Project Summary
Location: Hanover, Ontario
System Size: 53kW (Combined 34kW + 19kW)
Annual Offset: ~60% of total energy usage
Financial Impact: Rebates and tax credits covered 53% of upfront costs.
The Result: Predictable overhead, reduced utility dependence, and a healthier bottom line.
A common question we hear is: “What kind of business is right for solar?“ The truth is, it isn’t about the industry; it’s about your energy patterns.
For a fitness center in Hanover, Ontario, the “pain point” was clear. During the winter months, their electricity bills climbed above $1,000 per month, directly eating into their revenue. They needed a solution that could turn their rooftop into a financial asset.
The Solution: A Custom 53kW Solar Array
To tackle their high consumption, we designed and installed two distinct solar systems on their property: a 34kW array and a 19kW array, totaling 53kW of solar power.
While this system is projected to offset 100% of their electricity costs during the summer, it remains a workhorse year-round. Even in the Ontario winter, the panels produce power whenever the sun hits the snow-cleared surface. Overall, the system is engineered to cover approximately 60% of the facility’s total annual energy consumption.
Overcoming Complexity: Two Meters, One “Behind-the-Meter” Solution
Unlike standard commercial sites, this facility operated with two separate electrical meters. This added a layer of complexity, requiring specialized engineering documentation and unique approvals for each unit. While the expanded installation scope introduced unexpected technical requirements, Polaron handled the heavy lifting.
In a Behind-the-Meter setup, the electricity generated by the solar panels stays entirely on the customer’s side to power the facility directly, rather than being exported to the grid.
This “Load Displacement” strategy is highly advantageous for two reasons:
- Direct Savings: It immediately offsets the most expensive “On-Peak” power the gym would otherwise buy from the grid.
- Rebate Eligibility: Up to $860,000 Solar Energy Rebate for businesses.
By choosing this path, the fitness center also gained the future option to add a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). A battery would allow them to store excess midday sun and “peak shave” their usage, further protecting them from high demand charges.
Maximizing the Returns: Stacking Incentives
The Ontario government currently offers some of the most generous commercial incentives in the country, with Save On Energy retrofit rebates reaching up to $860,000 for eligible commercial behind-the-meter projects. Our client was impressed to see how far their investment could go. By stacking the provincial rebate with the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), we successfully covered 53% of the total installation cost.
Ready to see what solar can do for your business?
Don’t let rising utility rates dictate your profit margins. Whether you run a gym, a factory, or a farm, our team can design a custom system that pays for itself. Get Your Free Commercial Solar Assessment Today.
