Kingspan Insulation North America, a provider of building envelope solutions, completed a new rooftop solar installation at its Mendota, Illinois, manufacturing facility.
The company expects the 881-kilowatt system, installed across approximately 50,000 square feet of roof space, to generate roughly 1 million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity annually, offsetting approximately 771 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
The Mendota solar installation represents Kingspan’s third in North America, following similar installations at its facilities in DeLand, Florida and Winchester, Virginia. The installations support Kingspan Group’s global Planet Passionate sustainability program, which includes a goal of installing solar photovoltaic systems on all wholly owned sites and achieving 60% direct renewable energy use by 2030.
Additionally, the system was installed on a standing seam metal roof with racking attached directly to the seam ribs using specialized clamps, requiring no roof penetrations.
Developed and installed by Dynamic Energy, the system is owned and operated by REC Solar through a 25-year power purchase agreement.
“As companies increasingly seek strategies to lower emissions and strengthen supply chain sustainability, this project shows how clean, reliable and affordable solar energy, delivered through a long-term power purchase agreement, can help achieve those goals,” REC Solar Chief Investment Officer Matt Miller said.
Kingspan acquired the Mendota manufacturing facility in September 2021. The plant employs 39 people and produces expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation used in a range of commercial and residential building applications.
