Mapleview Energy is deploying its first paid pilot project: a 600 kWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at Castellan Farm in Fergus, Ontario. The system will integrate with the farm's existing solar installation, providing on-site energy storage that reduces grid dependence and improves operational resilience.
From prototype to deployment
This deployment represents the culmination of over two years of prototype development, testing, and validation. After building and testing our BESS prototype at Ontario Tech University's Battery Lab and completing performance validation through the Ontario Centre for Innovation's Technology Access Program, the Castellan Farm project marks Mapleview Energy's transition from research and development to commercial operation.
The system uses repurposed electric vehicle batteries that have been sourced, tested, graded, and integrated following UL 1974-aligned procedures. Each battery module undergoes rigorous health assessment to ensure it meets the performance and safety requirements for stationary energy storage applications.
System design and capabilities
The 600 kWh system is designed as a modular, containerized unit that pairs with Castellan Farm's solar panels. Key capabilities include:
- Solar energy storage and time-shifting to maximize self-consumption
- Peak demand management to reduce electricity costs
- Backup power capability for critical farm operations
- Remote monitoring and management through Mapleview's battery management system
The modular design means the system can be expanded as the farm's energy needs grow. Mapleview Energy's proprietary battery management system continuously monitors cell-level health, temperature, and state of charge to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Why second-life batteries for agriculture
Agricultural operations face unique energy challenges. Grid reliability can be inconsistent in rural areas, electricity costs continue to rise, and many farms have already invested in renewable energy generation. Battery storage bridges the gap between when energy is generated and when it is needed.
By using repurposed EV batteries rather than new cells, the system delivers energy storage at a lower cost while diverting battery waste from landfill. Retired EV batteries typically retain 70-80% of their original capacity, more than sufficient for stationary storage applications where the weight and size constraints of automotive use no longer apply.
What this means for Mapleview Energy
The Castellan Farm deployment is a milestone that validates our end-to-end capability: from sourcing and testing retired EV batteries, through system design and integration, to deployment and ongoing monitoring. The data and operational experience from this project will directly inform our approach to future deployments across agriculture, manufacturing, and other commercial and industrial sectors in Ontario.
Deployment is scheduled for 2026, with system commissioning and performance monitoring to follow.