Project Snapshot
- System Size: 1,552 kW
- Panels: 2,901
- Annual Production: ~2,114,147 kWh
- Primary Objective: Reduce energy consumption and support LEED certification goals
- Installation Type: Rooftop and ground-mounted solar arrays
The Client & Operational Context
RL Cold is a premier cold storage developer serving clients across the United States, with facilities designed to meet demanding operational and efficiency requirements. For this location in Pender Commerce Park, long-term tenant Maersk Shipping sought a facility that could reduce energy consumption while aligning with corporate environmental goals. The project required a solution that would support both operational efficiency and sustainability benchmarks, ultimately contributing to LEED certification.
The Challenge
Cold storage facilities are among the most energy-intensive building types due to continuous refrigeration demands. The challenge was to design a solar system large enough to meaningfully offset this high energy load while integrating with a newly constructed, high-performance building. The system also needed to support broader sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency and responsible material use, while maintaining reliability for critical storage operations.
The Strategy
Large-Scale System Design
The system was designed at 1,552 kW to align with the facility’s significant and continuous energy demand, allowing for meaningful offset of refrigeration loads.
Dual-Mount Installation Approach
A combination of rooftop and ground-mounted arrays was used to maximize solar production and fully utilize available space across the site.
LEED Integration
The solar installation was coordinated with other high-performance building strategies, including energy efficiency measures and responsible material sourcing, contributing to LEED Gold certification.
Operational Reliability
System design and installation planning ensured uninterrupted construction operations, with solar generation integrated seamlessly into the building’s energy infrastructure.
The Solution
This project includes a 1,552 kW solar system composed of 2,901 high-efficiency panels, installed across both rooftop and ground-mounted arrays. The system generates an estimated 2,114,147 kWh annually, significantly offsetting the facility’s energy consumption.
By integrating solar with a high-efficiency building design, the project supports both immediate energy savings and long-term sustainability goals. The system contributes to reduced operational costs while meeting the performance demands of a modern cold storage facility.
The Results
Financial Impact
The system is projected to deliver about $6.2 million in savings over 30 years by offsetting a significant portion of electricity consumption. This provides long-term cost reduction and improved predictability in energy expenses for both the developer and tenant.
Operational Impact
Solar generation supports the facility’s continuous refrigeration demands, reducing reliance on grid electricity while maintaining the reliability required for cold storage operations. The system integrates without disruption, ensuring stable environmental conditions for stored goods.
Community Impact
The project contributes to a more sustainable industrial presence in Pender Commerce Park. By reducing energy consumption and incorporating renewable energy, the facility sets a benchmark for environmentally responsible cold storage development and supports broader regional sustainability efforts.
System Performance Snapshot
- 1,552 kW solar array
- 2,901 high-efficiency panels
- 2,114,147 kWh annual energy production
- Rooftop and ground-mounted system configuration
- $6,168,095 projected 30-year savings
Why It Matters
This project demonstrates how large-scale industrial facilities can align energy performance with sustainability goals. Cold storage buildings require continuous energy input, making them strong candidates for solar systems that offset consumption and stabilize costs. By integrating solar into a high-performance building strategy, RL Cold and its tenant show how energy efficiency, renewable generation, and certification standards can work together to deliver long-term value.
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