Large Retailers Going Solar

SunConnect Signs Agreement with Macy’s To Develop 1.063 Megawatt Roof-Mounted PV System At New Jersey Distribution Center

We have been driving by big huge retail and shipping buildings for years knowing that they suck energy to keep them cool and to keep them warm in winter. Huge roofs that till now have not been load bearing enough to support solar. But new panels and electronics make it possible now for them to explore using solar on these large roof top surfaces to generate solar power. I have seen some Ikea’s in my area that have added solar panels to their enormous roofs. This is all a good trend. read below for the latest news on a large solar project.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – SunConnect, a leading Pittsburgh-based developer and technology provider of photovoltaic (PV) arrays, recently signed an agreement with Macy’s to design and install a 1.063-megawatt solar power generation system at the retailer’s Raritan, New Jersey distribution center.

“Macy’s is a highly experienced buyer of solar power, and immediately saw the obvious value in the SunConnect model and our technologies,” commented Gary Kassem, President of SunConnect.

Work on the project commenced at the beginning of September, and the entire system will be operational and online in December of 2011. When complete, the system will provide 70% of the total power needed to support the facility’s operations. The system is being co-developed with Enfinity Corporation, which is also the PPA provider on the project.

The project will incorporate SunConnect’s proprietary, Clearview Racking System, a breakthrough support structure for PV panels that allows quick and easy access to underlying roof surfaces. The only racking system in the industry to be listed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL), the Clearview Racking System is constructed of extruded aluminum and stainless steel, is not susceptible to corrosion, and has a projected lifespan of 40 years – a time frame equal to that of most PV arrays.

Engineered to allow building owners to operate their buildings more cost-effectively, the Clearview Racking System eliminates the need for costly dis-assembly of rooftop PV systems in the event of a roof leak. By allowing PV panels to be moved out of the way without major dis-assembly, the system can significantly shorten the period of water infiltration into the structure, help to minimize the impact of any water damage within the building, and accelerate the pace of roof surface repair projects.