Alongside project partners REC Solar and Dynamic Energy, Kingspan Insulation North America celebrated the completion of a new rooftop solar installation at its Mendota, Ill., manufacturing facility with a ribbon-cutting event earlier this month.
“This project is a tangible example of our Planet Passionate commitment in action as we continue to reduce operational carbon, increase our use of renewable energy, and invest in long-term solutions that strengthen both our environmental performance and our business,” said Kingspan Insulation president Kyle McEnroe.
The 881-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system was installed across roughly 50,000 sf of roof space. The system is expected to generate roughly 1 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, offsetting approximately 700 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The solar PV system was installed on a standing seam metal roof, with racking attached directly to the seam ribs using clamps—no roof penetrations required.
Dynamic Energy served as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firm for the Mendota project. The system itself 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,” said REC Solar CEO Robb Jetty.
The Mendota installation is Kingspan’s third in North America, following similar installations at its facilities in DeLand, Fla., and Winchester, Va. The company’s sustainability program includes the goal of installing solar PV systems on all wholly owned sites and achieving 60% direct renewable energy use by 2030.
“With U.S. industrial electricity rates continuing to rise, this project demonstrates how sustainability and sound business planning go hand in hand,” explained Dynamic Energy president and COO Oliver Davis. “We applaud [Kingspan’s] forward-thinking approach to reducing emissions while gaining control over rising energy costs.”
The Mendota facility employs 39 people and produces expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation used in a range of commercial and residential building applications.
