Looking at Solar PV Roofing

Generating part or all of a facility’s electricity with photovoltaic (PV) systems is growing in popularity all over Florida. Whether the systems are used to lower peak demand costs, power an individual facility or enhance the green aspects of a project, even the smallest systems can help lower electric bills and clean up the environment.

Of course, up-front cost remains an issue. Many states, such as Florida, offer a range of incentive programs, many of which could take a PV system from the red to the black in just a few years. And as utility rates increase, payback periods shrink.

A Nod To The Newest PV System
For those of you whose idea of a PV system dates back to the ‘70s — glossy blue tinted panels fastened to metal racks bolted to a roof — take note: New products are available that integrate PVs into the building, making them not only less obvious but also less risky.

There are many concerns about what type of PV system is best. Obviously, cost is a major issue, despite generous state and utility rebates. The system also needs to fit the design and maintenance needs of the facility. Many owners are not interested in poking holes in a perfectly good roof. This is the reason many organizations are now looking at thin-film flexible membranes.

Thin-film photovoltaics do not have a rigid frame or solar cells. Instead, the material that generates electricity is layered onto a rubber-like substance. It’s as flexible as a roll of roofing material and we install it onto the roof much the same. It attaches directly to the roof surface with adhesives so there are no roof penetrations. In fact, the system really can’t be seen unless you are actually on the roof. Even better, they are more efficient under diffuse light than typical, rigid polycrystalline modules, something worth considering. These flex panels are tough stuff. To test their durability, the team at RAMCON has walked on them, stomped on them and even whacked them with a hammer. They continued to produce electricity as specified.

RAMCON is among the very few contractors in the industry with experience in photovoltaic systems, having installed tens of thousands of watts. For more information or to determine the costs and estimated pay back periods for a system on your facility, give us a call at (877) 726-2661.

Asset Management Programs Make Roofs Last

No one ever wants to think about replacing a roof before the end of its expected life. But that may be exactly what happens when you don’t think enough about the roof.

Instead of managing the roof as an asset, too often people ignore the roof until a leak develops. This sort of neglect is far from benign: It can shorten the life of the roof, disrupt business operations and increase costs. The cornerstone of effective roof asset management is getting timely information about the roof, then acting on it to prevent small problems from becoming big ones. And the key to achieving those goals is a commitment to regular maintenance.

Best Bang For Your Buck
Regular maintenance is a key ingredient in the long-term performance of any roof. In many cases, the difference between a roof that meets or exceeds its rated service life and one that fails prematurely is simply maintenance. But the benefits of good roof maintenance don’t end there. A comprehensive roof maintenance program will minimize the need for emergency repairs, reduce damage to the building structure and finishes, and help maintain a safe and healthy working environment for building occupants. It’s been estimated that for every $1 spent on a comprehensive roof maintenance program, $3 - $5 is saved through reduced emergency repairs, interior damage, energy conservation and extended roof life.

Unfortunately, few organizations take a proactive approach to roof maintenance. Instead, leaks and roof failures determine maintenance performed on a roof. As a result, the focus of roof maintenance is replacement, not repair.

We all agree that good maintenance is the key to long service lives for roofs. This makes inspections vital, as regularly conducted roof inspections are critical to determining what maintenance needs to be performed.

So this year, make an effort to pro-actively manage your roofing system. If you call RAMCON, we’ll inspect the roof free and help develop a proactive management program that will show a proven ROI. You’ll know what you have, what it will take to maintain it and estimated lifetime savings.

Calculate Your Savings!!!

The ‘GreenSave’ Roof Calculator
This innovative little calculator lets you compare roofing alternatives over a specific time period to determine which system has the lowest life-cycle cost. It is excellent for determining whether higher initial costs are justified by reducing such future costs as operating, maintenance, repair or replacement costs or producing additional benefits, such as energy savings. It’s simple to use by going to http://bit.ly/eHXxoG

Department of Energy ‘Cool Roof’ Calculator
This calculator is designed for facilities to estimate energy and peak demand savings for low-sloped (flat) roofing systems. Remember, what you get out of this calculator is only as good as what you put in. Check it out here http://bit.ly/hQA1jZ

A Look At Modified Bitumen Installation Methods

Modified Bitumen (MB) roofing is an asphalt-based, close cousin of the Built-up-Roof (BUR) designed for buildings with low-slope or “flat” roof structures. It features increased resistance to brittleness at cold temperatures, greater flow resistance at high temperatures, and increased elasticity can be achieved by blending synthetic rubberized polymers with asphalt. But did you know this interesting fact? It has a variety of installation methods. Take a look at four of the most common.

Hot-Asphalt Method
Modified bitumen systems can be installed in conventional hot asphalt, allowing the use of common ‘BUR’ equipment and application techniques. The most popular application method, RAMCON crews are utilizing this installation method every day.

Torch Applied Method
This application method is probably the second most common.
When this application is to be used, a manufacturer typically increases the thickness of modified bitumen on the backside of the roll and adds a thin plastic burn-off film. The additional bitumen and burn-off film melt under the application of a propane-fired torch, and they adhere the membrane to the roof insulation or substrate. Torch application does not require the use of hot asphalt, eliminating the need for an asphalt kettle. In areas where asphalt fumes become an issue or where asphalt cannot be transported to a roof, torch installation is a valuable option.

Cold-Adhesive Method
This third application option is gaining in popularity. In locations where hot asphalt cannot be used due to fumes or accessibility restrictions and where torch application might not be allowed or prudent, cold-adhesive application might be more appropriate. In such applications, the modified bitumen membrane is installed in the manufacturer’s cold adhesive.

Self-Adhesive Method
‘Peel and stick’ modified bitumen products have been available for more than 20 years. Most self-adhered membranes have been used on steep-slope roofing and as an underlayment for eaves and valleys. Manufacturers have now developed a membrane that has a very sticky surface on the back of the roll. A release paper is mated to this sticky side during manufacturing. When installing a self-adhering membrane, RAMCON technicians unroll the membrane, position it, peel off the backing, and then press it into place. The appeal of self-adhering roof membranes is related to concerns about asphalt fumes, torch safety and solvents in cold adhesives. Self-adhering membranes eliminate the need to lift asphalt, propane or adhesives to the roof, making it perhaps more suitable for hard-to-reach locations.

Progress Energy Expands Solar Incentives

The Florida Public Service Commission has OK'd Progress Energy Florida's plans to offer more financial incentives for customers who want to add a solar photovoltaic system, starting March 15 2011. This new incentive provides up to $2 a watt for installed solar systems. Combine this with the 30% Federal Tax Credit and State rebates and solar becomes quite affordable to install and certainly profitable.

It might be worth a good look at turning your roof into your own power generation system, locking in your utility rates and start saving. Contact RAMCON at (877) 726-2661 for more information.