Drexel Metals Solar Roof Systems Can Help You Lower Your Utility Bill

Aug. 23, 2011 - PRLog -- Drexel Metals Solar Roof Systems Can Help You Lower Your Utility Bill
Ivyland, PA –August 19, 2011:  Drexel Metals’ Solar Roof Systems can help building owners lower their monthly utility bills by generating renewable and sustainable energy on the roof, from an endless supply- the sun.  It’s no wonder that the sun is a prominent feature in the Drexel Metals Inc company logo.   Using laminated thin-film photovoltaic modules integrated into a metal roof system allows for the conversion of sunlight into electricity in an architecturally pleasing manner.  This type of rooftop-mounted photovoltaic system does not distract a viewer from the natural lines of the standing seam metal roof.  With certain pre-painted cool metal roof colors, the integrated  thin film photovoltaic color can be almost unnoticeable, and the photovoltaic material itself is flexible enough to be used on curved roof surfaces.

Anyone considering adding solar power to their home or building should first consider ways to lower the electrical and thermal loads before investing in photovoltaic installations.  But when thinking of solar, Drexel Metals has the complete design system in place to provide an integrated fully operational  rooftop solar power system that is tied into the utility grid.

Photovoltaic materials convert sunlight into electricity.  Thin film photovoltaic products are light weight, durable and flexible and can be laminated directly to the surface of a metal roof panel between the standing seams.   With Drexel Metals Solar Roof systems the photovoltaic modules are attached to the roof panels with no penetrations in the roof.  In fact, the solar system is attached to the metal roof panels before the panels are even installed, allowing for a standard roof installation to take place.  The solar power systems can be installed in renovation as well as new construction, on residential and commercial buildings, and on steep or low slope roofing applications.

The Drexel Metals Solar Roof System is installed in a quick connect manner complete with the necessary amount of photovoltaic modules, inverters, cables, wiring, combiner boxes, disconnect switches and other accessories.   Once installed, the solar power system provides electricity to the building, and in some cases any excess electricity can be returned to the utility through the grid connection.  Drexel Metals uses UL listed thin film photovoltaic products and related equipment.  The system components are also listed by the California Energy Commission as Eligible Renewable Equipment.  The thin-film photovoltaic system  comes with a 25-year power output warranty.  

The rated energy of thin film photovoltaic modules  is about 6 watts per square foot of coverage. Typically a solar power system covers up to 70% of the roof surface area.   The actual electricity generation depends on many factors such as the orientation of the roof, the slope, the location of the building, the solar intensity in the area, shading, and the tilt angle of the photovoltaic  surface.  However, thin film photovoltaic materials tend to generate electricity at lower levels of light intensity such as during the  early and later times in the day, and even in partially shaded areas.

The installed cost of a Drexel Metals Solar Roof System can be offset somewhat thanks to a variety of incentives.  Local utilities often provide financial incentives to customers to install solar power on their buildings.  Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) are available in many states for this purpose.   In addition, federal, state and local governments provide tax incentives for installation of photovoltaic systems.  Other financial programs such as power purchase agreements,  net metering or third- party financing can also reduce the initial cost to a building owner.   In coming months Drexel Metals will be releasing more information on how these and other financial incentives can be used with the Drexel Metals Solar Roof Systems.

Drexel Metals Inc. is a leading supplier of equipment, materials and technical support for the regional manufacturing of metal roofing. Drexel Metal Roof Systems supply contractors and distributors with the equipment and materials to fabricate metal roofing.
204 Railroad Drive, Ivyland, PA 18974   (888) 321-9630, www.drexmetals.com