172.8 kW rooftop solar offsetting 90.8% of electricity at an industrial distributor in Edmonton, Alberta
90.8% annual electricity offset at an industrial stainless steel distribution facility in Edmonton, Alberta.
A high daytime load against a roof asset approaching the end of its replacement cycle.
Industrial distribution facilities typically operate with steady annual electricity demand driven by lighting, material handling equipment, and warehouse operations. In colder climates, additional electrical loads related to space conditioning further increase annual consumption.
At PinAcle Stainless Steel’s Edmonton facility, the objective was to materially reduce reliance on grid electricity while working within the constraints of an existing industrial building. The challenge was not scale, but alignment — ensuring the system was sized to closely match how the facility actually consumes electricity over the course of the year.
Size to the service. Mount without penetrations.
A rooftop solar system was sized to the facility’s annual electricity consumption profile, with layout determined based on roof availability, electrical infrastructure, and operational patterns.
Rather than pursuing maximum installed capacity, the design focused on achieving high on-site utilization. This approach resulted in a solar installation capable of offsetting the majority of the facility’s annual electricity consumption while remaining fully integrated with existing operations. The system reached commercial operation on July 16, 2024.
The numbers, then the consequence.
- 01174,575 kWh of solar electricity generated annually.
- 0290.8% of the facility's annual electricity consumption offset by solar.
- 03System commissioned July 16, 2024.
- 04Substantial reduction in grid electricity purchases throughout the year.
Equivalent to removing 21 passenger vehicles from Alberta roads annually.
For the facilities and engineering audience.
The system consists of 172.8 kW DC (323 CSI Solar modules) paired with 120 kW AC via Fronius inverters. TerraGen rooftop racking was engineered to integrate with the existing roof structure. To maintain long-term performance and production visibility, the installation can be supported through a proactive Commercial Solar Operations & Maintenance Program.
The Alberta grid emission factor is higher than the Ontario average, meaning each kWh of solar generation represents a greater GHG reduction per unit of production.
Facility characteristics that shaped the design.
- Industrial stainless steel distribution facility serving regional commercial and industrial clients
- Annual electricity demand driven by warehouse lighting, material handling, and building systems
- Cold-climate operating conditions influencing annual electricity consumption
- Rooftop area suitable for a high-utilisation solar deployment
What was installed.
Related Questions
Looking for more information? Explore related questions from our Knowledge Centre covering project planning, technology considerations, incentives, and operational best practices.
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
