EfstonScience completes rooftop solar panel installation project in Canada

Canada-based solar and wind power specialist EfstonScience has completed work on a project to install solar panels on the roofs of the 13 buildings in Strathroy-Caradoc, Ontario, Canada.

The project features 520 Ontario-made photovoltaic (PV) panels were manufactured locally in Guelph by Canadian Solar Solutions, Canada’s PV manufacturing facility.

The modules are each capable of generating 137,000kWh annually, enough to together power 13 to 15 average homes. The modules do not require maintenance or after-sales service.

EfstonScience is also setting up online monitoring for each facility, which will provide up-to-the-minute snapshots of how much electricity is being generated and fed into the grid, as well as the income the municipality will earn as a result.

The project sites include, the Caradoc Works Yard, Strathroy Fire Station, Mount Brydges Fire Station, Strathroy Library, West Middlesex Memorial Centre, Strathroy-Caradoc Police Service, Environmental Services/Entegrus, Tri-Township Arena, Town Hall, Strathroy Works Yard, Pump Station, Caradoc Community Centre and the Strathroy and Area Seniors’ Centre.

The project, which was completed in less than two months, is expected to generate revenue of $80,000 per year for the municipality through the Ontario Power Authority’s microFIT Program.

Strathroy-Caradoc mayor Joanne Vanderheyden siad, "These rooftop solar projects present an opportunity to generate income, while showcasing the efforts of the municipality to demonstrate leadership in green energy and efficiency in the use of our resources."

EfstonScience president Nick Efston said, "EfstonScience is proud to partner with Strathroy-Caradoc, as well as other municipalities across Ontario, to help supply renewable energy directly to the community.

"Strathroy-Caradoc’s secure, guaranteed long-term investment in solar energy has equipped the municipality with leading technology to not only generate revenue, but also better service the taxpayer by adding power at peak demand time, which helps to avoid brown-outs and the costly importing of energy from other sources," Efston added.