36.4 kW rooftop solar at a roof-constrained urban commercial property in Scarborough, Ontario

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

Urban commercial buildings often face significant physical limitations when it comes to rooftop solar deployment. Available roof area can be constrained by building design, mechanical equipment, access requirements, and surrounding obstructions — all of which limit how much solar capacity can realistically be installed.

At Mutual Developments’ Scarborough property, rooftop space was limited and partially obstructed by existing building infrastructure. While the property’s electricity demand was substantial, only a portion of the roof was suitable for solar installation. The challenge was to design a solar system that could be deployed safely and effectively within these constraints.

Size to the service. Mount without penetrations.

A compact rooftop solar PV system was engineered specifically around the available, unobstructed roof area. System sizing reflected the portions of the roof that could support solar while meeting access, safety, and structural requirements.

Rather than overstating potential impact, the design focused on delivering reliable on-site generation within the site’s physical limits. The system integrates cleanly with existing electrical infrastructure and reached commercial operation on May 17, 2024.

The numbers, then the consequence.

• 0130,500 kWh of solar electricity generated annually.
• 024.6% of the property's annual electricity consumption offset by solar.
• 03Solar deployed successfully despite significant roof constraints and obstructions.
• 04System commissioned May 17, 2024, without disruption to building operations.

For the facilities and engineering audience.

The system consists of 36.4 kW DC (80 LONGi Solar modules) paired with 30 kW AC via Fronius Symo inverters. Unirac rooftop racking was integrated with the existing roof structure.

System configuration was determined by available unobstructed roof area and structural suitability, with installation completed without disruption to building operations or tenant activity.

Facility characteristics that shaped the design.

• Urban commercial property with constrained rooftop availability
• Roof obstructions and mechanical equipment limiting deployable solar area
• Electricity demand driven by base building systems and tenant operations
• Solar implemented as a supplemental on-site generation source within physical constraints

What was installed.