OrcaLab Research Centre

Project location: Hanson Island, British Columbia, Canada
Project size: 6 kW
Project Purpose: Converted research station to 100% renewable energy

Project summary: 

OrcaLab is a world-renowned research centre situated on Hanson Island, British Columbia where they have been researching dolphins and whales for more than four decades. In April 2018 a 6kW micro-grid PV system was installed at OrcaLab. A total of $15,000 was raised to help this research facility completely eliminate its dependence on diesel fuel to go 100% renewable. With a mix of stormy weather that prevented the installation sooner and some lucky sunny days, the construction of the solar PV array, connections to the generator and wind-turbine on site took nearly 2 months to complete. A total of four ELCE volunteers were able to help make this happen, along with many other supporters.