13.7 kW rooftop solar within single-phase service constraints at a meat processing facility in Hanover

A high daytime load against a roof asset approaching the end of its replacement cycle.

Small meat processing facilities often operate with a combination of physical and electrical constraints that limit how much on-site generation can be deployed. Electricity demand is driven by refrigeration, processing equipment, and food safety systems, but system design must account for both available installation space and electrical service capacity.

At Bentinck Packers Ltd., the facility operates on a single-phase electrical service, which limited the maximum allowable solar interconnection capacity. In addition, the available rooftop area was relatively small, further constraining system size.

A ground-mounted solar system was evaluated during early design stages, but this option was not feasible given the facility’s single-phase electrical service and interconnection limitations. The challenge was to design a system that could operate safely and reliably within these combined constraints, without overstating achievable impact.

Size to the service. Mount without penetrations.

A compact rooftop solar PV system was engineered to align with both the facility’s single-phase electrical service and the available roof area. System capacity was deliberately sized to remain within allowable interconnection limits while ensuring stable operation alongside critical food processing equipment.

Rather than pursuing larger installations that would have required electrical upgrades or unrealistic assumptions, the design focused on delivering practical, compliant on-site generation within the facility’s existing infrastructure. The system reached commercial operation on March 21, 2023.

Energy-intensive equipment, refrigeration systems, and food safety requirements make electricity a significant operating cost for many meat processing facilities. Projects like Bentinck Packers demonstrate how properly sized solar systems can help reduce grid electricity purchases while working within existing facility infrastructure and utility constraints.

The numbers, then the consequence.

• 0115,497 kWh of solar electricity generated annually.
• 028.1% of the facility's annual electricity consumption offset by solar.
• 03Solar deployed successfully within single-phase interconnection limits.
• 04On-site generation implemented without disruption to meat processing operations.

For the facilities and engineering audience.

The defining constraint of this project was electrical infrastructure rather than roof space. The facility operated on a single-phase service, which limited the amount of solar generation that could be interconnected without requiring significant electrical upgrades.

System sizing was therefore determined by available interconnection capacity, existing electrical infrastructure, and operational requirements within an active food production environment. The final design demonstrates how smaller industrial facilities can deploy solar successfully even when utility service limitations restrict system size.

For food processing operations, reliability and operational continuity are critical. This project illustrates how solar generation can be integrated into existing infrastructure while maintaining compliance with operational requirements and avoiding unnecessary capital upgrades.

Facility characteristics that shaped the design.

• Small meat processing and retail facility with food safety-critical operations
• Single-phase electrical service limiting maximum solar interconnection capacity
• Limited rooftop area restricting total deployable system size
• Ground-mount option evaluated and ruled out due to electrical constraints

What was installed.