DCR Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex Solar
McDonald Electrical service division completed a full rooftop solar installation for the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) at the Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex in Roxbury, MA. Working under general contractor Titan Roofing with design contributions from BH+A and Allied Consulting Engineering, our team delivered a 175-kW solar array designed to advance the facility’s clean‑energy performance and long‑term sustainability objectives.
Using the manpower of a four-person electrical crew, we installed 935 adhesive‑mounted solar panels across the building’s curved rooftop surface, routing all associated raceway and wiring back to the inverters located in the main electrical room.
Project Scope
- Solar Array Installation: Installation of a 175-kW rooftop photovoltaic system consisting of 935 adhesive solar panels engineered for lightweight, low‑profile application.
- Raceway & Electrical Integration: Complete installation of raceway systems, wiring, and terminations from the rooftop array to inverters in the facility’s main electric room, following all commercial solar standards and safety requirements.
- Coordination With Project Partners: Close collaboration with Titan Roofing, BH+A, and Allied Consulting Engineering to ensure proper system design, structural compatibility, and electrical performance.
Special Challenges
This installation required working on a curved roof surface, which introduced unique safety and mobility constraints for the team. Electricians were secured with full fall‑protection systems, including harnesses and rope lines, throughout the entire process. These conditions made panel placement, alignment, and movement across the roof more difficult, requiring thoughtful planning and strict adherence to elevated safety protocols.
