The PVKIT’s pre-assembled components provided a simple, secure and economical method for attaching the solar panels. Because the solution is rail-less, it also cuts costs in freight, logistics, lifting equipment and labor associated with traditional rail.
Case Study - MicroTech Manufacturing Facility, Costa Rica
Case Study from | S-5-PVKIT®2.0 & S-5-H Mini
The Project
Based in the beautiful Alajuela Province of Costa Rica, MicroTech’s state-of-the-art certified manufacturing facility provides precision manufacturing and supply chain innovation through capability and tooling for small metal and plastic components for the most demanding industries.
As part of the company’s desire for new-world technology and a “forward-thinking manufacturing” approach, MicroTech wanted more control of its energy and power requirements, and sought cleaner energy sources and much needed resiliency to supplement the power requirements at its manufacturing facility―all provided by an EaaS (Energy-as-a-Service) model.
MicroTech called on EPC Contractor, Energías Limpias de Centroamerica (ELCA) to install a Micro-Grid, which combined a Tesla PowerPack of 1.1 MWh and 1,432 Sharp solar panels for its 531 Kw DC system on the facility’s insulated metal panel roof. ELCA knew it could rely on S-5! solar attachment solutions to secure the solar modules to its metal roof.
The Challenge
Ongoing shutdowns across Costa Rica due to the COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges for this project. When ELCA started the project, the country’s shutdowns delayed product and material delivery from manufacturers all across the globe to the jobsite. However, S-5! was able to meet its delivery deadline.
The Solution
ELCA selected the S-5-PVKIT®2.0 and the S-5-H Mini clamps to secure the solar panels to the standing seam metal roof of MicroTech’s manufacturing facility, allowing for a rail-less PV mounting solution.
The PVKIT’s pre-assembled components provided a simple, secure and economical method for attaching the solar panels. Because the solution is rail-less, it also cuts costs in freight, logistics, lifting equipment and labor associated with traditional rail. The H Mini clamp’s two-piece design allows it to be installed anywhere along the length of the rib, making installation fast and easy!
With a reliable lead-time from purchase to delivery, as well as a simple installation process, S-5!’s solar attachment solutions helped reduce the project timeline.
Long-Term Outlook
The Micro-Grid and subsequent PV system allowed MicroTech to continue its forward-thinking manufacturing approach by utilizing renewable energy sources. The PVKIT provided a rail-less, aesthetically-pleasing, penetration-free, cost-effective PV mounting solution – saving the customer time and money on installation and materials.
How Did S-5! Attachments Help?
- Best reliability – trusted products
- Quick product delivery turn-around – trusted delivery
- Cut material costs in half, including freight costs
- Cut installation costs in half
- Minimized the amount of time workers must spend in harness
- Improved aesthetics
- Eliminated the risk of a voided roof manufacturer warranty―no holes/no damage
“We understand the value of S-5! products. We have experience with S-5! solar attachment solutions and understand how quickly we can deploy them once all electric is in, enabling our teams to quickly install the solar PV. The main benefits for us are the ease of use and efficiency of the products.”―Michael McCuen, Managing Partner & Founder, Energías Limpias de Centroamerica
Project Information
Project Name: Micro Technologies
Location: Alajuela Province – San José, Costa Rica
Industry: Commercial/Industrial
EPC: Energías Limpias de Centroamerica (Verde o Nada)
Inverter Manufacturer: Yaskawa-Solectria
Solar Mounting Technology: S-5!
Roof Stats:
- Roof Measured: 13,500 M2/145,300 square feet
- Roof Pitch: 7 degrees
- Roof Profile: Solcon SSP 1000/500B Insulated Metal Panel Roofing
Project Size:
- Total Installed Capacity: (1,432) Sharp solar panels, 531 Kw DC system (total DC output 531); each module was 370w
- Inverters: Solectria PVI 60TL
- Tesla PowerPack 1.1 MWh
S-5! Products Supplied:
- S-5-H Mini (3,125)
- S-5-PVKIT®2.0 (3,125)
- MidGrab (2,880)
- EdgeGrab (480)
The content & opinions in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of AltEnergyMag
S-5!
In 1992, S-5! invented the very market space of manufactured roof attachment solutions. S-5!'s clamps and brackets are engineered for a variety of applications, including residential and commercial solar installations on exposed-fastened and standing seam metal roofing. The company has a portfolio of more than 5+ GigaWatts of rooftop solar arrays, including many Fed-Ex and Walmart buildings; 700 Costco stores in eight countries; international airports; and corporate headquarters for Google, IBM, NATO, NREL and Apple. S-5! technologies are also affordable for domestic applications with more than 15,000 such solar installations in 50 countries.
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