PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This net metering distributed generation project for a manufacturing facility in Brockton, Massachusetts provides an offset cost to the owner’s electrical usage.

Conti performed engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services for this 1.3 MW DC roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) system. This distributed generation solar array connects to the existing National Grid distribution system.

Conti entered into an EPC agreement with Equity Industrial to obtain the necessary permitting and then design and construct the solar PV array including necessary electrical and coordination work to interconnect with the local utility. Conti transferred and assembled more than 4,000 solar panels and more than 8,500 concrete ballast blocks on the manufacturing facility’s large rooftop footprint of 194,094 square feet (over 4 acres).

This project presented several challenges to the Conti team, including accommodating a concrete pad for equipment at the interconnection location, the need for modifying the interconnection equipment designs halfway through the project, structural weight limitations of the roof and a completion deadline requiring the majority of construction to be completed during November and December of the Massachusetts winter. Through detailed design and planning, Conti met the size and production requirements while minimizing the amount of material needed.