The industry's optimal solar solutions combine metal roofing with crystalline or thin-film solar technologies. The end-result is a functional and environmentally friendly roof system that generates renewable, clean, green energy.
Photovoltaics (PV) are products that convert sunlight into electricity. They are commonly referred to as solar cells. PVs are made of semiconductor
materials such as silicon. Cells of PV material are put together to form a module, and modules can be grouped together on roofs to form arrays which generate power to the building.
Metal roofing is really the logical choice for solar integration. Metal roofs offer a decades-long service life, so there is little risk the solar panels will out-live the service life of the metal roofing. Additionally, both thin-film and crystalline solar modules can be attached directly to metal roofing without penetrating the roof. Roof penetrations can be a source for future leaks, so avoiding them is a sound building practice.
Thin-film solar panels can be applied directly to select McElroy Metal standing seam products, such as Medallion-Lok, Maxima and 238T. Because the solar panels are attached directly to the roofing material, this technology is referred to as Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV). Some of the advantages of thin-film Solar panels include lightweight, ease of installation and aesthetics. Thin-film solar panels can be jobsite or warehouse applied by solar integrators or roofing contractors that perform solar work.
Crystalline panels are manufactured with highly efficient crystalline silicon. Panels are attached to McElroy Metal standing seam products utilizing S-5! Clamps. The main advantage of crystalline solar panels is greater efficiency and power generation.
A 500 kW solar system consisting of 1,960 crystalline panels was installed in 2013 on the manufacturing facility and parking lot canopy. The original facility was built in 1979. Prior to installing the solar panels, the original R-Panel roof was recovered with McElroy's 238T Symmetrical Standing Seam System.
A 206 kW system consisting of 646 crystalline solar panels was added to McElroy's Adelanto, CA facility in 2017. Although the facility was built in 1990, the original metal roof was still structurally sound, so a recover roof was not required.
A 390 kW solar system was added to McElroy's Clinton, IL facility in 2019. The Clinton facility was originally built in 1976. The original R-Panel roof was recovered with McElroy's 238T Symmetrical Standing Seam System in 2013.
%20(002).png)
