Willemstad, Curaçao · 2020
Sambil Mall, Curaçao
A 1 MW-DC rooftop array on Sambil Curaçao, the largest commercial solar installation in the region. 3,425 fully-ballasted FastRack 510-6dgs support Canadian Solar modules 0.37 miles from the coast.
System size
1 MW-DC
Completed
2020
- Location
- Willemstad, Curaçao
- Modules
- Canadian Solar
- Mounting system
- FastRack 510-6dg at 10° tilt
- Mount type
- Rooftop
- Structural method
- Fully ballasted — no roof penetrations
Why this project worked
- Largest commercial solar array in Curaçao
- Fully ballasted design protects the mall's sensitive roof membrane
- Glass-reinforced nylon racking won't rust or corrode 0.37 miles from the coast
- Supports the mall's 'Sambil Goes Green' clean-energy initiative
Overview
Sambil Curaçao is one of the largest commercial developments in the Dutch Caribbean. Opened in 2015, the mall houses more than 100 shops, restaurants, a cinema, a supermarket, and entertainment venues, drawing locals and cruise-ship visitors alike. With Curaçao seeing 5.5 to 6.5 peak sun hours a day, the mall's large roof is a productive year-round asset — and through its 'Sambil Goes Green' initiative, Sambil set out to power its operations with clean energy and cut its carbon footprint.
At under half a mile from the coast, salinity was the primary challenge. Sollega has been the go-to for coastal projects for nearly two decades: the glass-reinforced nylon polymer of the FastRack 510-6dg will not rust or corrode, whatever the weather or salt exposure.
The large, sensitive roof also demanded a system with no membrane penetrations. Sollega's engineering team designed the array to be fully ballasted, protecting the integrity of the rooftop without compromising the size or efficiency of the system. Sollega provided 3,425 FR510s to complete the project — the largest commercial solar array in the region.
