Kitchener Central Maintenance Facility Solar Roof

The City of Kitchener planned to conduct two studies: a project feasibility study to provide recommendations on solar energy technology for Kitchener’s new consolidated maintenance facility (a former brownfield); and a connection impact assessment to provide an inventory of recommended improvements to the city’s local electrical network so that the network could accept and distribute solar-generated electricity. The project’s feasibility study team did a site assessment of the roof, structure and lands of Kitchener’s new consolidated maintenance facility. Researchers described the size and components of the appropriate solar technology system, estimated the project cost, and conducted an energy production and financial analysis. The connection impact assessment team examined the adequacy of the proposed generation system and explored its impact on the distribution system under a variety of conditions. It also assessed the preliminary design of the proposed protection systems under a variety of fault and operational circumstances. The study aimed to create a detailed assessment and cost estimate of the connection feasibility and any upgrades required. It also provided information to support the redevelopment of a formerly contaminated industrial building and the estimated one megawatt generation of renewable energy for the community. The new solar energy system was expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,000 tonnes, reduce air pollution and provide local electricity generation to coincide with peak demand in the summer season.