First up is the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show on March 14-17 at the International Centre in Mississauga, ON. Canadian Off Grid will be there for all four days of the show.
You can find us at the Cinderella Incinerating Toilets booth #2760 in Hall 2 and we’re offering a 10% discount for incinerating toilets purchased at the show.
The show includes:
Come find us and tell us all about the fish that got away!
Then we’ll be at the Spring Cottage Life Show, which runs from March 21-24, also at the International Centre in Mississauga, ON. Canadian Off Grid will be at the Cinderella Incinerating Toilets booth on Friday, March 22.
This year’s show features:
Come say hi and then go check out our friends at Ballance Container Homes at booth #1762.
Later in the summer, Canadian Off Grid will be at the Tiny Home Show in Ancaster, ON, which runs July 12-14 at the Ancaster Fairgrounds.
The schedule for this show isn't out yet since July's still pretty far away. But we were at last year's show and we expect they'll have a lot of the same offerings such as:
We hope to see you at one or all of these amazing shows! It's going to be a great year!
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Fortunately, there are lots of options available for off-grid cooking. Canadian Off Grid Depot recommends propane ranges that are specifically designed for off-grid operation.
Electric ranges may seem appealing based on the idea that you could run them off solar. But they draw extreme amounts of energy, requiring hefty solar battery and panel setups, as well as cooperative weather and a good location for panels. Light levels are at their lowest during the times you’re most likely to be cooking – early morning and late afternoon – which is also when you’re drawing the most power to run all your other household appliances. A solar setup robust enough to handle that draw is pricey and you would probably still need a fossil-fuel backup generator to handle long periods of inclement weather. Electric ranges just aren’t practical for most off-grid situations.
Propane is relatively cheap, easy to haul, easy to find, and easy to service. It’s often seen as a greener choice than natural gas – it’s methane-free, burns cleaner, and produces two and a half times the energy from a cubic foot of fuel in comparison to natural gas. Propane is easy to transport to an off-grid site, either in bottles you buy and move yourself or by having a delivery truck fill a large tank. If you’re using propane year-round for several different appliances, you might need to fill a 250 gallon propane tank three to four times a year. If you’re only at your cabin during the season or on weekends, smaller bottles you haul yourself may be all you need. All of this makes propane our fuel of choice for cooking off-grid in most circumstances.
On-grid gas or propane ranges typically have hot surface igniter (HSI) systems to ignite the burners and oven in order to avoid having to light a pilot manually. They are always on and can draw significant electrical power.
Specialty off-grid ranges have battery ignition systems that run off a small battery (such as a standard D cell) instead of HSI systems so they are not drawing electrical power from another source. Their oven pilots are intermittent pilots that only run when you’re using the oven, which is a big savings in energy requirements. These ranges have mechanical thermostats and no electronics - no electronic boards, digital displays, or convection fans, all of which require power and can be sensitive to electrical surges.
All of this means that you get tremendous energy savings while still enjoying the benefits of automatic ignition and a range that needs fewer repairs.
This is Unique's 30" propane off-grid classic range, in white (also available in black). Everything in this range is mechanical - the only electricity needed is a D-cell battery to run the match-less automatic ignition system. Continuous cast-iron grates and sealed burners make cleanup easy and allow for safe movement of cookware. It comes fitted for propane but a natural gas adapter kit is also included. Unique also offers 24" and 20" versions of this stove as well.
This stylish option is Unique's classic retro version of the off-grid propane range, in mint green (also available in white). It features the same off-grid focused design as the classic style model - mechanical thermometer, no electronics with just the ignition system running off a D-cell battery and the option to use natural gas with the adapter kit included. The only difference is the styling, which matches the rest of Unique's Classic Retro line of appliances. It also comes in a 24" version (but there is no 20" version of this model).
Having a full range at your off-grid cottage, cabin, or camp can make a big difference in comfort and convenience. Cooking off-grid can be just as convenient as cooking in the city, as long as you have the right tools.
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Every generator comes with an owners manual and a maintenance schedule. Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule will prolong the life of the generator and ensure it’s ready when you need it. Maintenance tasks might need to be done monthly, bi annually, annually and/or every so many years. They can also be based on hours of use. The schedules vary by manufacturer and model, so you’ll need to check your owners manual to find out what your unit specifically requires.
In general, the following tasks are typical of what you’ll need to do to keep your generator in good condition, depending on what type of generator you have:
Propane Generators
1. Regularly inspect the propane tank for leaks and ensure it is securely connected.
2. Check the fuel lines for any signs of damage, wear, or leaks.
3. Clean or replace the air filter as recommended by the manufacturer.
4. Change the oil and oil filter according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
5. Keep the generator clean by removing any dust or debris from the exterior.
6. Test the battery and charger regularly to ensure proper functioning.
7. Schedule a professional inspection of the entire generator system annually or based on the maintenance schedule.
Natural Gas Generators:
1. Inspect the natural gas supply line for any leaks or damage.
2. Clean or replace the air filter as recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Change the oil and oil filter as per the manufacturer's guidelines.
4. Keep the generator clean by removing any dust or debris from the exterior.
5. Test the battery and charger regularly for proper operation.
6. Schedule a professional inspection of the entire generator system annually or based on the maintenance schedule.
Gasoline Generators:
1. Store gasoline in approved containers in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources.
2. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for fuel stabilizer usage if the generator will be stored for an extended period.
3. Check the fuel level regularly and refill as needed.
4. Change the oil and oil filter as per the manufacturer's guidelines.
5. Clean or replace the air filter as recommended by the manufacturer.
6. Test the battery and charger regularly for proper operation.
7. Schedule a professional inspection of the generator system annually or based on the maintenance schedule.
Diesel Generators:
1. Regularly check the fuel level and refill as needed.
2. Change the oil and oil filter according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
3. Clean or replace the air filter as recommended by the manufacturer.
4. Test the battery and charger regularly to ensure proper functioning.
5. Keep the generator clean by removing any dust or debris from the exterior.
6. Schedule a professional inspection of the entire generator system annually or based on the maintenance schedule.
Follow these suggestions and the manufacturer’s recommendations and you’ll have power when you need it regardless of the weather!
Have questions or want recommendations for a new generator system? Get in touch with Ryan at (905) 818-7364 or ryan@canadianoffgriddepot.com and he’ll be glad to help.
]]>Cinderella offers a maintenance kit specifically for cleaning and maintaining their incinerating toilets, which we at Canadian Off Grid recommend. That way you know that you have the right tools for the job and you won’t damage the toilet when cleaning it.
When you empty the ash container, it’s recommended that you clean the insert pan by filling it with hot water, letting it sit for 15-30 minutes, and then scrubbing out any residue left with the brush in the maintenance kit. Do NOT use any kind of chemical cleaners, even natural ones. The ash container insert is already sterile thanks to the incineration cycle so chemical sterilization isn’t necessary and cleansers can damage the insert.
Once the ash container has been emptied and cleaned, it’s time to steam clean the catalytic converter, which is as simple as pouring about a liter of water into the ash container, replacing it into the toilet, and starting an incineration cycle. The water will boil away and the steam will clean out any debris in the catalytic converter. That process normally takes about 60-80 minutes.
For those who prefer a video overview, here’s the one that Cinderella posted about the proper cleaning and maintenance procedures:
Sometimes the bowl liners might get caught in the hatch of the toilet. Ryan made a video to demonstrate how to solve this problem.
Once every 500 cycles - which you know you've reached when you finish a box of bowl liners – you should clean the exhaust connection. To do that, you have to disconnect the toilet from the exhaust pipe (and inlet air pipe if applicable) and the electricity or gas source. Then clean the exhaust coupling with the flexible bottle brush included in the maintenance kit, making sure you’re reaching back all the way to the fan blades. Use a vacuum to clean out the debris in the exhaust coupling that the brush loosened up. Then you can reattach the exhaust connection and you’re good for another 500 cycles.
Also every 500 cycles or annually, whichever comes first, you should rinse the catalytic converter with warm water. You’ll have to disconnect the toilet from the exhaust pipe (and inlet air pipe if applicable) and electricity or gas source and move the toilet to a place where it’s okay to spill water such as a bathtub, shower, or outside. Remove the ash container. Tilt the toilet forward and use the funnel from the maintenance kit to pour 2-5 liters of hot water into the exhaust pipe. If you have access to a shower hose, that can make the job easier. The water that comes out will get clearer as the gunk gets washed out of the catalytic converter. Keep running water through until the water is running clear. Then reconnect the toilet, insert the ash container, and run an incineration cycle to dry the unit.
Lastly, once a year (or more often for year-round toilet use), you need to clean the exhaust pipe. It’s a great idea to do this at the same time that you rinse the catalytic converter because the toilet will already be disconnected from the exhaust pipe and the electricity or gas source. Once you’ve got the toilet moved out of the way, protect the floor under the exhaust pipe with a tarp or newspaper or old towel. Dismantle the pipe cap. This may require a ladder depending on your specific situation, so make sure you’re taking the proper safety precautions to prevent falls. Drop the sweeper brush with the weighted ball from the maintenance kit down into the exhaust pipe from the top. Pull it up and down to knock the ash and debris loose along the length of the pipe. When you’re done, replace the pipe cap and clean up the debris from the floor at the end of the exhaust pipe. Then you can reconnect the toilet and your annual maintenance is done!
Cinderella has more instructions for cleaning and maintenance on their website.
They also offer a clear, one-page instruction sheet with diagrams that you can hang in your bathroom that explains how to operate the toilet to guests.
Or get in touch with Ryan at (905)-818-7364 or ryan@canadianoffgriddepot.com - he can answer any questions you might have and help with troubleshooting. Canadian Off Grid is always here to help!
]]>While people often think of a wood fireplace as the definitive off-grid heat source, Canadian Off Grid offers several different options for a wide range of needs and circumstances. No matter how big or small your property, the level of sunlight it gets, or how much physical labour you are willing or able to do, there's a system that is right for you and will keep you warm throughout the coldest months.
Solar Heat Pump
A solar heat pump is a great option because it not only heats in the winter but it also cools in the summer. It's a one-device solution for climate control off-grid. We recommend the EG4 Solar A/C Heat Pump at Canadian Off Grid. It can plug directly into solar panels without the need for an inverter during the day or can draw AC power from storage batteries at night or during overcast days. It's plug-and-play and highly efficient. The operating temperature range is -10 degrees to 58 degrees Celcius, however, so if your property is farther north or especially cold you would need to consider other systems. We carry 12,000 BTU and 24,000 BTU models for smaller or larger spaces. Ryan has one of the larger models in the second floor of his house for cooling in the summer and it was a great addition this year.
Portable A/C and Heat Unit
Another option for both heating and cooling, particularly if your space is on the smaller side, is a portable air conditioning and heating system. Our recommendation is the EcoFlow Wave 2. You can run it off a solar battery or generator and it's installation free and fits anywhere. It provides 5,100 BTUs of cooling and 6,100 BTUs of heating with quiet operation (44 dB). This is a great unit for smaller spaces such as bunkies or RVs.
Propane Wall Heater
If you're only looking for heating, a propane wall heater is a fuss-free way to keep your cottage or cabin nice and toasty. We recommend the Martin direct vent propane wall heaters and we have three sizes, 8,000 BTU, 11,000 BTU, and 20,000 BTU. The medium and large sizes have an optional glass-ceramic window that shows the flame, which makes for a nice aesthetic touch. All three sizes feature a built-in thermostat to regulate the heat dispersion. These are sturdy, well-built units and are a popular option for heating off-grid.
Wood Stove
If you don't mind getting your hands dirty and you have ample lumber on your property or are willing to buy pre-cut logs, a wood stove might be the right solution for you. We recommend the Drolet Deco Nano wood stove. This non-catalytic wood stove features modern design, higher-than-average height and practical storage space underneath for logs. The bottom of its combustion chamber is extra deep, allowing you to empty the ashes less frequently. It's made in Canada, has a limited lifetime warranty, and is certified for mobile home installation. Ryan's got one of these stoves in his breezeway area and he loves it.
Propane Fireplace
Lastly, if you love the beauty of a wood fireplace but don't want the hassle of moving logs all winter long, a propane fireplace might be the answer. We recommend the Kingsman FDV200s propane fireplace. This beautiful fireplace has a fiber oak log set with glowing embers, heat radiating ceramic glass, and a safety screen barrier. There's an optional remote control so you can turn it off or on from the comfort of your chair or bed. It's approved for installation in bedrooms and mobile homes so you can put it anywhere you want a little coziness. It's a great option for a wood fire appearance without the mess.
If you're not sure what option is the best choice for your situation, Canadian Off Grid can help! Just give us a call or shoot us an email and we'll find the best solution for your unique needs. With so many heating methods available, there's no reason to be chilly off-grid this fall and winter.
]]>Specialized off-grid appliances bring the convenience of the grid to the off-grid lifestyle and allow you to cook at the cottage the same way you do in the city. You can enjoy fall leaves and Thanksgiving dinner with the family at the cottage without giving up oven-roasted turkey with all the fixings. And pie! Don't forget pie.
Cooking with off-grid appliances means either solar or propane power for your range. It's possible to run an electric range on solar power but it requires a very robust solar set-up. The average electric range uses 3,000 watts per hour; that's 12,000 watts just to roast the Thanksgiving turkey and that's not taking into account the lights and other electrical needs running in the cabin at the same time.
A solar system that can meet these requirements is prohibitively expensive for most households. For most people, propane is the power source of choice for off-grid cooking. It's inexpensive, efficient, and isn't dependent on weather conditions or battery storage capacity.
At Canadian Off-Grid, we recommend Unique brand off-grid appliances. They're designed with efficiency and off-grid use in mind and offer a variety of sizes and design options. Even if your cottage kitchen is small, there's a Unique range that will fit your space but still allow you to cook a full-sized meal.
Unique's 24" propane range (UGP-24G OF1) will accommodate a whole turkey while still fitting in a compact kitchen. Like all of Unique's propane ranges, it features a match-less, battery ignition system that runs on a D-cell battery. It's just as easy to start as an on-grid range and has the same types of incremental burner controls as a typical range for exact control of the burner temperature.
If space is really tight, Unique's 20" propane range (UGP-20G OF1) might be the solution for you. This is Unique's smallest range. It provides a cooking experience similar to an on-grid range but with a limited footprint. This model won't fit a whole turkey, but you would have space to roast a turkey breast with the same cooking times as an on-grid range. It features the same battery ignition, easy controls, and sealed burners for easy cleanup as Unique's larger models.
If your kitchen is the ample envy of all the cottages on the rural road, you can opt for a full-sized 30" range (UGP-30G OF1). It's the same size as a typical on-grid range on the smaller end of the spectrum but it's designed with off-grid efficiency in mind and runs on propane. This is our most popular model and comes with Unique's standard suite of features like the battery ignition, sealed burners, and incremental controls.
We tend to think of Labour Day as the end of the cottage season but there are still a lot of beautiful autumn days left for enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. Why not start a new tradition of Thanksgiving at the cottage? The right off-grid setup means no limits in the kitchen even at the cottage!
]]>Off-Grid Liquid Propane Tankless Water Heaters
There are so many reasons to employ a liquid propane tankless water heater in your off-grid home or cabin over a traditional hot water tank. Today’s off-grid tankless water heaters offer all the conveniences of a large hot water tank and use far less energy.
Tankless water heaters don’t store water as a tank-style water heater does. Rather, tankless water heaters heat the water upon opening the tap and stop heating the moment you turn off the tap.
The Pros of an off-grid propane tankless water heater
Off-grid propane tankless water heaters allow for multiple users to enjoy on-demand hot water simultaneously. Run the dishwasher, take a shower, and wash your dishes without losing pressure or running out of hot water.
They are compact and take up very little space in your off-grid cabin or home. You will reduce your energy consumption by removing the need to continuously heat standing water. You can set the water temperature where you want it with the touch of a button and tankless water heaters also reduce the risk of water leaks.
When looking to purchase an off-grid Tankless water heater
There are several sizes of tankless hot water heaters to choose from, and many brands. Canadian Off Grid Depot sells, installs, and services the Eccotemp Builder Series indoor, tankless water heaters.
Why the Eccotemp Builder Series? As an experienced supplier of off-grid products, we’ve found that the Builder Series tankless water heaters are built robustly, offer unparalleled safety, and come in multiple sizes to fit your hot water requirements. The Eccotemp Builder Series also comes with an impressive 10-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Types of off-grid tankless water heaters
The Eccotemp Builder Series tankless water heaters are sold through Canadian Off Grid Depot in the following capacities:
Builder Series 6.0 GPM Indoor Liquid Propane Tankless Water Heater is CSA approved and rated at 6 gallons per minute with a 145,000 BTU. This budget-friendly off-grid unit delivers best-in-class temperature performance for smaller, single-family homes.
Builder Series 6.5 GPM Indoor Liquid Propane Tankless Water Heater is the second largest capacity in the Builder Series and offers all the benefits of the 6.0, but is rated at an impressive 6.5 gallons per minute output.
Builder Series 7.0 GPM Indoor Liquid Propane Tankless Water Heater is the largest capacity in the Builder Series rated to release 7 gallons of hot water per minute.
Eccotemp L5 Tankless Water Heater with Eccoflo pump and strainer is a portable off-grid, tankless water heater that will attach to a garden hose to produce hot water on demand. Paired with a 20lb. propane tank, the L5 is the perfect option when camping, allowing the family to enjoy endless hot water on-site.
The Eccotemp Builder Series off-grid tankless water heaters include mounting hardware, gas appliance shut-off valve, and a product manual.
Installing your off-grid liquid propane tankless water heater
When it comes to the installation of your tankless water heater, it is recommended you approach an installation professional like Canadian Off Grid Depot to deliver and install your off-grid product. Our sales specialist will review your requirements, your existing propane tank, and your connections, and then suggest the perfect liquid propane tankless water heater for your off-grid home or cabin.
Incinerating Toilets for Off-Grid Living
Have you been looking for an incinerating toilet for your off-grid living? Off-grid toilets require no plumbing and no septic. To enquire about incinerating toilets in Ontario, you have come to the right place. Canadian Off Grid Depot offers a range of incinerating toilets to meet your budgetary needs.
Off-Grid Toilets for sustainability
Employing off-grid toilets offers another level of sustainability to your cabin or off-grid home. If saving fresh water is something that appeals to you, then an incinerating toilet is an excellent fit. Gray water will be a thing of the past once you’ve installed your environmentally friendly incinerating toilet.
Cost Savings of an incinerating toilet
Without a septic tank to maintain and have serviced, these costly drainage solutions are also a thing of the past once your incineration toilet has been installed.
Other cost savings of an incineration toilet include being independent of an electric mains supply, requiring very little space, easy installation, an insignificant quantity of ash to be emptied, no need to supply bark, chemicals, etc., like a composting toilet, and no troublesome insect issues.
How does an Incinerating Toilet Work?
Electricity or gas is required to power your off-grid incinerating toilet, as the toilet burns biological waste at high temperatures. But any off-grid cabin or home that includes a sustainable electric, solar system or eco-friendly propane system will suffice. Even employing an off-grid battery pack or generator will offer enough power to incinerate your biological waste. Discuss your best options with a qualified incinerating toilet installer.
Waste is burned in an enclosed incineration chamber, and combustion gases are expelled through a separate ventilation pipe equipped with a fan. This efficient engineering is found in all incinerating toilets that Canadian Off Grid Depot supplies. Installing the venting system is another service available through Canadian Off Grid Depot if you reside within our service area.
Some models of incineration toilets are equipped with an operational display and will let you know when the ashtray requires emptying.
Bonuses of an Incinerating Toilet
Incinerating toilets are perfect for your cold weather needs as well due to no plumbing lines or wastewater. Thus, freezing temperatures will not affect the functionality of an incinerating toilet. And, let’s face it, an interior, incinerating toilet beats an outhouse every day of the week!
You’re creating compost for your garden in just about an hour with each burn, and the resulting ash contains minerals like potassium, that’s good for gardens!
Like a traditional toilet, the incinerating toilet offers an odorless experience. Composting toilets cannot make that claim.
Incinerator toilets are easy to clean and maintain.
Need an Incinerator toilet?
Contact our sales team at Canadian Off Grid Depot to review our product offerings and choose the best incinerator toilet for your needs. We sell a variety of Cinderella incinerating toilet models to suit your budget.
Sportsman Show, Toronto, March 16-19th, 2023, BOOTH 3018
Find Canadian Off Grid Depot at the Toronto Sportsman show, where we will be showcasing our Incinerator toilets and featuring a special discount ONLY available at the show. We’ll be offering a 10% discount for purchasing a Cinderella brand incinerating toilet at the show and a 5% discount if you purchase during the month of March after attending the Sportsman show. After the show, purchases will be discounted using the code "Sportsman5".
The Toronto Sportsman show is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, where they will once again be highlighting fishing, hunting, and all things outdoors!
Shows like this continue to make the outdoors more accessible for outdoor enthusiasts like you! So come on out and look us up at the Sportsman show in Mississauga this year and complete your off-grid lifestyle with a great deal on incinerator toilets!
Are you looking to install an off-grid solar refrigerator in your off-grid cabin? Perhaps your wondering whether an off-grid propane refrigerator is the better option. Both perform the same job, but one utilizes fossil fuels while the other depends on a sustainable source. Both an off-grid propane fridge and a solar-powered fridge have pros & cons, so if you’re living off the grid in Canada and do not have access to AC power, you’re considering one or the other.
If you have a year-round cabin or an off-grid home, you require a long-term investment in cooling and freezing your food and drink. A cooler will not suffice. Even if your off-grid accommodations are fishing or hunting camps that you occasionally visit for a week or more, a robust propane or solar-powered refrigerator will ensure cold food and beverage storage for your lengthy stay.
Propane fridge vs. Solar-powered fridge
Understanding the pros & cons of both the solar-powered fridge and propane-powered fridge will allow you to choose the best solution for your off-grid needs. Canadian Off-Grid Depot sells and installs both varieties of off-grid refrigerators. As a result, we have an intimate knowledge of each type and sell several models of solar and propane fridges ranging in cubic foot capacity to meet your needs.
Solar-powered refrigerators can be wired into your existing solar power system supplying electricity to your cold food storage needs. These systems store the excess power captured in reserve batteries when the sun isn't shining. This way, your solar-powered appliance will continue to run during the night and through times of low sunlight.
Once a solar-powered system is installed, running another appliance doesn’t add to the cost.
Propane Off-Grid Refrigerators Pros and Cons
Propane-powered refrigerators offer consistent power through inclement weather. These off-grid fridges are simple to install and require no electricity to operate. Propane-powered refrigerators have been used for over six decades and are highly reliable so long as your propane supply is flush.
Propane fridges are low-cost to set up and operate. All that is required are a propane supply tank, regulator, and gas piping. These off-grid propane fridges can last decades with minimal maintenance.
Due to their technology and niche market, propane fridges are more expensive than solar fridges. For example, a ten cubic ft propane refrigerator costs upwards of $2849 vs. a ten cubic ft solar refrigerator that will run you around $1949. One of the reasons for this price difference is that a propane fridge’s cooling coils, which use ammonia, sodium chromate, and water, are intricate and more complicated to manufacture than a traditional fridge that incorporates a condenser/compressor, liquid refrigerant and simple refrigerant lines.
Propane fridges, once turned on, take 4-6 hours to get down to temperature, use, on average, 1-1.5lbs of propane per day, and are to be vented outdoors using a direct vent system or a CO monitor interlock system with adequate ventilation.
If you do not intend to add solar to your off-grid camp or build, propane refrigerators are your best solution.
Solar Off-Grid Refrigerators Pros and Cons
Solar fridges are simple to install if your solar power system is already connected and operating.
Solar refrigerators incorporate a DC compressor and controller, allowing them to operate at half the energy draw per day as standard on-grid refrigerators. An off-grid solar fridge can run on 12/24dc direct from your 12 or 24v battery bank. This allows you to leave your refrigerator on at camp. But remember to turn off your inverter when you are not there. Inverters draw from your solar battery bank. Depending on the size of your solar setup, you want to minimize your draw on the batteries when you are not there.
If you are running a 48vdc system for your solar-powered refrigerator, you can use a 120vac to 24vdc adapter, which is still more efficient than a standard on-grid refrigerator.
Once your solar power system is up and running, your off-grid appliances are free to operate, and should you turn your off-grid fridge off when you are not at camp, they are quick to cool down once you return.
To run any solar-powered appliance, you will require upfront costs to install a solar power system to run the appliances. For example, suppose you only want to power the solar refrigerator from a simple solar power system. In that case, your costs will range from $1200-$2000 Canadian, depending on your battery selection, panel size, and mounting options.
If you have a prolonged period of no sun and your battery system is not sized accordingly, you risk your fridge turning off and potentially losing your cold storage food.
Additionally, depending on the distance from your battery bank to the solar fridge’s location, you will have to run large-gauge wiring, which is quite expensive.
So, you see that the cost to purchase and run a propane-powered fridge vs. the cost to purchase and run a solar-powered fridge will depend on several factors. Is it worth the upfront cost of installing a solar power system to run your less expensive solar fridge, or is the more expensive propane fridge the better fit for your off-grid cabin for the lessor upfront costs - dependant on the price of propane for the life of your off-grid fridge?
Whatever you decide to buy, Canadian Off-Grid Depot sells, installs, and services your off-grid solar and propane fridges. Enquire with our experts on what type off-grid refrigerator would best suit your needs.
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Do you need a solar hybrid heater for your off-grid home or cabin? No one wants to talk about solar air conditioning in the fall and winter months, but this EG4 solar hybrid unit also offers heat. Warm your off-grid space this winter with no batteries or AC connections required.
How do Solar Heat Pumps work?
Active solar heat pump systems have solar panels mounted on a roof or south-facing wall. These collectors absorb the sun's radiation and, using DC voltage generated from the solar panels, power a DC condenser/compressor to produce radiant heat. A solar heat pump can heat your home or off-grid cabin for free throughout the year while the sun is shining.
Benefits of using a Solar Heat Pump.
A solar-powered heat pump is a machine representing the integration of a heat pump and thermal solar panels in a single integrated system. This unique solar hybrid heat pump can accept DC power directly from your solar panels without the need for an inverter, charge controller, or batteries. Solar DC power replaces AC power from the grid and can cut daytime energy costs for heating by up to 100%.
The solar heat pump system is designed for hybrid operation, with solar providing most or all of the energy needed during daylight hours. This is an incredible cost saving over grid-power AC. Even propane heaters require fuel, stoves require wood or pellets, and fireplaces call for wood. With a solar heater keeping your cabin or home warm throughout daylight hours, you are saving money, not spending it on propane, wood, or grid-power AC.
However, to keep your off-grid space warm in the evening and overnight, supplementing a wood stove or propane heater for those hours will guarantee a comfortable temperature when the sun isn’t shining.
Many governments have an energy incentive program that can help subsidize your initial costs of purchasing and installing your solar heat pump. These units help lower your carbon footprint over time by reducing air and water pollution that result from using fossil fuels for heating or cooling.
EG4 solar heat pumps require very little maintenance and, once installed, are a safe alternative to burning fossil fuels. No toxic gases are being used, no carbon dioxide is created, and no concerns over combustion.
Installing my Solar Heat Pump System
An off-grid lifestyle demands more hands-on know-how, including installing your off-grid appliances. However, if you’re unsure about installing a Plug & Play EG4 heat pump system, Canadian Off-Grid Depot has experienced and certified installers who can install your EG4 solar heat pump system.
For a solar heater to work, connect between three to six solar panels (290-360w per panel) in series where the sun is most visible throughout the day. The sun feeds the external solar panel’s DC energy, and this energy runs the internal heat pump. For extra power during overcast conditions, transient clouds, or at night the EG4 solar heat pump can also connect to 220v (208v-240v) AC power if available on site. The AC feature means no need for expensive batteries for solar energy storage.
Your EG4 solar heat pump can be used with all-DC, all-AC, or AC-DC combinations where the unit (if also connected to AC power) can blend both power sources with a preference towards using all available DC power it pulls from the solar panels.
Suppose you opt to include a battery storage system to take advantage of capturing solar energy during the day to continue heating your off-grid space overnight. In that case, we sell and install various battery banks. Canadian Off-Grid Depot carries Volthium solar storage batteries, which come in many sizes to suit your budget and power needs. We source our batteries from Volthium, located in Quebec, and we have them in 12, 24, and 48-volt capacities. Compatible with all inverters on the market, the Volthium solar storage batteries can also be stacked on top of each other or fixed to the wall thanks to its anchoring system. There is no limit to how many solar storage batteries you can connect to your heat pump system. If you have an existing solar system with 240v capabilities, you can tie your EG4 solar heat pump system into it.
Serving Southern Ontario, Canadian Off-Grid Depot sells, delivers, and installs solar appliances, so they operate at peak efficiency. These solar heat pump systems should only be serviced by a qualified solar heating professional. To answer all your questions on off-grid solar heat pumps, contact us.
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Indoor Direct Vent Propane Heaters
Indoor direct vent propane heaters offer an efficient and affordable solution to heating your off-grid home or cottage. Canadian Off-Grid Depot sells propane wall heaters across Canada, delivering and installing them in Southern Ontario. Where electricity is non-existent and wood scarce, propane heaters offer a safe alternative to electric and wood-burning heat.
Are Indoor Propane Heaters Safe?
Appropriately used, indoor propane heaters are a safe alternative to electric space heaters and wood fireplaces. Choosing the suitable size propane heater for the space you are warming is the first step in the safe operation of a wall-mount propane heater.
Ensuring your propane heater is installed on a non-combustible surface away from high-traffic areas and positioned safely away from combustible materials such as furniture, curtains, hanging hooks, doors, bedding, and towels is another essential factor to consider. Your Martin wall heater is designed to be left unattended, so while you’re enjoying the outdoors, rest easy knowing your direct vent propane heater keeps your cabin at a safe, controlled temperature.
Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and general propane safety rules, and though propane is a non-toxic gas, carbon monoxide detectors should be included in the room(s) with an indoor propane heater.
The Benefits of Heating with Propane
Propane has a much higher-octane rating than traditional gas, meaning that it comes with a much higher energy level than other kinds of fuel.
Propane heaters come in various types, such as portable indoor propane heaters, direct vent wall-mounted propane indoor heaters, forced air propane indoor heaters, and radiant indoor propane heaters. Canadian Off-Grid Depot exclusively deals with direct vent wall-mounted propane heaters. A direct vent wall heater includes a built-in thermostat to monitor your heat dispersion and offers safe, clean, and economical energy.
Our Martin brand propane wall heaters are aesthetically pleasing and come in 8,000, 11,000, and 20,000 BTUs, including a standing pilot, the standard ignition device for most propane-burning heating systems. A pilot is a continuously burning flame responsible for starting the burners that generate heat for the home or cabin.
Martin heaters are known for their reliability, and propane heaters work without electricity, so you can still heat your home during a power outage. With the larger models, a glass-ceramic window offers a beautiful fireplace display on your wall without installing an expensive wood stove and chimney.
Martin heaters are certified at over 80% efficiency, which is higher than most direct vent propane heaters, and they are incredibly safe to use in your home. You’ll also reduce your carbon footprint.
Installing Propane Wall Heaters
Customers can choose to install their wall-mounted propane heater themselves, but it is highly recommended that a licensed gas fitter inspect and sign off on the installation. Many who choose to live off-grid are mechanically inclined and will likely install the propane heaters properly, but an inspection ought to be ordered for peace of mind. Canadian Off-Grid Depot can deliver and install your indoor propane heater by licensed gas fitters if you are within our service area. This way,you ensure your direct vent propane heater will operate efficiently. Connected to an outdoor propane tank, the indoor heater is safely away from its energy source. Proper venting is also an essential aspect of the installation, and Martin heaters come complete with venting included.
Canadian Off-Grid Depot’s propane wall heaters come from Bismar Martin, based out of Quebec. Specifically designed for off-grid living, these units require no electricity. Propane indoor heaters heat a space faster and more efficiently with lower energy costs than an indoor electric heater.
Models include the Martin MDV8P 8,000 BTU indoor wall propane heater, the Martin MDV12P 11,000 BTU direct vent heater, Martin MDV12VP 11,000 BTU heater with fireplace display, the Martin MDV20P 20,000 BTU propane heater, and the Martin MGV20VP heater with fireplace display.
Adding more than one direct vent wall-mounted propane heater in a home or cottage is recommended when the square footage exceeds the heating specification of a single indoor propane heater. Consulting a salesperson at Canadian Off-Grid Depot will simplify the experience from query through installation of your off-grid propane heater.
Our industry-leading Martin brand direct vent propane heaters include a built-in Low/High thermostat to monitor your heat dispersion. If you have questions on the safety, efficiency, installation, or maintenance of indoor direct vent propane wall heaters, we are happy to help educate you. We will discuss your needs and design the perfect solution for your off-grid propane heat requirements.
Winter is here, and your off-grid home or cabin needs heat! Contact Canadian Off-Grid Depot today to enquire about a direct vent propane heater.
Indoor Wood Burning Stove for Off-Grid Living
A high-efficiency, indoor wood-burning stove for off-grid living is an investment that will heat your space for a lifetime. At Canadian Off-Grid Depot, we are a preferred distributor of the IronStrike brand of freestanding wood-burning stoves. Canadian Off-Grid Depot is a distributor of indoor wood-burning stoves. If you require installation services, at this time, we can suggest a WETT-certified installer.
Benefits of a Wood-Burning Stove
The benefits of a freestanding wood-burning stove are immediate once you’ve settled into your space on a cold winter’s night. Clean energy is a must for most off-grid areas, and a wood-burning stove creates optimal heat distribution while maintaining clean air within the space.
A wood-burning stove offers independence from electricity, can encourage cost savings where wood is abundant, and increases the comfort of your living spaces. A modern wood-burning stove allows maximum heating efficiency while keeping particle emissions at all-time lows.
One indoor wood-burning stove is all an off-grid home usually requires to keep the space warm through the harshest Canadian winters. Any off-grid enthusiast knows that radiant heat from a wood stove warms an area faster and more efficiently than hot air systems can. Radiant heat doesn’t move allergens through the space as forced air heating does, and radiant heat creates a uniform warmth. A freestanding, wood-burning stove is noiseless, where even the sound of crackling wood is hidden behind the thick glass door. A radiant wood-burning stove can operate 25 percent more efficiently than a forced-air system.
Wood stove maintenance is almost non-existent save the occasional sweeping and debris collection and occasionally using a wire brush to scrap the chimney's interior. Installation of your wood-burning stove can be accomplished and ready to heat your space in a day.
The enjoyment of watching a fire from a safe vantage point while experiencing its radiant heat is arguably one of the most highly prized benefits of employing a wood-burning stove in your off-grid space.
Buy a Wood-Burning Stove for Performance
The BTU/HR output and its ability to heat square footage depend on your indoor, freestanding wood-burning stove size. Built with heavy-gauge steel, wood-burning stoves offer dependable and long-lasting operation. Whether a small freestanding stove or large, these stoves should include ceramic glass fronts for optimal, radiant heat transfer and high-density firebrick liners that retain heat longer, resulting in increased efficiency.
Variable-rate control wood-burning stove models allow you to regulate wood use effectively. This allows less heat to escape the chimney, and the fire burns at longer intervals. Wood-burning stove blower kits are a great way to help distribute the heat for added, balanced comfort and control.
If you’re asking: what size freestanding, wood-burning stove would fit my home or cottage application? You need only measure your room/space by width x length x height and enquire at your retailer. Of course, square-foot heating capacities and performance will vary depending upon specific factors like home design and insulation, condition and type of wood used, appliance location, ceiling heights, climate, burn rate, accessories chosen, chimney installation, and how the appliance is operated.
Installing a freestanding wood-burning stove
The freestanding wood-burning stove is placed on the platform with a raised floor of tile or stone. The chimney is mocked up with the heat shield allowing for 12” or more space separating the two. If an exterior fresh air intake is required, a hole is drilled in the exterior wall to allow for that, and a pipe is hooked up to the stove back.
The chimney is then pieced together to connect with the ceiling where the vent exits. If a chimney hasn’t already been roughed in or an existing chimney doesn’t exist, a hole must be cut into the roof directly below where the new chimney will rise.
If your Canadian wood-burning stove supplier is installing your stove, they will have the necessary piping to vent your stove. A WETT-certified wood-burning stove installer will have the know-how to get your off-grid stove up and running in no time. Your wood-burning stove installation cost depends on the work required for the space where the stove will operate. A new upright, wood-burning stove installation will cost more than a retrofit if the existing heat shield, platform, and chimney rough-in are done.
Purchasing an IronStrike Brand of Indoor Wood-Burning Stove
The IronStrike wood-burning stove offers clean-burning and reliable heat. Premium-grade materials, superior craftsmanship, and state-of-the-art technology guarantee that every IronStrike wood-burning stove we sell and install will provide you and your family with a lifetime of warmth. Additionally, each stove is customizable, with an array of options to fit your needs.
Canadian Off-Grid Depot specializes in the sales of the IronStrike freestanding wood-burning stove collection.
For the best wood-burning stove supplier in Canada, follow this link.
The Comfort model requires 240vac at 8 amp. The Freedom model requires a propane connection and either a 12vdc or 120vac with an adapter.
Looking for more information or to see photos of other installations? Please contact Ryan@canadianoffgriddepot.com
Photo - Pool Cabana installation. Ancaster Ontario
]]>Heather and Jake, designed, built and operate this gorgeous glamping dome on their property in Port Colborne Ontario. All photos are visible through the link below to their Airbnb. Who knows, maybe you'd like to book this romantic getaway?
Airbnb-Luxury Romantic Glamping Dome in Niagara Region
Heather and Jake went with a Cinderella Comfort (240V) model for their dome. With ash being the only by product, this is an easy, hassle free and stink free solution for their guests.
TPM (top of pole mount) solar racking is a excellent alternative. Especially if you do not have the availability on the ground for a ground mount system or your ground is unable to handle a ground mount system.
TPM's elevate your modules safely up into the air where you can point and angle them for the best exposure. TPM's are available in 2,3,4,6 & 12 modules configurations.
Contact Canadian Off Grid today for more details and availability.
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"I have just converted from 35 years of putting up with the quirks of propane fridges at our seasonal off grid cottage to a new Unique 14.0 cu ft 12 volt DC model. And I am overjoyed. Why did I wait so long? No more getting on my knees to get at the crispers or to re-light the pilot, no more using a flashlight to see what’s inside. No more waiting 24 hours for ice cubes. No more putting up with the thousands of BTU’s pouring into the cottage off the fridge on those really +30 hot days. No more worrying about the CO accumulation inside the cottage. And of course no more big propane bills.
This new 12 volt model has been running for a month and I can’t believe how little energy it uses. I’ve watched my solar battery meter as it begins a cycle and the drop in line voltage is only 0.1 v. Incredible how efficient this thing is."
]]>Featured in the kitchen is a 20" off grid propane range, 8 cu ft direct venting propane fridge and a 20k btu off grid propane wall heater.
]]>They could have installed a propane refrigerator, but decided to save some money and go with a DC powered refrigerator. If you already have solar or plan on expanding your solar set up, a DC powered fridge is the way to go. 12v fridges are generally about half the price of a propane fridge. Propane fridges have their purpose and place, but if you already have solar, the DC powered fridge is the way to go.
They require a very low amount of energy to run. You can even set up a small panel, controler and battery system just for your fridge to keep it seperated from the main solar system that you invert to run all other plug ins. Reach out and ask away. I am here to answer all you questions or concerns.
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You will see in another post @tinykootsliving kitchen set up.
]]>This heater can easily heat up to 500 sq ft.
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8 stove top burners and two seperate ovens. He combined the UGP-30" with the UGP-20" to provide the ultimate duo for cooking. Brilliant! We love how this turned out. Way to go Evan.
]]>I you are looking to extend your stay at the cottage or camp, look no further than this gigantic unit. All your grocery and beverage needs can be stored with ample room.
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Sky Bell, a Missionary with World Team among the Baka community, reached out to Canadian Off Grid Depot in search of a propane refrigerator for her home. Sky started the Baka Literacy program, devoting her time to educating the Baka community. Here is the link to her program (https://bakaliteracy.com/home-accueil)
The fridge started in Ontario, where it was shipped to the White Cross in Edmonton. From here the unit was loaded with other much needed supplies into a Sea Container destined for West Africa. After 5 months of traveling the fridge finally made it to Sky and the village she is residing in. Sky is beyond excited to have ice and refrigeration for food preservation.
COGD is very proud to be apart of Sky's project. For more photo's of the journey, please see our Facebook or Instagram page.
]]>Check out Mike's newly install 10.3 cu ft UGP-290L Black DC Fridge. Looks great next to his UGP-20" Classic Off Grid Propane Range. Traded in his Consul Propane for this Solar fridge.
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Mike was upgrading from an older consul propane fridge to a new Solar DC model. We took his older unit, which was in fantastic condition, in on trade and put some money back in his pocket. We have lots of customers looking for budget friendly, used propane or solar appliances.
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