California Contractor Solves Space Challenges with Innovative Solar Array
When an asphalt manufacturer in California needed to slash its electricity bills with solar power, space was the biggest hurdle. The RJ Noble Company didn’t have enough open land for a traditional ground-mounted system. But sometimes, constraints spark creativity—enter Tenco Solar.
Why Rooftop Solar Wasn’t Enough
You’d think slapping panels on a factory roof would be the obvious fix, right? Here’s the twist: industrial rooftops often host vents, HVAC units, and maintenance walkways. Tenco’s team got crafty, combining rooftop PV with a canopy system over parking areas—essentially turning unused asphalt into a power plant.
Breaking Down the Numbers
This 1.2MW hybrid installation now covers 60% of the plant’s energy needs. With California’s NEM 3.0 rules making battery integration crucial, they paired SolarEdge inverters with Tesla Powerwalls. “We’re talking $12,000 monthly savings even after loan payments,” noted the plant manager.
Grid Reliability? That’s Non-Negotiable
Manufacturing plants can’t afford downtime. The system includes automated fail-safes—if the grid flickers, those Powerwalls kick in before equipment even notices. Funny enough, the asphalt mixers now run smoother during peak hours than they did on grid power alone.
The Takeaway for Industrial Projects
This reminds me of a 2022 poultry farm project in Modesto—similar space crunch, same out-of-the-box thinking. The lesson? Don’t assume limited land means limited solar potential. With tiered incentives and rising utility rates, ROI timelines are shrinking faster than skeptics expect.
