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Installing solar PV on commercial buildings can significantly reduce electricity costs but it requires careful coordination with roof repairs and replacements. Today on the Clean Power Hour, experts from the solar and roofing industries advise facility owners and contractors on best practices for integrated solar roof projects. The speakers include Daniel Sammon from Douglass Colony, a major roofing and solar contractor in Denver Colorado, and Peter Bonavita from Sika Sarnafil, a leading roofing products manufacturer.

Daniel provides an overview of commercial rooftop solar - what it is, why it's becoming more popular, factors to consider like roof condition and ability to handle added weight, mounting system options, incentives, project timelines, and costs. He stresses the importance of coordinating roof replacements or repairs with solar installations to maximize solar panel lifespan. Daniel also covers special solar incentives for nonprofits and rural businesses.

Peter introduces Sika Sarnafil's innovative SSM solar racking system that integrates directly with their PVC roofing membrane. He explains unique benefits like not requiring roof penetrations, weighing only 3.5 lbs per square foot, and being included in the roof warranty. The system is FM Global-approved and easy to install. Peter also discusses retrofitting solar onto older roofs and the challenges of solarizing roofs over 10 years old.

This episode provides excellent advice for facility owners and contractors interested in rooftop solar. It covers technical considerations, financial incentives, project planning, and more. With strong federal tax credits and rising energy prices, now is an ideal time to go solar.

Key Takeaways

1. What roof conditions allow for solar installation? 
2. What solar mounting options work best?
3. How can you maximize financial incentives for solar?
4. What does the solar project development process look like?
5. What innovative mounting solutions are available?

Daniel Sammon
Douglass Colony
Peter Bonavita
Sika S

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The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: [email protected]

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The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com