Bakken Estate
Case Study: Cutting-edge microgrid with a 6-year payback
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
North Kona,Hi
Location:
Size:
176 kW solar, 1MWh storage
Completed:
June 2015
SunPower 345-watt modules
Tigo power optimizers
SMA inverters
Midnite charge controllers
Blue Planet Energy Blue Ion HI batteries
Equipment:
In the early 1990s, Earl Bakken, founder of the medical device company Medtronic envisioned powering his estate with solar energy. At the time, the technology had not yet advanced enough, so he secured a building permit that allowed for solar integration in the future.
Nearly twenty years later, as his propane generators began to reach the end of their lifespan, Bakken turned to HYRIVO to design a replacement system. The goal was to deliver a sustainable energy solution capable of powering his 17,000-square-foot estate, including desalination for drinking water, a greenhouse, a ballroom, and commercial-scale air conditioning.
Challenge
Big Ideas,
Real Impact.
Solution
Due to challenging site access, propane deliveries required four-wheel-drive trucks, driving fuel costs exceptionally high. HYRIVO delivered the best of both worlds with a solar-powered microgrid designed to offset those costs and pay for itself in approximately six years.
The system generates enough clean energy to operate autonomously for up to three days and is supported by a biodiesel generator to ensure reliable backup power when needed.
Result
“We’ve reduced our carbon footprint so significantly that it’s easy to feel proud of what we’ve accomplished,” said Bakken. “The system has also brought a sense of peace and quiet to this beautiful, pristine place we call home. We’re grateful every day for the natural beauty around us, and now we can add quiet to that list. No more generator noise. Just the sound of the ocean, the wind through the trees, and the birds.”
“Where we live, the sun shines almost every day. It just made sense to me and felt like the right thing to do for our health and that of the environment.”
-Earl Bakken | HYRIVO customer
