Gardiner Market
Projects
Scott and Rebecca Demaree took ownership of the store in 2012. In that time, they have invested in exterior LED store signage totaling $100,000, initiated an on-site cardboard recycling program, established relationships with over 30 Montana suppliers, and have invested approximately $100,000 in employee housing. They are passionate about making the Market and the regional economy sustainable for years to come.
Over the course of 2014 and 2015, Scott and Rebecca worked with the staff at Onsite Energy to procure grants from the USDA REAP program and NorthWestern Energy’s USB program to help fund this 49.6 kW solar electric system. The system utilizes 160 310 watt solar panels, high efficiency transformerless inverters, and a flush mount racking system. The challenge of intermittent shading from pipe vents and mechanical units was mitigated by utilizing the dual DC inputs of the inverters, dividing the solar array into isolated electrical strings and reducing the overall impact of any minor shading. The system includes 20-Year extended warranties on the inverters and Onsite Energy’s ten-year service contract.
Client Profile
The Gardiner Market has been in business since 1904, just a year after the town of Gardiner was formed. The Market has been in the Demaree family since the early 1970’s. In 1994, the Market moved from its uptown location on Park Street to a larger facility on Highway 89 that it now occupies. It is the primary grocery store for the town of Gardiner, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the surrounding area.Scott and Rebecca Demaree took ownership of the store in 2012. In that time, they have invested in exterior LED store signage totaling $100,000, initiated an on-site cardboard recycling program, established relationships with over 30 Montana suppliers, and have invested approximately $100,000 in employee housing. They are passionate about making the Market and the regional economy sustainable for years to come.
Gardiner MT solar power electric
INSTALLED2015
POWER49.6 kW
PRODUCTION63,700 kWhs Per Year
Energy Offset15%
PANELS160 Trina 315 Watt Solar Panels
INVERTERHigh efficiency transformerless
MOUNTSnapNrack Series 100 Flush Mount Racking System
WARRANTY25 Year Power Warranty, 20 Year Extended Inverter Warranty
The Design/Build
Over the course of 2014 and 2015, Scott and Rebecca worked with the staff at Onsite Energy to procure grants from the USDA REAP program and NorthWestern Energy’s USB program to help fund this 49.6 kW solar electric system. The system utilizes 160 310 watt solar panels, high efficiency transformerless inverters, and a flush mount racking system. The challenge of intermittent shading from pipe vents and mechanical units was mitigated by utilizing the dual DC inputs of the inverters, dividing the solar array into isolated electrical strings and reducing the overall impact of any minor shading. The system includes 20-Year extended warranties on the inverters and Onsite Energy’s ten-year service contract.
Unique Challenges
Due to various mechanical equipment located across the south facing roof area of the building, a complex solar array layout was required in order to reach the desired system capacity, while addressing intermittent shading of the solar panels. The small amount of shading on the solar array was further mitigated by utilizing the dual input technology of the inverters.Customer Experience
“We were thrilled to work with Orion and Onsite Energy. Solid relationships are a critical factor when making a long-term investment like this. We felt that they were committed to the region and would be there for us for years to come. Every member of their team was very professional and knowledgeable. You can tell they truly believe in what they’re doing.”
Rebecca Demaree—Gardiner Market
Array
MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS PROJECT
Gardiner Market Solar Inverters
Pre-construction solar array layout drawing
Solar Panoramic!
