By British Columbia’s rugged west coast is now home to the province’s largest solar and battery microgrid, which powers the remote Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge and reduces its dependence on diesel fuel by 80%.
The project, developed by Hakai Energy Solutions in partnership with the resort, features an 824-kilowatt ground-mounted solar array comprising 1,512 panels, paired with a 1.6-megawatt-hour battery system. Combined, the setup displaces roughly 200,000 litres of diesel and reduces 460 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year, a significant reduction for an operation accessible only by seaplane or boat.
The system enables the luxury eco-resort, situated north of Tofino, to operate with fewer generator hours, thereby reducing both emissions and noise. The batteries store excess solar power, allowing the property to operate primarily on renewable energy, even during periods of overcast skies or low demand.
“Every installation in a place like Clayoquot pushes the boundaries of what’s possible off-grid,” said a Hakai Energy Solutions project lead. “It proves renewable power can perform in remote, high-demand settings.”
The installation required intricate logistics. With no road access, equipment was transported via barge, and the site team worked through challenging terrain and unpredictable weather to complete the project. The microgrid uses Longi solar panels, SMA Peak Power inverters, Tesla battery storage, and Polar Racking systems, with Collins Construction Project Specialists Inc. handling foundation work.
Beyond the emissions cuts, the system is expected to reduce operational costs and minimize environmental risks associated with diesel delivery. The lodge has even expanded its clean-power footprint; solar energy now charges its fleet of electric bikes.
Hakai Energy Solutions, known for off-grid and remote installations across western Canada, says the project reflects a broader shift toward energy independence and sustainability in hard-to-reach communities and operations.
As Canada accelerates its clean energy transition, projects like Clayoquot’s are becoming a template for remote tourism and industrial sites looking to reduce diesel reliance without sacrificing reliability or comfort.
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Hakai Energy Solutions published this video on their YouTube channel.
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