Calgary-based McAra Printing, a subsidiary of the Canadian Bank Note Company, marked Earth Day 2011 by activating its new rooftop installation of 48 solar modules – the largest commercial solar array in the city.
McAra’s south-facing installation of 48 photovoltaic solar modules holds an electrical generating capability of 11,280 watts. The installation sits atop the company’s 45,000-square-foot production facility, which, being in Calgary, enjoys an average of 2,405 hours of direct sunlight each year.
“We wanted to do more than simply pay for green power,” said General Manager Rodger Grant. “Most printers wanting to enhance their green image through alternative energy use choose to pay a premium to their utility provider to do so on their behalf. McAra Printing is taking direct action through micro-generation of electricity with our solar module array.”
McAra Printing contracted local solar-power solutions provider Chinook Eco Energy for the design and installation of the solar array, which includes a unique racking system, manufactured in Canada, designed specifically for McAra.
“Our solar modules will continue to generate electricity when the plant is closed,” said Grant, “further reducing our carbon footprint while contributing renewable green power to the grid.
“Publishers and print consumers concerned about their carbon footprint can now rely on McAra Printing to utilize energy from alternative sources in the manufacture of their product.”
Live power generation statistics can be viewed online at McAra’s Website
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