Carmanah Technologies is once again working with PowerStream Inc. to provide and install a 300kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system for a community centre in Markham, Ontario. The $1.3 million project will begin installation in May and has a target completion date for July 2012.
PowerStream’s solar division has completed several installations through the Ontario Power Authority’s Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program. In 2011, PowerStream selected Carmanah as the Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) provider for a 350kW rooftop photovoltaic generating system at the Markham’s Thornhill Community Centre. Recently, Carmanah was awarded a second PowerStream solar PV project at the Mount Joy Community Centre in Markham. The facility presented a number of design challenges including multiple roofs with varied slopes, an irregularly corrugated metal surface and limited reserve structural capacity for the PV system.
“Our Renewable Generation business continues to work with successful companies involved with the FIT program. Carmanah’s leading industry experience positioned them well to support us in developing this exciting project in Markham,” said Milan Bolkovic, executive vice-president of Renewable Generation and Conservation at PowerStream.
Leveraging their experience in custom rooftop systems and partnerships with sophisticated technology providers, Carmanah’s engineering team collaborated with Schletter Canada Inc. to propose an innovative design for the building’s requirements. Carmanah and Schletter adapted a standard racking product that would minimize the necessity for physically anchoring the solar generating array, allowing for the bulk of the system to be ballasted. The system also features Heliene PV modules, selected again for their high performance and successful installation on last year’s Thornhill project. The installation will include commercial inverters locally manufactured in Ontario by Advanced Energy. A remote monitoring system will report real-time solar generation of clean, carbon-free power which will offset the CO2 equivalent of 38,000 litres of gasoline annually.
“Carmanah was up to the challenge in finding a solution for the size and complexity of this project,” said Bruce Cousins, Carmanah CEO. “Our expertise in handling unique projects has been recognized by PowerStream and we hope to continue supporting their leadership in rooftop PV opportunities in Ontario.”