|

PENNIES FROM HEAVEN

Marina Del Ray Drone

 

Aug 9, 2017

Story by Andy Adams, photos by Jan Holland except where noted

Drone view of Marina del Rey by Allan Bates.

Pennies from heaven is a nice idea, but what if it was more than just pennies? What if your marina could generate several hundred, or even a thousand dollars a month extra, without any effort on your part?

Well, that’s what Jan Holland at Marina del Rey in Ontario has accomplished and there could be similar opportunities for other marinas across Canada.

Marina del Rey now has very cool-looking and admirably “green” solar panels covering the expansive roof areas over their covered slips. These generate electricity – enough to power 80 homes and that brings in a steady secondary stream of revenue.

As Jan Holland put it, he got the “golden ticket”, but that was after working four years to put the deal together, and it was also during a time when there were significant government subsidies for green energy development.

Reinforcing Roof

Last September at Marina del Rey, their solar project was started. The construction crew began by re-enforcing all their roof trusses and trenching to accommodate the underground wiring to the transformer stations.

The subsidies have been reduced now, but there are still opportunities for businesses that have a large, secure and appropriately sized installation opportunity for solar panels. Marinas with covered slips seem well suited to solar panels.

Marina Del Rey worked with an international company called Solar Provider Group who have offices in Toronto and who saw an opportunity at Marina del Rey. Once the project got the go-ahead, the crew working for Solar Provider Group did four weeks of structural reinforcement and eight weeks of construction on the pilings, docks and roof structures to install the 948 Canadian Solar Modules solar panels.

Working On Roof

Boats had to be moved around to accommodate the roof reinforcement phase.

With eleven inverters from Fronius Symo, the system size is 250 kW AC or 294 kW DC and has a total output of 360,000 kWh/year.

Not only does this take approximately 80 homes off the grid, it reduces the emissions footprint of Ontario’s electricity system by approximately 66 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

Reinforcing Docks Roof

By late September, much of the work had been carried out in their boat house rafters and trenching for cabling and foundation setting for the transformer stations had been started. 

Everyone feels good about that and Jan feels especially good about his docks and buildings. He managed to get the government subsidies before they were reduced and the timing was great.

Like many marinas with covered slips, Marina del Rey faced concerns about the infrastructure getting older. Questions like “do we fix them all up? How? And, with what money?” were all issues they were facing. Jan Holland was able to negotiate the solar company paying for all the building upgrades above water. The marina still had totend to the pilings, but with the funds they will receive for the roof lease over the next twenty years, they will be able to replace all their pilings. By being on the ball when the opportunity arose, they got their covered slips repaired to a good state at minimal to no cost and there was an insurance policy benefit also.

Trench For LinesA large trench was dug to carry the lines.

In December Jan Holland wrote, “The solar guys have been pretty active in the last two weeks installing all the panelling and the big (green) main transformer.“Men Roof

 

Shelter BoxThis is the big transformer that arrived last winter to complete the installation.

Certainly, Jan Holland put together a great deal for Marina del Rey, but there may still be opportunities for similar marinas with sound structures and a suitable location. We checked and Patrick Collie from Solar Provider Group was willing to give his number – 1-888-989-4677. You can visit their website: www.solarprovidergroup.com to learn more.

Related Articles





Canada’s Marine Retailers Band Together to Form New Canadian Marine Retailers Association

CMRA

The provincial marine associations from across the country, collectively representing over 80,000 jobs and $9.2B in national annual economic impact, announced the formation of a new national association whose mandate will be to represent the interests of recreational boating including recreational boat retailing and brokering, boat and engine & trailer sales, accessories, slip rentals, service, storage, fuel sales and more. Headquartered in Penetanguishene, Ontario, the newly formed Canadian Marine Retailers Association (CMRA) will focus on national issues facing the sector.

“The formation of a national voice to address the many aspects of our sector that affect the jobs and lives of Canadians from coast to coast is something many of our provincial associations have been calling for, for years,” says Brett Ramsey, President of Boating Ontario. “This is a positive step to ensuring issues facing our sector are represented to decisionmakers in the federal government.” READ MORE




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Just Launched

No posts


Five Impressive Features of the New Marex 440 Cruiser

The Marex 440 Cruiser is a beacon of innovation, representing the newest generation of cruisers embellished with modern design lines and groundbreaking innovations. Spanning a length of 13.70 metres and flaunting a maximum beam of 4.27 metres, this elegant vessel is destined to become the jewel of the Marex brand. Here, we explore five key aspects of the Marex 440 that redefine the cruising experience.

1. Diverse Modifications: The Marex 440 is available in two distinctive modifications: the 440 Gourmet Cruiser, boasting a vast U-shaped kitchen layout, and the 440 Scandinavia Version, featuring an additional enclosed salon for dining. These modifications are meticulously designed to offer a versatile cruising experience, whether you prefer an expansive kitchen or an additional dining space, catering to diverse preferences and lifestyle needs. READ MORE


Stainless steel outlet covers built for harsh weather

Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers
Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers

Stainless steel combines long-lasting corrosion resistance with an attractive, classic appearance to enhance any deck. That’s why Hubbell Marine uses it in its premium Stainless Steel Flip Covers to protect electrical terminals from impacts, weather, even curious children and pets.

Both styles of Hubbell Marine Stainless Steel Flip Covers, and associated hinge pins, springs and mounting hardware, are built from heavy-duty polished 316 stainless steel. The easy-to-clean covers are enhanced by durable elastomer base gaskets and EVA back gaskets for weatherproof reliability. READ MORE