Solar

Roof 911 is certified in solar installation and specializes in hail damage to solar panels and solar insurance claim assessments.

INCENTIVE TO GO GREEN!

The recent stimulus bill created and extended tax incentives for green initiatives. In some states combined incentives from state and Federal programs can defray 80% of the cost of the initial cost of installing rooftop panels.

Federal Incentives
These include a 30 percent investment tax credit for renewable energy systems, including micro wind turbines and solar fuel cells. There’s a tax deduction of $1.80 per square foot for buildings that meet a 50% target savings in HVAC, hot water, and interior lighting systems.

State and local incentives
These vary widely by state and include tax credits, rebates, grants, and loans.

Utility Incentives
These are rebates for installing renewable-energy and energy-efficient systems; low interest loans and grants to finance energy efficiency and renewable projects; and production incentives that purchase renewable energy, particularly electricity from rooftop solar panels.

Why should I install a solar roofing system?

  • Solar roofing panels convert light into electricity, without generating any waste or harmful greenhouse gases, saving approx. 450kg of CO2 emissions per year for each kW peak installed.
  • Harnessing the sun’s energy and converting it into electricity, will not only reduce or even eliminate your electricity bills, it will reduce your daily impact on the environment. No matter what system size you choose, from day one you’ll be able to benefit from producing clean electricity directly on your own property.
  • With rapidly depleting oil stores, a solar roofing system will mean that in the future you can protect yourself from rising energy prices while protecting the environment from carbon emissions. By installing a solar roofing system you will become a clean energy provider and profit from the experience!
  • Any extra electricity you generate with your solar roofing system can be sold back to the national grid – so you can make extra money! Agreements are in place with major energy suppliers – providing you with even more security for your investment in renewable energy.

ROOFTOP SOLAR INSTALLATION TIPS

The popularity of rooftop photovoltaic (PV), also known as solar panels has exploded during the past decade as companies look to maximize building energy efficiency and achieve green building certification for their projects.

However, installing rooftop PV systems—rack-mounted, roof-bearing, or fully integrated systems—requires careful consideration to avoid damaging the roof system. Improper handling, storage, and installation of the PV panels can cause damage to the roof. In addition, rooftop PV systems should be designed with future maintenance, roof repairs, and fire-suppression efforts in mind.

Below are tips on some of the most critical design, construction, and installation considerations for photovoltaic panels:

  1. Consider replacing the existing roof covering as part of a PV project. Due to potentially high costs associated with temporarily disconnecting and moving PV panels to execute roof repairs, Building Teams should assess the remaining life of the existing roof covering before starting the project.
  2. Verify the fire rating of your rooftop photovoltaic system. Most rooftop PV systems qualify for a Class C fire rating, while most of the roof coverings over which these systems are installed are fire rated Class A or B. The fire rating, is critical, especially for roof-bearing and rack-mounted systems.
  3. In retrofit projects, if the PV modules direct foot traffic to within six feet of unprotected roof edges or roof openings, fall protection provisions, such as guardrails and roof hatches, are a must.
  4. Make sure to protect the roof system while handling PV panels. Damage to roof systems, especially single-ply membranes, often occurs during the handling of the PV panels.
  5. Wiring systems, conduit, and raceways for photovoltaic circuits should be located as close as possible to the ridge or hip or valley and from the hip or valley as directly as possible to an outside wall to reduce trip hazards and maximize ventilation opportunities. DC wiring should be run in metallic conduit or raceways when located within enclosed spaces in a building and should be run (to the maximum extent possible) along the bottom of load-bearing members.
  6. Flashing detail is critical for maintaining the warranty. Flashing detail work must be performed by a contractor approved by the roof membrane manufacturer. Building owners must get permission in advance from the roofing manufacturer or the warranty may be voided.
  7. Marking PV systems is needed to provide emergency responders with appropriate warning and guidance with respect to working around and isolating the solar electric system. Proper marking helps responders identify energized electrical lines that connect the solar modules to the inverter.
  8. Configure PV arrays to allow access for future maintenance, roof repairs, and fire-suppression efforts. Typically a minimum of six feet of clearance along the perimeter of the roof and at least four feet around roof access hatches and skylights is adequate. Pathways should also be provided along the centerline of both axes of the roof.