Florida-based roofing contractor Advanced Roofing and Advanced Green Technologies have completed the first large-scale county-owned solar project in Miami-Dade, Fla., at the North Dade Regional Library in Miami Gardens. 

The North Dade Regional Library, rooftop solar panel installation started in August 2022 and was completed in April 2023. The solar array comprises 1,093 Canadian Solar CS3W-435MB-AG 435 watt modules and RSDs, 41 strings, six Chint CPS 60 kilowatt AC inverters, and a Veris E51C2A meter for monitoring, with a total capacity of 475 kilowatts.

This project was developed under a DMS contract and energy service agreement, and it marks the first of three pilot larger-scale solar projects being implemented in Miami-Dade County. The other two projects — the South Dade Regional Library and the MetroWest Detention Center — will be completed later this year after obtaining permits.

Scope of Work

The eight-person crew installed a 475.455 kilowatt solar array using a DCE EcoTop HD racking system consisting of north/south, front and rear beams made of galvanized steel resting on rubber pads attached to the concrete deck and flashed into the roof system. The photovoltaic systems consist of 1,093 Canadian Solar CS3W-435MB-AG 435W modules and RSDs, 41 strings, six Chint CPS 60 kW AC inverters, one 600A electrical panel, one 600A disconnect and one Obvius data monitoring enclosure. The system was then connected to the library's existing bus duct by using a new tap.

The bus duct presented a challenge for the team, as interconnection required coordination in planning and execution with the library, vendor, Authority Having Jurisdiction and Florida Power & Light. As an experienced commercial solar contractor with more than 450 megawatts installed, the team met this challenge through advanced planning using Method of Procedure documentation along with continuous clear and concise communication with all stakeholders.

North Dade Regional Library’s new solar roof will provide an estimated 815,000 kilowatt-hours with a PV system output of annual energy production of 709.9 megawatt-hours. The system is expected to offset the building’s energy usage by 85%, enough to power 98 homes. 

Completion 

"AGT is honored to have played an integral role in the historical moment of building Miami-Dade's first-ever large-scale solar installation on a county-owned building, providing cost-effective, cleaner energy for the community," the company said in a statement.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony held on April 5, 2003 was attended by distinguished guests, including Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami-Garden's Mayor Rodney Harris. It marked the unveiling of a significant achievement that reinforces the county's commitment to promoting sustainable energy solutions for a better planet.

“The partnership between Advanced Green Technologies (AGT) and Miami Dade County Leadership has shown that municipal government agencies can successfully deploy solar assets, quickly and efficiently,” said Clint Sockman, executive vice president of AGT. "This brings immense value to the community and the County while protecting the environment for generations to come.”