Commercial Warehouse Solar Array

Project Overview

Pacific Logistics Inc., a 45,000 sq ft distribution center in San Diego, needed a solution to combat rising energy costs. Their daytime operations were perfect for solar, with peak energy usage aligning with peak solar production.

Business Challenge

With energy costs exceeding $18,000 monthly and increasing annually, Pacific Logistics was looking for ways to reduce operational expenses without disrupting their 24/7 logistics operations. The warehouse’s large, flat roof presented an ideal opportunity for solar.

Installation Details

We designed and installed a 85 kW commercial solar array using:

• 238 high-efficiency panels rated at 360W each
• SolarEdge commercial inverters with power optimizers
• Non-penetrating ballasted racking to preserve roof warranty
• Remote monitoring system with predictive maintenance alerts
• Emergency shutdown system for safety compliance

Technical Specifications

System Components

• Panels: 238x Trina Solar Vertex S+ (360W, bifacial)
• Inverters: 3x SolarEdge SE27.6K commercial inverters
• Power Optimizers: SolarEdge P850 optimizers
• Mounting: Unirac RM10 ballasted racking system
• Monitoring: SolarEdge commercial monitoring platform
• Safety: Rapid shutdown system per NEC 2020

Roof Loading & Engineering

• Total System Weight: 4.2 lbs/sq ft (within roof capacity)
• Wind Rating: Designed for 140 mph wind loads
• Seismic Compliance: Zone 4 seismic design
• Tilt Angle: 10° for optimal year-round production

Installation Timeline

The project was completed in 3 weeks with zero operational downtime:

Week 1: Site preparation, delivery, and staging
Week 2: Racking installation (nights/weekends)
Week 3: Panel installation and electrical work
Final Week: Testing, commissioning, and PTO

All work was performed during off-peak hours to avoid disrupting warehouse operations.

Financial Impact

Energy Savings

• Previous Monthly Bill: $18,000
• New Average Monthly Bill: $5,400
• Monthly Savings: $12,600
• Annual Savings: $151,200
• 30-Year Savings: $4.5M+ (with inflation)

Tax Benefits & Incentives

• Federal ITC (30%): $127,500 tax credit
• MACRS Depreciation: Additional $238,000 in tax benefits
• Total Project Cost: $425,000
• Net Cost After Incentives: $59,500
• Actual Payback Period: 4.2 years

Performance Metrics

Energy Production

• Daily Average: 350 kWh
• Monthly Average: 10,667 kWh
• Annual Production: 128,000 kWh
• System Offset: 70% of facility energy needs
• Peak Demand Reduction: 65 kW during utility peak hours

Environmental Impact

• CO2 Reduction: 62 tons annually
• Equivalent to: 7,200 trees planted
• Cars Off Road: Equivalent to removing 13 vehicles
• Grid Independence: 70% daytime self-sufficiency

Smart Energy Management

The installation includes advanced energy management features:

• Real-time production monitoring via web portal and mobile app
• Predictive maintenance alerts to maximize uptime
• Utility demand charge management through smart load shifting
• Historical data analysis for energy optimization
• Automated reporting for ESG compliance

Business Benefits Beyond Savings

Operational Advantages

• Price Protection: Locked in energy costs for 25+ years
• Corporate Sustainability: Meeting ESG goals and commitments
• Brand Enhancement: Green credentials for client proposals
• Employee Morale: Workforce pride in sustainability initiatives
• Property Value: Increased building asset value

Marketing & PR

• Featured in San Diego Union-Tribune business section
• Showcased in Pacific Logistics sustainability report
• Used in client presentations as competitive differentiator

Maintenance & Warranty

• Panel Warranty: 25-year performance guarantee
• Inverter Warranty: 12 years (extendable to 20)
• Workmanship Warranty: 10 years
• Monitoring: Lifetime system monitoring included
• Annual Inspection: Included for first 5 years

Client Testimonial

“This solar installation has been a game-changer for our bottom line. We’re saving over $150,000 annually on electricity, and the system paid for itself in just over 4 years after tax benefits. The team worked around our schedule perfectly, and we experienced zero downtime. Our clients love that we’re reducing our carbon footprint, and it’s become a key part of our sustainability story.”

— David Chen, CFO, Pacific Logistics Inc.

Industry Recognition

• California Solar & Storage Association - Commercial Project of the Year Finalist
• LEED Certification - Contributed points toward building certification
• San Diego Clean Tech Alliance - Featured Case Study

Ready to reduce your commercial energy costs? Schedule a free energy audit and ROI analysis today.