Matrix Energy partners in 17.6 kW hybrid solar project

June 7, 2010 - PRLog -- Matrix Energy is pleased to announce it has partnered with two engineering firms in deploying a 17.6 kW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) array integrated into existing diesel generator systems with batteries. The system was installed and commissioned at a Société Immobilière du Québec (S.I.Q.) site at KM 426 in Parc de la Vérendrye in the centre of the province, where utility service is unavailable.

The solar array was commissioned in March 2010, completing the second and final phase of the project installing the PV array on pitched shingle roof and voltage regulation equipment along with a doubling of the battery capacity.  Supplied by Matrix Energy, the solar array was designed to sufficiently re-charge the battery bank to power the loads during the spring and summer months while keeping the generators idle.  The PV array consists of ten strings of eight, 220 W monocrystalline, solar modules in series on adjustable roof mounts providing a total of 17.6 kWp of electrical power.  In addition to the material supply, Matrix Energy provided technical support during the design and installation stages of this phase of the project.  According to Genivar, it is estimated that the photovoltaic system will reduce diesel fuel consumption by 15,000 litres per year, or 41 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.  This is in addition to the fuel savings accomplished by the first phase of the project.

The S.I.Q. was seeking to reduce the costly operation and maintenance of the diesel gensets, and the engineering firm Genivar proposed a solution in two phases.  
The first phase, completed in 2007, consisted of transitioning thermal loads (space and water heating) to propane, introducing a battery bank as well as an energy management system designed and supplied by Envitech Energie.  This allowed for automated control and web-based monitoring of the generators to re-charge the battery bank or provide power to loads at peak times, depending on demand. This initial phase of the project allowed for a reduction in diesel fuel consumption by approximately 27,000 litres per year, or 75 tonnes of annual CO2 emissions.  

According to Alexandre Brunet, Directeur Industriel / Innovation with Genivar in Rouyn-Noranda, ‘’Remportant le prix visionnaire, en 2009 aux grand prix du Génie Québécois, Genivar est très fier d’ouvrir la voie et d’emboiter le pas dans cette révolution de l’énergie. Pour la première fois appliqué à site d’une tell envergure, le succès de ce projet sans précédent démontre encore une fois que le savoir faire Québécois est innovateur et avant-gardiste. L’émergence des nouvelles source d’énergie et leur accessibilités pour tous, entraine plus qu’une tendance… Et ce n’est qu’un début!’’

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About Matrix Energy Inc:
Matrix Energy (www.matrixenergy.ca) provides complete engineered system design, Solyndra™ energy yield reports, product supply, RMA, technical support and troubleshooting services for Solar Photovoltaic systems. We look forward to working with building/ property owners, developers, architects, engineers, contractors and other building professionals in North America to increase energy security and lower carbon footprints utilizing PV technology.

For further information contact:
Andrew Wilkins
Matrix Energy Inc
Toll free: 1 866 630-5630 x 216 Fax: (514) 426-9123
Email: awilkins@matrixenergy.ca

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Matrix Energy has more than 20 years of experience providing sustainable energy and energy efficiency solutions.