One for the books: UTL Downsview powers up with massive solar installation
The recent installation of 1,018 solar panels at the University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) Downsview storage facility is the University’s second largest solar project ever.
With more than 40,000 square feet of roof space, it doesn’t get more ideal than UTL Downsview for a solar panel installation.
Setting a new milestone in energy production
The solar panels, which are expected to be activated this month, can produce up to 80% of the 758,000 kilowatt-hours per year required to run the building.
In comparison, the last installation of 350 solar panels at the Bahen Centre for Information and Technology (BCIT) produces around 5% of the building’s energy needs, making the UTL Downsview installation one of U of T’s largest solar projects to date, second only to the installation at the University of Toronto Scarborough’s Pan Am Sports Centre, which produces 10 – 15% of the building’s energy needs.
Most of the energy at UTL Downsview is used to maintain precise humidity and temperature for the preservation of over 3.5 million library items, including books, film reels, and cassette tapes.
Unique weather-resistant and drill-free installation
Typical solar installations require drilling into the roof, but UTL Downsview could not risk any leaks because of the delicate materials stored inside. Instead, the panels are held down by weights, which prevent the panels from being blown away by the wind.
The panels are positioned at an angle, which circumvents other weather concerns, such as obstruction by snow. The angle also allows the panels to capture as much sunlight as possible, and any excess electricity is sent back to the grid providing clean energy for use by others in the community.
Success and shining onward
This project represents another big step forward for U of T’s solar capacity and renewable energy generation towards becoming climate positive.
“I’m more encouraged than ever before,” said Larry Yang, Energy Manager, about the project’s success.
In 2022, we met our goal of doubling our onsite solar capacity two years ahead of schedule with our BCIT installation, and with the completion of this single project, we have nearly doubled that capacity again—and have no plans of slowing down!
Ron Saporta, Chief Operating Officer, Property Services & Sustainability, shares Yang’s enthusiasm. “We’re continuing our efforts with upcoming solar projects, including plans for installing panels at the OISE building,” he says. “While we celebrate this project’s success, we recognize there’s more work ahead.”