Melink Corporate Headquarters
On-Site Solar Systems
Milford, Ohio
Melink Corporation is constantly researching and testing different types of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to find the best value for its customers. From 2006 through 2008, Melink installed three 10kW solar arrays on its roof. Then, between 2010 and 2011, an additional seven systems were installed on Melink’s corporate campus.
Xunlight
System Size: 3.1 kW
Flexible Thin Film System
Annual Output (AC)
3.1 kW
Modules
12 Xunlight 255 Watt
Inverter
1 (3 kW)
The Xunlight flexible thin film system is perfect for roofs with load issues, odd angles, or contours. The system does not need a racking system, therefore eliminating roof penetrations. Instead, it is applied with a special adhesive, making installation faster and less expensive than traditional panels.
Solyndra
System Size: 5.5 kW
Cylindrical Module System
Annual Output (AC)
6,100 kWh
Modules
32 Solyndra 173 Watt
Inverter
1 (5 kW)
The Solyndra system consists of small, cylindrical tubes designed to capture light from 360 degrees when installed on a white reflective roof. It has its own ballasted racking system that does not penetrate the roof membrane, making it very easy to install.
Abound Roof Mount
System Size: 5.2 kW
Rigid Thin Film System
Annual Output (AC)
5,800 kWh
Modules
78
Inverter
1 (5 kW)
Melink installed its rooftop Abound system in mid-2010. At 5.8kW, this was the first rigid thin film system Melink constructed on its corporate campus.
First Solar Roof Mount
System Size: 5.2 kW
Rigid Thin Film System
Annual Output (AC)
28,582 kWh
Modules
352
Inverter
2 (12 kW)
In early 2011, Melink installed a second rigid thin film system on its corporate headquarter’s rooftop. The system was installed to test against the other existing rooftop systems and to help the company reach its net-zero energy goal.
HQ1 Solar Canopy
System Size: 11.8 kW
Crystalline Silicon System
Annual Output (AC)
13,171 kWh
Modules
48
Inverter
2 (12 kW)
Melink’s solar canopy is similar to the company’s project at the Cincinnati Zoo. Not only does the canopy provide 12kW of power toward the campus’ energy usage, it also provides shelter for the cars parked underneath.
HQ2 Solar Canopy
System Size: 85 kW
Bifacial PV System
Modules
216
Melink’s HQ2 building features a curved solar parking lot canopy. The canopy produces electricity to support the entire HQ2 building, including approximately 40 electric vehicle charging stations.
Ingrid Pre-Engineered PV System
System Size: Six Total (2.1 kW)
Monocrystalline Silicon System
Annual Output (AC)
14,321 kWh
Modules
72 (180 kW)
Inverter
6 (2 kW)
Ingrid features a sleek, modular design that is mass-produced for low cost, convenience, and flexibility. The ground-mounted system can be installed in less than a week and offsets 10-50% of electrical usage for an average home or small business. It requires little maintenance and is easily expandable.