Old Bone Fish Lodge - Andros, Bahamas
Off-Grid Residential Power Upgrade
OVERVIEW
The Old Bone Fish Lodge is a remote eco-tourism lodge in Fresh Creek on Andros Island, Bahamas. Known for world-class fishing and authentic Bahamian hospitality, the lodge attracts guests who expect comfort and sustainability in one of the most remote parts of the Caribbean. Because it operates far from centralized utilities, reliable off-grid power is essential.
For years, the lodge relied on a small 5 kW Xantrex inverter, an aging bank of 2-volt lead-acid batteries, and a 2 kW solar array. As visitor numbers grew, this system struggled to meet demand. Efficiency dropped, battery maintenance became a daily challenge, and the lodge’s reliance on a diesel generator increased, raising fuel costs and environmental impact.
To address these issues, Darren and his team from Solar Freedom designed and installed a modern, off-grid solution using Discover Energy Systems products alongside Victron inverters and controllers. The system was carefully engineered to provide reliability, user-friendly monitoring, and long-term sustainability.
DISCOVER PRODUCTS
- 3 x Discover Helios ESS 16kW Lithium Batteries (48.3 kW total)
- 1 x LYNK II Gateway (950-0025)
OTHER PRODUCTS
- 2 x Victron MultiPlus II inverters – 10 kVA 120/240V AC output
- 1 x OutBack GSLC – bypass, breaker, and bussing combiner
- Original 2 kW solar array supplemented with a new 5.2 kW JA Solar array (440 W panels)
- 1 x Wind turbine
- Victron Cerbo with 5" touchscreen interface
- 30 kW 120/240V AC diesel generator with Deep-Sea controller
APPLICATION
- Off-grid power, grid-like performance, with minimal maintenance.
REQUIREMENT
- Upgrade an aging off-grid system to deliver reliable, efficient, and user-friendly energy for a remote Bahamian lodge.
ENGINEERED SOLUTION
The updated and modernized system, with its 48.3 kWh of lithium battery storage and robust inverters, supports critical lodge operations—lighting, refrigeration, guest accommodations, and communications. Integrating solar PV and wind reduces diesel runtime, while the generator provides resilience during extended cloudy or windless periods.
System intelligence is delivered through Discover’s LYNK II and Victron Cerbo, giving staff real-time visibility into performance, charge status, and load management. The intuitive touchscreen makes system operation simple for non-technical users, which is a critical improvement for lodge staff who manage daily operations.
SUMMARY
The Old Bone Fish Lodge now operates with a reliable, modern, off-grid system that seamlessly integrates solar, wind, and generator power. Guests enjoy uninterrupted comfort, while staff benefit from simple system control and reduced maintenance. The switch from lead-acid to Discover's Helios ESS Lithium Batteries delivers reliable energy storage with minimal upkeep and simple real-time monitoring, ensuring the lodge remains sustainable and resilient for years.
For more information, visit discoverenergysys.com.
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