January 8, 2025

A Bright Future at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

Earlier this year, Hakai Energy Solutions partnered with Clayoquot Wilderness Resort to design and install British Columbia’s largest solar and battery microgrid. This groundbreaking project marks a significant milestone in sustainability, and we are deeply honoured to have contributed to its success.

A Renewable Milestone

The microgrid features a state-of-the-art 824kW, 1512 panel, solar array paired with a 1.6 MWh battery energy storage system (Figure 1). This advanced combination enables Clayoquot Wilderness Resort to dramatically reduce its reliance on diesel generators, cutting diesel consumption by 80%. This significant reduction not only enhances the Resort’s energy efficiency but also aligns with broader sustainability goals in the region.

Figure 1: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort 1512 panel, 824kW solar array

Carbon Offsets and Environmental Impact

The project delivers an impressive annual carbon offset of 480,000 kilograms—equivalent to removing over 100 passenger vehicles from the road each year. By harnessing the power of the sun, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is paving the way for eco-tourism that prioritizes climate action and ecological harmony.

Overcoming Unique Challenges

With the ambitions of this project, it was no small feat to tackle. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is very remote and located north of Tofino, accessible only by seaplane or boat. This made transporting our team and all necessary supplies quite a challenge. The team relied on barges to ship in the solar panels, batteries, and other equipment required for the installation (Figure 2). Despite the logistical complexities, our crew’s expertise and determination ensured the project was completed with precision and care.

Figure 2: Shipping in the team and equipment.

Pioneering Off-Grid Sustainable Energy Solutions

This project showcases the remarkable potential of combining innovation with vision, setting a benchmark for remote and off-grid communities pursuing sustainable energy solutions. At Hakai Energy Solutions, we are honoured to play a part in this transformative journey, working towards a cleaner, greener British Columbia. Together, we’re demonstrating that renewable energy isn’t just a future possibility—it’s a powerful reality today.

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Watch our Clayoquot Wilderness Resort Solar Installation documentary here