The Task
There are two properties. The first is a konoba, a traditional Montenegrin tavern, near Sedlo Pass at about 1,900 metres above sea level. It is open from spring until the first snow, and all that time its power came from a diesel generator. The second is a family house connected to the public grid, where power cuts happen from time to time.
The owner had two goals:
- cut electricity costs as far as possible: both the diesel for the konoba and the grid bills at the house;
- stay protected from power cuts, which matters most in winter.
The owner took the first step himself by buying a hybrid portable EcoFlow power station. It charges both from the grid and from solar panels and is easy to move from place to place. The second step was ours: to give the station solar power at both sites, so that moving it comes down to a couple of connectors.
What We Installed
Both roofs received the same kit:
- 4 Tongwei 625 W solar panels, 2.5 kW per site
- Module efficiency 23.1%, 132 cells, 2382 × 1134 mm
- Aluminium rails on corrugated metal sheeting with metal roof clamps
The panels connect to the station through a DC box with circuit breakers and surge protection. Panels, cables and the box stay on site permanently, and only the station moves.
Why This Solution
One Station for Two Sites
The konoba needs power only in the warm season, the house all year round but most of all in winter. A second station would sit idle for half the year. Two fixed panel sets cost noticeably less, and one station works all year: in summer where the generator had to go, in winter where protection from outages matters.
Powerful Panels for Small Roofs
Both roofs are modest in size. Four 625 W panels give 2.5 kW. With standard 450 W modules the same output would take six panels, and they simply would not fit on the roof.
The Result
In summer the konoba runs on sunlight and the EcoFlow, and the diesel generator is no longer needed. The photo shows the station display on an overcast day: the panels deliver 436 W, consumption is 451 W and the battery is at 98%. Even in cloudy weather the sun covers almost all of the current load, and the station shows more than four days of autonomy.
For the winter the station moves to the house and plugs into the second panel set. The house now covers part of its consumption with solar energy, and when the grid goes down the EcoFlow keeps the house powered from its charged battery.
Cost and Warranties
Installing one kit cost about €1,670 including VAT, or about €3,320 for both sites. The price covers panels, mounting, DC protection, cables, installation and delivery.
- Tongwei panels: 15-year warranty, 30-year service life
Need a Solution for Your Own Special Task?
Tell us what needs power and under what conditions: a seasonal property, a house far from the grid, a portable station or something quite unusual. We will choose the equipment for your situation and prepare a quote within two working days.
Every project is unique. This solution was designed for the needs and conditions of a specific site.
