Case Study: How a Levando Solar and Storage System Cut Diesel Consumption by 94% at an Off-Grid Site in Quebec
September 16, 2026 · 8 min
How Levando reduced diesel consumption by 94% for the Sépaq at the Réserve Faunique de Port-Cartier–Sept-Îles.
In remote areas of Quebec, many installations still rely on diesel generators running continuously to ensure their power supply. This approach is reliable, but it leads to high operating costs, complex logistics, and heavy dependence on fuel price fluctuations.
This was exactly the challenge facing a Sépaq site located in the Réserve Faunique de Port-Cartier–Sept-Îles.
Thanks to an off-grid solar solution designed and integrated by Levando, the site now enjoys complete energy autonomy from spring to fall, while drastically reducing its diesel consumption.
The Challenge: A Site Powered 24/7 by a Diesel Generator
Before the project, the installation relied on a main generator running continuously:
- Running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Over 20,000 litres of diesel consumed every year
- High fuel and remote transport costs
- Frequent mechanical equipment maintenance
- Increased breakdown risk due to high operating hours
- Dependence on fuel deliveries in a remote area
For many off-grid site managers, these issues have become even more concerning in a context where:
- diesel prices remain volatile;
- transport costs are rising;
- fuel supply is subject to geopolitical uncertainties;
- emissions reduction targets are increasingly important.
The Levando Solution: An Optimized Off-Grid Solar System
To reduce diesel dependence without compromising site reliability, Levando supported the integration of a complete solution combining solar production, energy storage, and backup generator optimization management.
Levando Energy Storage
Storage is provided by:
- 16 Levando 8 kWh batteries
- 128 kWh total capacity
- Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology
- Intelligent energy management to maximize autonomy
The energy storage is paired with a backup generator. Thanks to the intelligent BMS integrated into Levando batteries, it starts and stops automatically based on the system's state of charge, avoiding unnecessary operation and maximizing equipment lifespan.
Solar Production
The system includes:
- 32 kW of photovoltaic solar panels
- Installation on Levando solar mounting
- Structure designed without poured concrete or screw piles
- Rapid deployment with minimal ground footprint
Automated Backup Generator Management
Rather than running a generator continuously, a small backup generator was integrated into the energy container. Thanks to the intelligent system built into Levando batteries, the generator can:
- start automatically when needed;
- protect the system's autonomy;
- minimize fuel consumption.
Remote System Monitoring
For a remote site, the ability to monitor the installation without a physical visit is a major operational advantage. The Levando system integrates a remote monitoring platform that allows:
- real-time viewing of battery state of charge, solar production, and site consumption;
- receiving automatic alerts in case of anomaly or critical charge threshold;
- tracking system performance on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis;
- remotely controlling backup generator start and stop;
- generating fuel consumption and solar production reports;
- performing remote equipment updates.
This complete visibility avoids unplanned trips to the site and allows the management team to respond quickly when needed, from any connected device.
Results: A Spectacular Reduction in Diesel Consumption
Simulations and projected system operation demonstrate major gains.
Before the Project
- Over 20,000 L of diesel per year
After the Levando Solar Installation
- Between 1,000 L and 2,000 L of diesel per year
Reduction Achieved
This reduction represents not only a significant financial saving, but also a meaningful reduction in refueling and maintenance operations.
- Between 10,000 L and 20,000 L saved annually
- Approximately 94% reduction in fuel consumption
- GHG emissions reduction: approximately 51 tCO₂ per year (from approximately 54 tCO₂ to 4 tCO₂), equivalent to over 30,000 litres of gasoline not consumed
Return on Investment: Proven Profitability
Beyond the environmental and operational benefits, the project demonstrates strong financial viability.
From the first year, the project generates a net positive cash flow between $30,000 and $40,000, thanks to combined savings on fuel (between $20,000 and $30,000) and operations and maintenance (between $7,000 and $8,000). Once the payback threshold is reached (between 5 and 10 years), the site enters a phase of growing net benefits for the rest of the system's lifespan. Over 25 years, the project generates over one million dollars in cumulative cash flows, with an internal rate of return between 15% and 20% — a financial performance difficult to achieve with traditional investments.
| Annual savings (fuel + maintenance) | Between $30,000 and $40,000/year |
| Return on investment | Between 5 and 10 years |
Why Solar Energy Is Becoming Essential for Off-Grid Sites
Historically, diesel was often the only viable solution for remote installations. Today, the combination of solar panels, lithium batteries, and energy automation makes it possible to achieve performance levels that were barely conceivable a few years ago. For operators of outfitters, wildlife reserves, relay stations, forest camps, mining installations, or telecommunications infrastructure, the benefits are numerous:
Reduced Operating Costs
Less fuel means fewer recurring expenses and better budget predictability.
Protection Against Rising Diesel Prices
Global energy markets remain unpredictable. An installation that depends heavily on fuel is directly exposed to price fluctuations. Every kilowatt-hour produced locally by the sun reduces that dependence.
Reduced Maintenance
A generator running a few hundred hours per year will require far less maintenance than equipment used continuously.
Increased Reliability
Integrating batteries ensures a stable and continuous power supply while reducing generator start and stop cycles.
Reduced Environmental Footprint
Less fuel consumed means fewer emissions and less diesel transport to remote sites.
Why Choose Levando for an Off-Grid Energy Optimization Project
At Levando, we develop our own technologies to offer solutions adapted to the realities of the North American market and Quebec's climate. Our projects rest on three key elements:
Energy Storage Expertise
Our LFP batteries are designed for demanding off-grid applications and maximize the use of locally produced solar energy.
Design Adapted to Full System Integration
We can adapt and optimize our systems to meet your needs.
Solar Mounts Adapted to Remote Sites
Our solar mounting technology enables rapid deployment without poured concrete or screw piles, reducing installation costs and complexity in isolated regions.
Levando designs and supplies energy storage solutions, autonomous solar systems, and solar panel mounts adapted to remote environments in Quebec and Canada. Contact our team to discuss your project and sustainably reduce your diesel dependence.
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