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Rocklin, CA, July 11, 2003 -- RWE SCHOTT Solar, Inc. (RSS), a manufacturer and distributor of high-quality solar modules and systems, announced its SunRoof ™ FS free-standing rooftop solar electric system, specially designed for flat-roof commercial and public buildings, is up and producing power for the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) in Santa Rosa, California.
Its simple and effective mounting system sits directly on the building's flat roof, raising the panels above the roof and spreading the weight out to less than four-pounds per square foot.
Commercial roofs, particularly flat designs or those with minimal slope, can present a variety of challenges for traditional photovoltaic (PV) systems, with roof penetrations to secure the system being one of the more difficult issues to overcome. Each penetration is a potential point of failure and can decrease the usable life of the roof due to leakage and a general weakening of the roofing structure, and a typical large PV system can require hundreds of these penetrations.
The unique, patented design of the SunRoof FS does not require roof penetrations, and thus avoids these problems. In addition, obstructions such as drains, pipes, overflows, gutters and vents must be accommodated. Because the SunRoof FS sits just above the roof with only the footings touching the structure, it is often possible to install the solar array without relocating or removing these obstructions.
"We implemented an entire energy savings program, including our heating and air conditioning systems, lighting and insulation. Given the size of our roof it would have been a shame not to add a PV system into the equation," said Jerry Johnson, deputy superintendent at SCOE.
"But when we talked with our contractor, Cal-Air, it was clear we'd have to overcome several challenges because of our roof's design. Cal-Air brought in RSS who suggested the SunRoof FS system. Now, not only do we produce enough power to cover about one-third of our needs, but our meter runs backwards on weekends when the building is closed! As an added bonus, the system goes right over any obstruction and actually protects that section of roof."
The SCOE SunRoof FS installation is a 60kW system capable of powering 20-40 average homes. The modules are linked for maximum strength and stability, while also simplifying installation, inspection and maintenance. The installation includes the RSS SunTrack™ monitoring system to track performance on an ongoing basis, displaying output power, sunlight intensity, wind speed, air temperature and avoided air pollution emissions in a user-friendly format.
"Solar energy, and particularly PV systems, are an increasingly attractive option for customers interested in contributing to a sustainable energy future. From small to massive systems for flat-roofs, we want to encourage building owners and contractors who thought they could not install PV systems because of weight limitations or concerns about roof penetrations to contact us," said Marc Roper, Director of Sales for RWE SCHOTT Solar. "We can help design, engineer and install, if needed, a system that will suit their needs."
ABOUT RWE SCHOTT Solar Inc.
RWE SCHOTT Solar Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of solar power components and systems, serving customers throughout the Americas from sales offices in California, Colorado, Massachusetts and the State of Washington.
The company's U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility in Billerica, Massachusetts, produces the largest solar power module available worldwide, the ASE 300TM.
For more information, please visit: RWE Schott Solar Inc. - www.rweschottsolar.com; RWE Group - www.rwe.com/en; Schott Group - www.schott.com.
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