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Chimed Farms, a family beef cattle operation, is taking their operations solar with a 250 kW solar energy system. The solar energy system was installed by Peak Builders Construction Services, a dealer of Fritz Construction Services of Chepstow, Ontario. Peak Builders is a local building company that offers solar energy installations in mid-western Ontario as part of Fritz Construction’s province-wide Renewable Energy Services group. Fritz has been offering quality renewable energy systems in Ontario since 2006 through its construction dealer group. Leveraging Ontario’s FIT program, launched under the Green Energy Act in 2009, the new solar energy system will provide Chimed Farms an additional revenue stream over the next 20 years. The Chimed Farms solar project will produce energy generation revenue that will allow Chimed Farms receive up to 11% return on their investment and will reach its financial breakeven point in less than 8 years. The extra income allows Chimed Farms to diversify its income from cattle and expand its operations. On top of generating an additional revenue stream for Chimed Farms, the solar energy system will produce 315,000 kWH per year, reducing CO2 emissions from non renewable power generation by 2,800 tons annually and produce the energy equivalent to the power consumption of 30 average homes.
The solar energy system uses 1,222 Conergy P solar modules and over 7,500 feet of Conergy’s made in Ontario SunTop mounting system. The SunTop mounting system was used for its aesthetic look, as it provides a uniform surface coverage and is fully integrated into the roof. Mark Dupuis, Lead Project Manager of Peak Builders Construction Services, stated, “We chose the SunTop mounting system since it is both quick and easy to install, it’s robust design can endure the Canadian climate snow and wind loads and our end customers love its finished look.” The solar energy system is installed on both the cattle barn and an adjacent storage building. Conergy, a global leader in solar energy with over a decade of manufacturing, supply and design experience and over six years in Canada, provided PV design and engineering support and pre and post construction consultation for the Chimed Farms solar energy system.
With the system already connected and supplying power to the Hydro One distribution system, Chimed Farms is pleased with the energy production and the look of the system. Chris Freiburger, Owner of Chimed Farms, stated, “The agricultural industry can have unpredictable income. This system is providing us additional income generation that can help offset swings in agricultural based revenues. ” When Chimed Farms decided to go solar, they wanted a local supplier and installer. “Not only did we want to keep our dollars local, but it was important to us to work with a company that shared a strong interest in the project’s success. We wanted a supplier who would provide any, and all services and support required over the project’s life, not just the installation period, “ stated Mr. Freiburger.
OPEN HOUSE: The system will be open to the public and media during an open house on Monday, June 20th , 2011 from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Families, business owners and media are invited to tour the Farm and view the solar energy system which is located west of Walkerton on Highway 9.
About Chimed Farms
Chimed Farms Ltd. is a family farming operation. It is located west of Walkerton, Ontario, on highway 9. The current home farm location was purchased by Edward Freiburger in April 1944. Chimed Farms Ltd. is a portion of what was known as Freiburger Farms Ltd. for many years. The Farm has been based around a strong interest in beef cattle for decades. Edward’s Son, Jim, and grandson, Chris, manage what is known as Chimed Farms Ltd. today.
About Peak Builders Construction Services
We are centrally located near Walkerton, Ontario serving Grey, Bruce, and surrounding areas. With 30 years experience in the construction industry, and trained carpentry crews, we can build the type of structure you are looking for. We diversified our company in 2010 when we entered into the exciting new solar industry. We aligned ourselves with industry leaders such as Conergy and Fritz Construction Services Inc. and have built many Micro-Fit projects throughout our area. Chimed Farms 250 kw solar roof top system was our first FIT project connected to the grid, we have a number of FIT projects that we are working on in the coming months.
About Fritz Construction Services INC
Fritz Construction Services Inc. is a company with 40 years of experience in general construction as well as precast manufacturing and installation. In 2005, Fritz entered the green energy field and commenced working on two of the largest wind farms in Canada. In 2009 Fritz got involved in solar when the Green Energy Act came into effect and has installed in excess of 10mW of solar on rooftop and ground-mounted tracker systems with many more projects on the horizon.
http://www.thefritzgroup.ca/solar.php
About Conergy
Around the world, only Conergy delivers solar energy systems from a single source. As a system manufacturer, Conergy produces all components for a solar installation and offers all services under one roof. With its modules, inverters and mounting systems, the solar expert creates Conergy System Technology, which is efficient and synchronized solar energy systems for private or commercial rooftops, as well as for multi-Megawatt Parks.
Conergy System Sales brings Conergy premium products to nearly 40 countries. The solar expert supports homeowners, installers, wholesalers and investors in their efforts to “go solar” through deep-rooted local operations in 18 countries. With sales activities on five continents, Conergy has close relationships with all its customers. Listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange, Conergy employs more than 1,700 people worldwide. Since Conergy’s founding in 1998, it has produced and sold more than 1.5 GW of clean solar power.
Conergy’s Solar Large Projects Group delivers a “Worry-Free Package” for Conergy solar installations. Conergy’s experts manage the planning and financing, project installation and implementation, system monitoring, operation and on-going maintenance for turn-key solar projects to achieve maximum performance.
Through its acquisition of well-established local companies, Conergy began operating as a distributor and project developer in North America in 2005 and currently has five offices, four warehouses and three production sites in the region. Conergy manufacturers mounting systems in Sacramento, CA. In Ontario, Canada Conergy produces modules and mounting systems that meet local content requirements for the Provincial FIT. Conergy offers innovative products and tailored services to their North America network of system integrators and project developers.Through these activities, Conergy maintains expert knowledge about local market conditions and requirements.
