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 more than 37 kilowatts. 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.

Types of Solar Panels

Monocyrstalline
Generally considered the workhorses of the solar power market, these are made from cells created by cutting thin slices from single crystal silicon block and are higher in efficiency, but also higher in cost per watt. These are easily identifiable, made up of uniformly stacked rounded cells.  Because they’re made from just one crystal, not multiple crystals fused together, the process of making them is one of the most complex and costly ones around.

 

 

Polycrystalline
These are made from cells created by cutting thin slices from polycrystal silicon block and are slightly lower in efficiency, but also lower in cost per watt. Polycyrstal silicon is the “chicken nugget” of silicon, made by combining many individual crystals. They are easy to spot because they have an uneven color, usually blue.

 

Thin Film
These are made by depositing a thin layer of very finely powdered silicon (amorphous silicon) or other photovoltaic material, on a substrate. While lower in efficiency that crystalline cells, they are considerably cheaper per watt. The downside is that they take up more space per watt. They are perfect for roof mounted systems as they are incredibly strong, have superb wind uplift and produce power even in undesirable conditions.

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.

The Benefits Of Solar Roofing

 Before blindly jumping into a decision to install a photovoltaic (PV) roofing system, it helps to understand which of the technology’s potential benefits applies to you, as well as the practical implications of installing and maintaining such a building component. Let’s focus on 4 benefits.

Financial savings. The cost savings created by reduced electricity is actually a cost-effective payback that offsets the up front cost of purchasing and installing a PV roofing system, when you factor in the federal, state and utilities financial incentives, such as tax credits and subsidy programs. Even with this ROI, the up front cost of a PV system is substantial.

This situation has led to the development of solar power purchase agreements (SPPA), a financial arrangement between a third-party developer that installs, owns, operates, and maintains the PV system for the organization. The organization agrees to host the PV system on the roof or property and to buy the electricity from the provider for a predetermined period. This set-up allows you to receive electricity at a predictable cost, with the potential to have a positive cash flow via reduced electrical costs from the day the system goes into service. The solar provider receives the tax credits and the income the sale of the electricity generated. It’s a win-win situation.

Hedge against rate hikes. PV systems are not vulnerable to electrical rate increases, which have averaged about 6 percent in recent years. The PV panels produce electricity at a fixed rate over the life of the system.

Peak energy savings. PV systems can reduce the cost of peak power. A PV system produces the most power in the summer at mid-day, when the sun is highest. So it supplements the need for expensive power at peak operating times.

Public relations. PV technology can have a legitimate positive influence on the general public, which might think more highly of the organization for taking action to protect and improve the environment.

With billions of square feet of unused roof space around, PV systems are likely in your future. RAMCON is one of the very few contractors who has installed tens of thousands of kilowatts of solar panels on roofing systems. Contact Kyle Burdine at kburdine@ramconllc.com for more inquiries.