PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Conti designed and constructed the largest solar carport in the state of Ohio, one of the largest in the Midwest.

​Recognized as a leader in sustainable practices, Owens Corning is one of the world’s oldest producers of insulation and fiber glass. The firm sought to upgrade the parking areas at its world headquarters with a new, largest-of-its-kind solar energy installation. The request for Conti’s services by Owens Corning, in coordination with Constellation Energy, directly supported the company’s corporate goals to reduce its environmental impact.

Conti was responsible for the design, engineering, procurement, construction and installation of the 2.4 MW DC photovoltaic (PV) double truss carport solar array to interconnect with the Owens Corning building. Conti performed turnkey services including design and installation of the foundations, steel canopy structures, decking, snow guards, lighting, interconnection, AC and DC feeders, DC disconnects, inverters and panelboards, as well as modifications required to the three existing switchgears feeding the building to interconnect the solar facility.

Construction of the array was accomplished in two phases, since half of the existing parking lot needed to remain active for Owens Corning’s employees and visitors. Due to variations in the subsurface foundation (the site was previously used as a railroad yard), design and installation were the biggest challenge on the project. Conti accomplished this project successfully by partnering with both engineering firms and working hand-in-hand with the racking system supplier to find the best solution for design, cost and schedule. The project interconnected on-time and both phases were completed as planned.