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Solar panels contain solar cells. The solar cells convert sunlight into direct current (DC) via the photovoltaic (PV) effect. An inverter converts the direct current to alternating current (AC). An electrical panel distributes the electric load to the facility. Electricity not consumed by the facility is sent to the grid.
Solar systems generally will produce electricity for 40+ years.
Solar panels can produce energy as long as there is enough sunlight to “activate” them. On a cloudy day, solar panels can produce around 10-25% of their rated capacity.
The facility will always be connected to the grid. This means when the solar system is not producing electricity or if the facility consumes more electricity than the solar system produces, the utility will supply electricity.
As with any electrical system, a PV system that is properly designed, installed and maintained should not introduce any significant risk to the facility.
Solar is an investment. The return on investment is dependent not only on the solar installation costs, but also solar insolation, electricity rates and financial incentives. Each solar installation is unique. Solar installation costs are dependent on size of system, choice of materials and structural and electrical upgrades. Solar insolation is the amount of sunlight that the facility receives and varies by location. For example, solar insolation can vary 15+% from the Southwest to the Midwest states. Electricity rates vary throughout the country and are dependent on many factors, such as the price of power generation, government taxes or subsidies, local weather patterns, transmission and distribution infrastructure, and multi-tiered industry regulation. In 2020 the average retail rates for commercial and industrial sectors were $0.1065 and $0.066 per kilowatt hour respectively. Financial incentives vary from state to state and utility to utility. There is a Federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for commercial properties under Section 48.Helios Solar Power generates a report that encompasses the solar installation costs, solar insolation, electricity rates and financial incentives in order to make an informed decision.
Helios Solar Power will identify and include the solar incentives in the financial analysis provided to the Customer.Federal, state, local and utility incentives have the potential to offset 40 to 60% of the solar system costs. The incentives are dependent on the solar system location.The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is available to businesses investing in solar. In 2021, the ITC grants businesses a 26% dollar-for-dollar tax credit on the solar system investment, with a scheduled reduction in subsequent years. In addition, a Federal 100% bonus depreciation allows for 100% expensing of the solar system.State, local and utility incentives are dependent on the solar system location.
Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity that is added to the grid. If the solar system produces electricity in excess of the facility's consumption, the excess electricity is distributed to the grid. The electricity meter will run backwards and the facility will be billed the "net" the energy use. Net metering rules and regulations vary state-to-state and utility-to-utility. Helios Solar Power will include the solar system's net metering value in the financial analysis.
System monitoring is a great way to monitor the solar production along with your return on investment. It's also a great way to let your employees know that you care about the environment. Also, it's a fact that employees want to work for environmentally conscientious and green organizations.
Standard business insurance policies typically cover the solar system with no significant additional premiums costs. Helios Solar Power suggests talking to the insurance provider.
Yes, a roof consultant will perform a comprehensive roof inspection ensuring the roof asset can maximize the financial investment in the solar system 30+ year life cycle.
No, and this is a big deal. Helios Solar Power makes sure the solar installation will not void the roof warranty. Helios works with all roofing manufacturers in order to obtain the applicable, written pre approval for rooftop solar. In certain cases, a roofing manufacturer will integrate the roof warranty with the solar warranty.
A structural engineer will verify that the structural deck can support the added weight prior to the solar system installation and will stamp the drawings which provides peace of mind to the building owner, insurance company, utility company, roofing contractor and the solar installer.
The weight of a solar system is only 4-6 lbs. per square foot.
The solar system is a significant investment and will operate for 30+ years. Installing a solar system early in the roof’s life cycle will maximize the return on investment. Helios Solar Power will complete a comprehensive roof analysis to approximate the roofs life expectancy and provide guidance on whether the roof should be rehabilitated or replaced.The next best time to install a rooftop solar array is when the roof is out of warranty and or in fair to poor condition and it needs to be addressed. Roof rehabilitation and rooftop solar go “hand in hand”.
Yes, this is a huge deal as roof rehabilitation will save the building owner a substantial amount of money, generally 40-50%. This is the case as the solar system can be disconnected, moved and reinstalled after the roof has been rehabilitated-without moving the solar array to the ground. The cost is dependent on system size and system location.
The advantages of rooftop solar are; 1. Utilization of space that otherwise may not be used2. Installation costs are typically lower3. Does not utilize land that could be used for other activities4. Is more secure with limited access5. Solar modules protect the roof from exposure to certain elements extending the roof life cycle.
The terms roof rehabilitation and roof restoration are the same and are used interchangeably. This is the process of rehabilitating a fair to a poor condition roof without having to replace the roof. Thermography and or an infrared scan is used to identify wet insulation, which will be removed and replaced. After that, a two-part, white, energy star, liquid membrane roof system will be applied, curing to 96 mil thickness. The warranty is equivalent to a roof replacement, generally 20-30 years depending on the material type. Roof replacement occurs when a failing roof is removed and replaced with a new roof. A roof is considered to be in poor condition when the roof is at the end of its life cycle, the roof is leaking, the insulation package is saturated, or when the structural deck is failing. Roof replacement is the last resort as it is considerably more expensive compared to rehabilitation or restoration. Additionally, the old roof cannot be recycled and will be sent to the landfill. A roof replacement will have full warranty, generally 20-30 years.EPDM roofs with ballast generally need to be torn off and replaced as this type of roof cannot be rehabilitated.
As part of Helios Solar Power’s comprehensive roof analysis, infrared thermography cameras will identify water intrusion and wet insulation, without damaging or puncturing the roof, saving time and pinpointing areas for repair. Generally a roof can be rehabilitated if it has less than 20% wet insulation. Otherwise the roof will need to be replaced.
Helios Solar Power offers an integrated roof and solar warranty and O&M package.
Most roofs can be rehabilitated, including:- Built Up Roofs (BUR)- EPDM with ballast - EPDM-fully adhered or mechanically attached- KEE - Metal Standing Seam- Modified Bitumen (MB)- Tri Polymer Alloy (TPA)- Tri Polymer Olefin (TPO)
No. EPDM with ballast roofs cannot be rehabilitated or restored due to the large ballast (rocks) and the fact they are literally holding the roof “down”. Unfortunately, the only viable option for ballasted EPDM roofs is roof replacement.
The Department of Energy mandates that all federal and state buildings that require a new roof install a white, reflective, energy star roof as opposed to a black surfaced roof. The white, energy star roof reflects the sunlight and reduces energy costs, while a black roof absorbs the sunlight and may increase energy costs. In addition, white roof increases the energy production of bi-facial solar systems, which capture reflected sunlight on the back side of the solar panel.
There are several excellent products on the market, including a product called AlphaGuard from one of the larger US roofing manufacturers. We recommend a minimum 96 mils of thickness and a warranty that (1) is 30 years, which matches the 30 year solar warranty, (2) covers wind speeds up to 74 mph and (3) includes the entire roof assembly all the way down to the structural deck. This creates Roofing and Solar Peace of Mind and avoids “finger pointing” and or blame in case the roof leaks.
