13.7 kW rooftop solar within single-phase service constraints at a meat processing facility in Hanover
Practical on-site generation delivered within single-phase interconnection limits and a constrained rooftop.
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.
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.
Equivalent to the annual emissions of a single passenger vehicle.
For the facilities and engineering audience.
The system consists of 13.7 kW DC (30 LONGi Solar modules) paired with 10 kW AC via a Fronius USA Primo single-phase inverter. System capacity was capped to remain within single-phase interconnection limits.
Unirac rooftop racking was integrated with the existing roof structure. Commissioning was completed without disruption to meat processing operations.
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.
Evaluating rooftop solar for a commercial or industrial facility? Understanding how solar aligns with your consumption profile and long-term objectives is the first step.
- ·Roof structural and shading review
- ·Annual production model
- ·Net-Metering interconnection check
- ·Incentive & financing stack
- ·Two-scenario capital plan
