Solar Roofing System Delivers More Wattage

CertainTeed Corp.’s Apollo II solar roofing system has been upgraded to 60-watt monocrystalline integrated photovoltaic panels.
Flat-roof Solar Mounting Solution Is Twice as Fast to Install
Like the revolutionary Zep residential solar systems, ZS Peak provides an innovative snap-together system to simplify and accelerate installation. SolarCity estimates that ZS Peak can increase generation capacity on flat roof buildings by 20-50 percent per building and do so without requiring any penetrations. The system’s dense, east-west layout structure will allow SolarCity to fit up to 20 percent more solar panels on standard roofs and up to 50 percent more panels on lightweight roofs, such as those commonly found on warehouses. The increase in panels per roof is particularly valuable in the commercial market, as conventional flat-roof solar systems typically power less than half of a commercial building’s load.
ZS Peak’s east-west orientation not only allows installers to fit more solar panels on each roof than standard south-facing systems, it also captures peak power production throughout a longer period of the day. By lengthening power production time and eliminating the typical mid-day spike of standard solar systems, SolarCity can also make more efficient use of solar inverters to further reduce costs for customers. ZS Peak has so significantly improved on the aerodynamics of conventional systems that it can be installed as a lightweight, non-penetrating system on many roofs that would otherwise require the solar panels to be bolted down.
SolarCity is currently installing its first project with ZS Peak and expects to begin installing the product in volume in January 2015. Businesses and other organizations interested in SolarCity’s services can contact the company directly at (888) 765-2489 for a free, no-obligation solar consultation or visit SolarCity online.
Access Mounting Clamp Fasteners on Solar Installations More Easily
The new L-Foot does not cover the top-mounted bolt on the AceClamp ML or impede access to the AceClamp A2 side bolt, making any adjustment or re-torquing quick and easy. The bracket’s shorter foot allows complete access to the clamp’s grounding cable channel, so the bracket doesn’t have to be removed to install the grounding wire.
The FM-Approved AceClamp ML is a standing seam metal roof (SSMR) clamp system that can accommodate almost any application or roof seam profile. It is UL 2703 compliant. Its two-piece design allows installation at any point on the seam with one of the tightest vibration tested grips in the industry. The single fastening screw is top-loaded, providing easy, quick access for the contractor, completing installation in less than half the time of conventional side-mounting systems.
The AceClamp A2 is one of the strongest clamps tested, compared with single set-screw clamps, in the SSMR market. It is UL 467 and 2703 compliant. Its unique design virtually eliminates the need for periodically re-torquing clamps. The A2’s innovative solution prevents torque back-out by employing a distinctive “push-pin” design that locks two stainless steel pins onto the roof panel to secure the clamp. The A2 also saves time and money where grounding cables are used, as the clamp is designed with a grounding cable groove incorporated into the clamp itself. A stainless steel sleeve and set-screw kit securely hold the grounding wire in place. For the installer, this feature eliminates the need for a separate grounding attachment. Like the AceClamp ML, the A2 does not penetrate or scratch the roof’s surface, preserving manufacturers’ warranties.
SUN TUNNEL Skylights Are Improved
The new VELUX SunCurve, a highly transmissive light capturing technology for commercial SUN TUNNELS, captures more morning and evening daylight while diffusing the powerful afternoon sunlight to provide a more even and appealing light output throughout the day. Another key improvement to both the residential and commercial products is the Flexi-Loc tunnel assembly system that will enable installers to save approximately 50 percent of the time required for tunnel assembly while making quick, easy, and adjustable connections.
ThA new diffuser complements any décor with a choice of brushed nickel, polished brass, oil rubbed bronze, and white trim options. Manual blackout shades and night light kits are available for various SUN TUNNEL residential skylight models.
A new commercial SUN TUNNEL ordering system allows for configuring and ordering exactly what is needed, or for larger projects, in bulk, for cost savings from an extensive selection of new options and accessories.
Commercial ceiling options include hard, suspended and open while diffuser options include frosted for aesthetics, prismatic for a look and feel to match existing architectural design, and Fresnel to maximize light distribution.