The first PAC Solar Series project has been installed at the University of Iowa in June, 2010 by T & K Roofing, Ely, Iowa. Consisting of the Petersen Aluminum 24 GA Snap Clad Panel in 24 GA Black Galvalume, PAC installed 280 of the thin film photovoltaic laminates onto 94 Snap-Clad Panels at the factory to provide a total of 38 kW system for the Cambus Maintenance facility at the university in Iowa City, IA. Thin-film BIPV provides a unique synergy with PAC Standing Seam Roofing, combining superior panel performance with increased sustainability and energy generation. The project was funded under Iowa’s Public Transit Infrastructure Program and grants by the Federal Transit Administration. Project architect was Neumann Monson Architects, Iowa City, IA.

As renewable energy technology continues to develop and net-zero energy buildings become more feasible, it’s no longer impossible to envision a future where buildings of all kinds can power themselves and stand on their own. For example, we’re seeing more examples of buildings incorporating rooftop solar photovoltaic arrays to offset their own power use. It’s exciting technology and, as efficiency increases and costs come down, it certainly will become more commonplace. I like to even hope that integrated power generation eventually will become just part of what’s expected of a building.

PV technology still is in its relative infancy and has a long way to go before it truly becomes cost effective enough for wide-spread use. For projects installing such technology today, two factors are of great importance: government incentives and the longevity of the system. Government incentives and tax credits can help with the up-front expense, and longevity allows the system’s costs to be spread out over a period of many years. The longer the operational life, the greater the return on investment.

Because most current solar PV arrays have an operational life expectancy of more than 20 years, it’s important to think about the longevity of the roof system the PV panels or laminate sheets are installed on. When you factor this into the equation, standing seam metal roofs become not only an ideal solution–in many cases they may be the only truly viable solution.

It reminds me a bit of the early days of those TV/VCR combo units. I remember reading several reports that warned consumers about the technology because oftentimes the VCR part of the appliance would break down years before the TV part would, so you’d be left with a half-functioning device. In much the same way, it doesn’t make much sense to install a long-lasting solar power-generation system on a roof that’s going to need to be replaced halfway through the life of the array.

A cornerstone of the sustainability movement is a shift to a more long-term view of things. How will decisions we make today play out five, 10 and 20 years from now? With its durability and low maintenance requirements, metal roofing fits very well into this kind of philosophy. As we come to expect more from our buildings and make them more long-lasting and independent, metal has a big role to play.

By Jim Schneider, LEED AP, editor, metalmag

jschneider@hanleywood.com

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Petersen Aluminum has introduced the PAC Solar Series, which integrates cutting-edge photovoltaic technology with the durability of a standing seam roof system.

Thin-film solar laminate is fused to the surface of the metal panel substrate to create a green solution for energy generation.

Unlike polycrystalline photocells that are heavy and fragile, no roof penetration or structural support is required with the flexible and durable PAC Solar Series.  The Solar Series includes a complete, standardized system with schematics and specifications for all electrical components.

Provided through the EnergyPeak™ Program, PAC Solar Series is available on these Petersen profiles:  Snap-Clad, Redi-Roof, Tite-Loc, Tite-Loc HS and Tite-Loc Plus.  Solar Series roofs provide payback in 10 years or less and offer a 20-year warranty.