Sint Maarten · 2011
Westin Hotel, Sint Maarten
A 610.7 kW rooftop PV system on the Westin Hotel, Sint Maarten. Nearly 90% of the array survived Hurricane Irma's 190 mph Category 5 winds in 2017, well outside Sollega's tested range — the roof was replaced and the system rebuilt on FR510-6dg.
System size
610.7 kW-DC
Completed
2011
- Location
- Sint Maarten
- Modules
- Suntech 72-cell
- Mounting system
- FastRack FR5 (later rebuilt on FR510-6dg) at 5° tilt
- Mount type
- Hybrid
Why this project worked
- Nearly 90% of the array survived 190 mph Category 5 winds
- Projected to generate approximately 980,000 kWh per year
- Rebuilt on updated FR510-6dg after roof replacement
- Hybrid heat-welded mechanical anchors + ballast on single-ply TPO roof
Overview
The Westin Hotel in Sint Maarten, renowned for its scenic beauty, sought a sustainable energy solution that would minimize environmental impact without disrupting guest comfort. Sollega's precursor to the FastRack 510-6dg — the FR5 — was selected to mount a 610.7 kW photovoltaic system. Thanks to Sint Maarten's sunny climate, the array is projected to generate approximately 980,000 kWh of clean energy annually. The FR5 system's ease of installation let the build go up quickly with minimal disruption to guests.
Given the coastal location, Sollega's corrosion-resistant materials were essential in protecting the system from saltwater exposure and extreme conditions. Although the site was significantly outside of the system's tested range, the installation survived Hurricane Irma's Category 5 190 mph winds with nearly 90% of the 610 kW array remaining secure and functional — despite the roof itself being irreparably damaged. When the roof was later replaced, the team opted to rebuild the system using all-new FR510-6dg racking.
The FR510-6dg is engineered and tested to withstand sustained winds up to 165 mph. The material has been updated to BASF Ultramid, a polymer that will not rust or corrode in high-salt-spray environments, making it ideal for coastal applications. The system's hybrid design combines heat-welded mechanical anchors with ballast blocks, providing stability on fully-adhered single-ply membrane roofs. This build is a testament to the resilience and reliability of Sollega's patented system even in challenging marine environments.
