SPS Energy Solutions, a North American solar energy leader in system design and integration, announced they have commissioned a 7 kW BIPV (building integrated photovoltaic) grid tie system at the UBC campus.

This BIPV system, sold to Protec, was installed on the new engineering building at UBC. SPS Energy provided the system components which include a Xantrex PV10208 inverter and 10 kW transformer. The PV10208 three-phase inverter, from Xantrex Technologies Inc., interfaces the solar array with the utility grid. This inverter provides overall system control with a variety of protective and safety features.

The 7 kW custom solar array was integrated right into the skylight of the building. The solar modules blend easily into the facade of the building, indicative of the industry trend which sees solar cells being incorporated into buildings as architectural features, both at the time of building design and as retrofits to reduce a building’s environmental impact.

“Grid tied BIPV is the future of renewable energy. BIPV solar arrays typically serve two functions by providing both cost-saving energy and an integral building component, ” said David Egles, President of SPS Energy Solutions.

“Solar systems on buildings in Canada will be commonplace within 10 years” predicts Egles. “Solar energy is abundant, and leading edge technology will demonstrate that any building or business can generate part of its own power needs.”


SPS Energy Solutions has over 15 years of technical and engineering experience, and one of the widest selections of renewable energy products. SPS Energy’s strengths are designing and building engineered systems to power remote sites for industrial applications, as well as kits for RV and remote homes. With offices across North America, SPS Energy Solutions has created its success on a combination of a dedicated dealer network, developing in-house engineering and manufacturing capabilities, and becoming the master distributor for world-class companies. SPS Energy Solutions has installed power systems across Canada to run lighthouses, parks facilities and to power cottages or homes. See www.spsenergy.com.