Spotlight Project - Great Bay Distributors

Spotlight Project

Organization:  Great Bay Distributors
System: Single Ply TPO
Square feet: 263,620

 

RAMCON Roofing installed six TPO roofing systems on metal decking at Great Bay Distributors new headquarters. The property sits on 96 acres of land located in St. Petersburg near interstate 275. The cold storage facility’s roofing system accommodates a 1.5-megawatt solar array making Great Bay Distributors the largest private solar power installation in Florida. In addition, the roofing system received a 20-year no dollar limit warranty. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the system is projected to offset 90 percent of the building's energy cost after approximately six years.

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.

Roofing Trends: Protective Planning

For decades, “keep it off the roof” has been the mantra of knowledgeable building owners and managers. The first and perhaps most effective method for extending the life of a roof system has been to keep it free of mechanical equipment and superfluous items while also limiting unnecessary foot traffic. However, the growing popularity of alternative energy sources has given the roof a new role to play. Increasingly, roof systems are also being looked at as a platform for energy production through the installation of solar energy systems. We know, as a leading solar installer, that the roof surface has become too valuable a space to be left under used.

As a consequence, roofs are being called upon to be the base support for other functions independent of its traditional purpose. These other functions need to be designed and integrated into the roof system. In order to meet these dueling demands in the most effective manner, it is necessary to understand how best to marry the two together to ensure a sustained level of high performance.

Coexisting With Solar Energy Systems
While much attention in recent years has been paid to vegetative roofs, we’re seeing, and anticipate, a larger shift towards a significant growth in installation of solar energy systems.
Once the roof has been chosen to support energy producing components, you should immediately start a matrix of those functions, their design, construction, and maintenance requirements. We can help and coordinate all factors under one program. For instance, solar systems must provide proper clearance above the roof membrane to enable maintenance or repairs below, and it should be spaced to allow for access between units.

Protecting The Roof
A roof that will serve as a platform needs to be designed for heavy foot traffic and for access to both the roof and the equipment it supports. The key is to understand installation sequencing. With platform roofs, the need is to prevent damage throughout the installation of equipment—solar arrays for example. The roof surface is impacted not only by foot traffic but also material packaging, tools, materials, as well as workman setup and construction. We’re one of very few contractors experienced in these procedures.

It’s important to understand the need for proactive and continuous maintenance, given the fact that the roof is performing multiple functions. This maintenance, as well as the first several years of climatic cycling, can affect the roof systems. Proactive and specified roof maintenance for the first year is always factored into our solar projects. This allows us to attend to minor items before they manifest into larger concerns—ones not covered under warranty.

Once completed, the system needs to be managed and documented. We offer leading preventative maintenance programs for all systems under our MyRAMCON Star Program.

Overview
Roof systems today are being asked to perform many more functions than their predecessors, and these should be designed in a way that reflects emerging needs. Taking a holistic approach to roof system design, construction, and management results in watertight performance while supporting other activities, such as solar production. For many facilities, the roof is, or will become, a valuable contributor to its aesthetic and energy performance. Making sure RAMCON is by your side will ensure your project is a success.

Roofing Trends: Protective Planning

For decades, “keep it off the roof” has been the mantra of knowledgeable building owners and managers. The first and perhaps most effective method for extending the life of a roof system has been to keep it free of mechanical equipment and superfluous items while also limiting unnecessary foot traffic. However, the growing popularity of alternative energy sources has given the roof a new role to play. Increasingly, roof systems are also being looked at as a platform for energy production through the installation of solar energy systems. We know, as a leading solar installer, that the roof surface has become too valuable a space to be left under used.


As a consequence, roofs are being called upon to be the base support for other functions independent of its traditional purpose. These other functions need to be designed and integrated into the roof system. In order to meet these dueling demands in the most effective manner, it is necessary to understand how best to marry the two together to ensure a sustained level of high performance.

Coexisting With Solar Energy Systems
While much attention in recent years has been paid to vegetative roofs, we’re seeing, and anticipate, a larger shift towards a significant growth in installation of solar energy systems.

Once the roof has been chosen to support energy producing components, you should immediately start a matrix of those functions, their design, construction, and maintenance requirements. We can help and coordinate all factors under one program. For instance, solar systems must provide proper clearance above the roof membrane to enable maintenance or repairs below, and it should be spaced to allow for access between units.

Protecting The Roof
A roof that will serve as a platform needs to be designed for heavy foot traffic and for access to both the roof and the equipment it supports. The key is to understand installation sequencing. With platform roofs, the need is to prevent damage throughout the installation of equipment—solar arrays for example. The roof surface is impacted not only by foot traffic but also material packaging, tools, materials, as well as workman setup and construction. We’re one of very few contractors experienced in these procedures.

It’s important to understand the need for proactive and continuous maintenance, given the fact that the roof is performing multiple functions. This maintenance, as well as the first several years of climatic cycling, can affect the roof systems. Proactive and specified roof maintenance for the first year is always factored into our solar projects. This allows us to attend to minor items before they manifest into larger concerns—ones not covered under warranty.

Once completed, the system needs to be managed and documented. We offer leading preventative maintenance programs for all systems under our MyRAMCON Star Program.

Overview
Roof systems today are being asked to perform many more functions than their predecessors, and these should be designed in a way that reflects emerging needs. Taking a holistic approach to roof system design, construction, and management results in watertight performance while supporting other activities, such as solar production. For many facilities, the roof is, or will become, a valuable contributor to its aesthetic and energy performance. Making sure RAMCON is by your side will ensure your project is a success.