Aug. 13, 2013, Strathroy, Ont. — Vine Fresh Produce is the owner of the
largest FIT rooftop solar array in Ontario and also the largest Enphase
Microinverter based system worldwide.
Aug. 13, 2013, Strathroy, Ont. — Vine Fresh Produce is the owner of the largest FIT rooftop solar array in Ontario and also the largest Enphase Microinverter based system worldwide.
The unique system, built in Strathroy, will generate power under the Ontario Green Energy Act feed in tariff program (FIT).
The installation is comprised of 9294 Jinko 250W poly modules, 9294 Enphase M215 microinverters, and customized racking solution designed and manufactured by Sentinel Solar.
Modules, inverters, and racking were provided by Vaughan-based Sentinel Solar and all manufactured in Ontario.
The Vine Fresh greenhouse covers over six acres and is the largest installation of its kind in Canada, utilizing innovative microinverter technology and integrating the solar array into the existing building structure.
IMPRESSIVE POWER GENERATION
Each year the system is expected to produce 2,540,000 kWh annually, enough to power approximately 150 average homes and will supply energy to neighbouring farms and homes through the upgraded distribution system installed by the facility owner.
This solar array will offset over 11,200 tonnes of CO2 annually and assist Ontario with achieving its goal to phase out coal power by 2014.
The custom module mounting solution is comprised of over 61,000 feet of aluminum extrusion and over 25,000 module clamps.
It was designed in house by the Sentinel engineering team to seamlessly adjoin to the existing greenhouse structure while not adding significant equipment and weight.
JOB CREATION
This project has directly resulted in the creation of numerous full time jobs for the installation of the system as well as subcontracted positions for high voltage design and installation, line work by Hydro One and independent contractors, full time electricians, communications experts and project management consultants.
Adam Webb, president of Sentinel Solar, explained that "Sentinel has over a decade of experience in the PV market, we have been fortunate to collaborate with high quality partners to deliver the best solutions to the Ontario residential and commercial markets.
"This installation is the result of a year’s hard work by those partners and is one of many Sentinel designed commercial installations.”
All of Sentinel Solar’s commercial systems are based on the industry leading Enphase microinverter technology.
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