The First Nations community on Harbledown Island has long relied on diesel generators for power—but with the commissioning of a hybrid microgrid system, the community now experiences both silence and sustainability as solar and storage take over where diesel once dominated.
This remote off-grid microgrid solution features 100 kW of PV solar, a 125 kW energy storage inverter, 440 kWh of battery capacity, and three diesel generators working in coordination. At the core of the system is the Generac ARC microgrid control system (also known as the Generac Renewable Controller), which integrates and orchestrates all distributed energy resources into a unified, reliable power network.
The ARC controller maximizes microgrid energy efficiency by prioritizing renewable generation and enabling the system to operate on 100% solar and battery power whenever conditions allow. In hybrid mode, it ensures minimum generator loading—allowing both solar PV and diesel generators to operate in parallel without overburdening mechanical assets.
To reduce mode-switching and enhance operational resilience, the ARC controller enables dynamic sharing between energy storage and generator assets using droop control. This intelligent coordination ensures grid stability and provides multiple layers of redundancy for the island’s power infrastructure.
In a remarkable show of adaptability, Generac supported project partner Hakai in commissioning the system remotely from Fort Collins, CO—navigating COVID-19 travel restrictions through satellite internet. The entire configuration and deployment of the advanced microgrid was completed virtually, marking a milestone in both innovation and remote energy deployment.
This project exemplifies how modern microgrid technology can bring clean, reliable power to remote communities while reducing noise, emissions, and operational costs.
