When working with solar panels on steel buildings, ensure to review the International Building Code (IBC) and International Existing Building Code (IEBC) for gravity and lateral load restrictions. Will trees grow in the future and end up covering the sun exposure? Make sure there’s no obstructions that could affect your customer’s solar power now and down the road. Help your customers consider the panel placement for long term. Placing panels facing the south is optimal, and important to angle the solar panels to secure the most sun. Crystalline panels are the most effective in generating electricity and commonly used for solar roof and canopy options.īuilding location and position are major considerations when adding solar, in addition to the structural capacity. While beautifully aesthetic, this option generates half as much electricity than panels. They use thin film peel-and-stick method for an easy application to a steel roof. Laminate solar panels are lightweight, with a minimal profile. These coated metal roofs can comply with energy code requirements for cool roofing. “Cool Roofs” help reduce solar reflective radiant heat that can cause the ‘urban heat island’ effect, and instead increase solar energy.
Tax credits, rebates, or savings are listed at. state in which you build, there may be incentives offered for businesses and homeowners. Solar panels help protect a roof from the weather and harsh elements.ĭepending upon the U.S. Your customer’s brand is now marketed as eco-friendly. By offering solar solutions to building owners, you can help them save hundreds to thousands (based on building size) in electricity costs when solar panels are installed via a trusted solar partner. The combination of metal roofs with solar panels can achieve a sleek and modern design aesthetic for a steel building.Īdding solar panels to new or retrofit construction, or creating solar canopy systems, will increase your customers’ business’ value and its return on investment (ROI). Metal buildings tend to have a low roof pitch and significant surface area, which is perfect for solar panels. Whether solar canopy or roofing structures, learn about solar options for your commercial or residential metal building customers. Steel is affordable, durable, lightweight, and easy to maintain. Builders know that steel is the superior choice for all types of structural building designs and why metal roofs outlast the life of the PV system. Metal buildings and metal roofs are beautiful and long-lasting platforms for solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity-producing systems. Solar energy is a hot topic these days and can help all of us.