Located in Barrière, BC, Gilbert Smith Forest Products Ltd. partnered with Riverside Energy Systems to reduce operating costs and take advantage of clean, renewable energy. After evaluating several system configurations, the company selected an 11 kW rooftop solar installation on the main office building, offering an excellent return on investment while maximizing available incentives.
The completed grid-connected solar PV system features 22 LONGi 500W solar panels paired with 11 APsystems DS3-L microinverters, mounted on the office's sloped corrugated metal roof. The array is divided into two strings and connected to a dedicated PV generation panel before tying into the building's existing 200A Square D electrical service.
The system is expected to generate approximately 10,700 kWh of clean electricity each year. This will help reduce long-term energy costs while lowering the facility's environmental footprint for years to come.
Riverside Energy Systems managed the project from design and engineering through BC Hydro Self-Generation application support, permitting, installation, and commissioning, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.
Project Highlights
- Location: Barrière, BC
- System Size: 11 kW DC
- Annual Energy Production: 10,700 kWh
- Solar Panels: 22 × LONGi 500W
- Inverters: 11 × APsystems DS3-L Microinverters
- Installation Type: Grid-connected rooftop solar on corrugated metal roof
- Electrical Connection: 200A Square D service with dedicated PV generation panel
This project demonstrates how even a modest commercial solar installation can deliver meaningful energy savings and an attractive return on investment, helping local businesses reduce operating expenses while investing in a more sustainable future.
