THE CHALLENGE Fisheries & Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard have undertaken an upgrade to the power generation systems for Merry Island, Entrance Island, Cape Scott and Boat Bluff Light-stations. Previously all of these light-stations were powered using two 27-35kW diesel generators. The organisation is responsible for Canada’s economic, ecological and scientific interests in oceans and inland waters which is why a robust and sustainable alternative to diesel was required. The protection of the coastal environment was paramount to the decision to find alternative means of powering these important lighthouses. One of these flagship installations is on Merry Island lighthouse, which is associated with marine transportation safety in a major artery for commercial ship traffic in and out of Vancouver. Owing to the role played by the lighthouse in the security of shipping lanes, its contribution to the development of Vancouver and Canada’s West Coast is of inestimable value. THE SOLUTION The new small scale SD3 Wind Turbines were selected by the Fisheries & Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard due to their ability to withstand extreme gusts, variable climatic conditions and offer low cost servicing. The SD3 Systems will produce on average 14,000kWh each annually and help to off-set $20,000- $30,000 in diesel costs which is the core objective of the energy strategy for the Canadian Coast Guard. If this were connected to the BC Hydro Grid it would offset approximately $7000 annually. A modular renewable system was designed which included adding an inverter system, a battery bank, a solar panel array, SD Wind 3kW wind turbines and automation to remotely monitor the system. The system has eliminated the need for diesel fuel consumption as the site’s primary power source. FULLY MARINISED FOR EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS SYSTEM SPECIFICATION ❱  SD3EX (24V) Solar PV Panels ❱  Charge Controller ❱  24V Battery Bank 3400 AMPH ❱  Marinised Components  KEY COMPONENTS WIND TURBINE CONTROLLER SOLAR PV SYSTEM BATTERY BANK 23 All these light-stations are staffed federal heritage sites located in close proximity to Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada aiding mariners from the Pacific Ocean to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Inside passage. Each site generally includes 3 residences, a light tower, a helipad, a storage shed, fuel storage and distribution system, an engine room, a power plant and fog alarm, a tool shed and a workshop. Most light-stations are located in areas with extreme weather conditions. This provides a unique set of challenges to build and maintain these renewable systems. It is important to ensure these systems are robust enough to withstand the test of time and have minimal maintenance. SD Wind 3kW turbines have performed very well over the winter storms. SYSTEM TYPE: Wind & Solar Hybrid