The building owned and operated by Cowley Companies and last used as a warehouse for Fleming Foods, houses 250,000sqft of refrigerator and freezer space. The company said that the new solar power system installation will provide its tenants with electricity that is renewable and about 25% less expensive than typical industrial electric rates.
The SunPower T5 Solar Roof Tile which is to be installed, is non-penetrating rooftop product that integrates a SunPower solar panel, frame and mounting system into a single pre-engineered unit.
The T5 roof tile system is tilted at a five-degree angle, which is expected to double the energy generated per square meter compared to systems that are mounted flat onto commercial rooftops, the company claimed.
The solar installation will be facilitated, in part, from a production-based incentive provided by Arizona Public Service (APS). The program is funded by APS customers and approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Mike Cowley, president of Cowley Companies, said: “With rising energy costs, it just made sense to power this warehouse with clean, renewable energy while lowering our electricity bills. This particular warehouse is leased to our clients, some of whom are in the frozen food business, and the decision to install solar on the roof also supports their sustainability goals.”
Jim Pape, president of residential and commercial business group at SunPower, said: “We are pleased to partner with EPS to provide the T5 roof tile technology for this significant project in Arizona. Our proven technology and high-efficiency solar panels will help Cowley Companies to maximize the emission-free solar power generated on the roof, as well as savings on electricity costs.”
