A Canadian manufacturer of energy-saving doors and glass has unveiled the largest rooftop solar industrial field of its kind in the country.
Edmonton’s All Weather at Homesays that the nearly 1,200-kilowatt direct current system features more than 2,000 Thornova 580-watt solar panels across over 100,000 square feet.
This array generates roughly 1.3 gigawatt hours of energy annually, reducing the plant’s electricity consumption by 35%, with surplus power flowing directly into Alberta’s electricity grid, according to chief executive officer Colin Wiebe.
“This is a long-term investment in how we operate,” says Wiebe.
“We are not reacting to market conditions or checking a sustainability box,” the CEO claims. Rather, “We are making a deliberate, calculated decision to build a stronger business, reduce our cost structure, and reinforce the standard we hold ourselves to as a leader in this industry.”
“The companies that will define Canadian manufacturing in the next generation are the ones making these decisions today,” posits Wiebe.
The solar energy project, developed in collaboration with Inferno Energy, is forecast to pay for itself in less than eight years.
“Efficiency isn’t a project for us, it’s a practice,” commented Jillene Lakevold, who serves All Weather Group as co-CEO. “It’s embedded in how we build and how we run every line on this floor.”
“This solar industrial field is the natural next expression of that,” Lakevold continues. “It makes sound business sense, it deepens our sustainability commitments, and it reflects what we believe our responsibility looks like as a Canadian manufacturer serving homeowners, builders, contractors, and dealers west of Thunder Bay.”
All Weather at Home, founded in 1978, is a Platinum Club member of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and 10-time ENERGY STAR award recipient including five-time ENERGY STAR Manufacturer of the Year award recipient.