversions and the delivery of over 2000 modules to power floating navigation aids by solar.

Soltek Powersouce (SPS) supplied a turn-key solar/generator power system to service the electrical needs at the Huxley Island Park Warden Station. Located in the Moresby Island archipelago, Huxley Island serves as a base camp for parks staff in the region and as a registration office for visitors arriving by boat. It is also used by visiting scientists performing studies in the area. The camp has a 2 75 m building with full kitchen, bunks for 4 people and an office equipped with satellite telephone VHF radios and computers.

SPS installed a power system consisting of a 600 watt solar array using eight Siemens SP-75 solar modules, a 4.0 kW TRACE sine wave inverter, a 38 kWhr lead acid battery bank and a 5.0 kW gasoline generator. To facilitate installation, all electrical components were preassembled and 2 wired on a 1.3m “power board” before shipment. SPS also provided a waterproof, aluminum outdoor cabinet for the batteries and power equipment which was installed directly behind the living quarters. A battery state of charge display and a remote control for the inverter and generator was installed on an interior wall of the building for the convenience of park's staff.

One of the key features of the Gwaii Haanas integrated power system is completely automated operation. The solar system supplies the majority of the power to the loads, with the generator available for backup charging using the 100 amp charger in the inverter. In the event of poor weather or excessive loads, the generator is programmed to start automatically when 50% of the battery capacity has been removed. In this way, the batteries are charged before a potentially damaging low battery condition is reached.

In 2001, Soltek Powersource provided a custom power system to the Outdoor Learning Centre project in British Columbia's Golden Ears Park. This fascinating job included the integration of an alternative energy system into a First Nations Longhouse.

The local First Nations Band will operate the Centre in conjunction with BC Parks. The Longhouse will also provide services for environmental education in the park.

Soltek Powersource installed four 70-watt solar modules, a 1500-watt inverter/charger system complete with overcurrent protection, and a 10 kWh battery bank. A DC to DC converter was also installed, as multiple DC voltages were necessary. Future plans include expanding the solar modules to eight panels.

The Longhouse is set within a well-treed area that enhances the aesthetics of the site but does not allow for sufficient sunlight penetration. Therefore, the solar modules were mounted across two large poles roughly 15' from ground level in an area with full southern exposure. However, this new site presented challenges as it is remote and adjacent to a gravel parking lot. As many people visit the area unsupervised, a decision was made to add an extra level of protection for the solar modules; therefore, the solar array was fitted with a lexan cover on the face side, and sheet aluminum to safeguard the rear.

The 12VDC interior electrical system consists of four area lights, three exit signs, two exterior motion sensor lights, and an inline fan to provide airflow for a fire pit. The inverter system provides 120 VAC for a slide projector and a future food preparation area. An external VAC receptacle was wired to the inverter's 70 amp charger to take advantage if using a portable generator should the need arise.

Even with hydro power nearby, the costs of trenching and installing underground wiring often make a solar system a lower cost option. Soltek Powersource offers a wide range of lighting packages from our flashing beacons to the LED Signlight. We also custom design and manufacture packages for any application. Systems can be designed to run for any period of time.