Proterra Energy designed and installed an off-grid solar power system to support the Fort William Community Hub, a facility previously operated by Fort William Town Team, which offers local projects and community initiatives. The hub provides space for activities such as the Adopt-a-Plot gardening scheme, a community tool share project, and promotional events run by local non-profit groups.
The project required a reliable standalone power solution capable of supporting the day-to-day electrical demand from basic utilities and operations without reliance on a grid connection. The community solar installation also needed a system that was simple to operate and maintain, ensuring it could be managed easily by community volunteers.
To meet these requirements, Proterra Energy installed a 3.2kW roof-mounted solar PV system, integrated with battery storage to provide dependable off-grid electricity. The installation includes eight 410W solar panels, a Victron EasySolar inverter system, and 4.8kWh of battery storage. If there is insufficient generation from the solar and power is still required for essential loads, a ~1.5kW generator can be plugged in to cover their small loads and charge the batteries. The panels were mounted on a purpose-built frame across both sides of the hub roof to maximise solar exposure while maintaining a compact installation footprint.
Electricity generated by the solar array is used to supply power to the hub directly, with excess energy stored within the battery system for use during periods of low sunlight or higher demand. In the event of extended low-generation periods, a small portable generator can be connected to provide additional backup power if required.
This installation provides a reliable and sustainable power supply for the Community Hub, supporting local initiatives while demonstrating the value of small-scale off-grid renewable energy systems in community settings.
Feedback from the Community Organiser has been very positive, and the following testimonial was received after installation:
“We are still very much enjoying our off-grid system in the Town Team Hub. It has even enabled us to hold volunteer evening meetings in the hub — a first, as the lighting was never previously sufficient. So, THANK YOU!”
The project required a reliable standalone power solution capable of supporting the day-to-day electrical demand from basic utilities and operations without reliance on a grid connection. The community solar installation also needed a system that was simple to operate and maintain, ensuring it could be managed easily by community volunteers.
To meet these requirements, Proterra Energy installed a 3.2kW roof-mounted solar PV system, integrated with battery storage to provide dependable off-grid electricity. The installation includes eight 410W solar panels, a Victron EasySolar inverter system, and 4.8kWh of battery storage. If there is insufficient generation from the solar and power is still required for essential loads, a ~1.5kW generator can be plugged in to cover their small loads and charge the batteries. The panels were mounted on a purpose-built frame across both sides of the hub roof to maximise solar exposure while maintaining a compact installation footprint.
Electricity generated by the solar array is used to supply power to the hub directly, with excess energy stored within the battery system for use during periods of low sunlight or higher demand. In the event of extended low-generation periods, a small portable generator can be connected to provide additional backup power if required.
This installation provides a reliable and sustainable power supply for the Community Hub, supporting local initiatives while demonstrating the value of small-scale off-grid renewable energy systems in community settings.
Feedback from the Community Organiser has been very positive, and the following testimonial was received after installation:
“We are still very much enjoying our off-grid system in the Town Team Hub. It has even enabled us to hold volunteer evening meetings in the hub — a first, as the lighting was never previously sufficient. So, THANK YOU!”
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