Building Management Hawaii June/July 2013 - (Page 18)

Solar & More Steep-Slope Solar In real time, count the trees, pounds of carbon dioxide and gallons of gas that you’ve saved today. By Mark Stancroff A s Hawaii continues to battle the highest utility bills in the nation, solar power is fast becoming the go-to solution for many property owners in need relief. For property owners who manage duplex or singlefamily properties with steep-slope asphalt or flat tile shingles, integrated solar roofing can be a huge help in reducing, and possibly eliminating, monthly electricity costs. With federal and state incentives paying back up to 65 percent of the up-front cost, it’s becoming a no-brainer to consider these types of aesthetically pleasing, affordable high-powered solutions. One such solution is the integrated Apollo® II Solar Roofing System, offered by CertainTeed Corporation. What’s different about integrated photovoltaic systems compared to their rack-mounted predecessors? Well, a lot. For example, with the Apollo II, its highly efficient 54-watt panels can easily be integrated into either an existing roof or with the installation of a new asphalt or flat tile shingle roof for a clean, seamless appearance not found with bulky rack-mounted systems. Apollo II is also lighter weight but sturdy, featuring 12-pound modules with 14 highefficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells that can carry loads up to 250 pounds and is rated for wind resistance up to 110 mph. The low-profile panels don’t require structural reinforcement or evaluation, and the sleek black frame, cells and backsheet visually blend with surrounding shingles. Today’s integrated systems are also making harnessing of the sun’s energy much easier. From dawn to dusk, the panels absorb sunlight while an inverter makes the electricity usable, collecting the alternating current (AC) and converting it into DC. There are no heavy batteries to worry about, since grid tight systems feed directly into the power grid. Each day, depending upon the weather, the system will generate a portion or, in some cases, all or more electricity that the property uses during the day. The inverter will only pull electricity through the electric meter when more is needed than the roof collects. If the property doesn’t use all of the electricity, the excess power flows back through the meter and into the power grid, resulting in an even lower electric bill and in some cases an account credit. Integrated solar roofing allows users to look up daily operating numbers without waiting on a monthly utility bill. This is accomplished through an userfriendly management solar PV monitor that allows users to review and analyze the performance of Commercial ~ Industrial Cooling & Boiler Systems Management Featuring UVOX® II Proven, Guaranteed Non-Chemical Cooling Water Treatment Since 1981 Grant Tolentino District Manager 808-351-1746 18 June - July 2013 BMH www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com http://www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Management Hawaii June/July 2013

Special Section: BIA Renaissance Awards
Solar & More - Made In The Shade
Solar Options For Condos
Beyond PV…The Power Of The Negawatts
Solar On The Highrise
On The Farm With PV
The Reality Of Exploring Solar
Steep-Slope Solar
Concrete & Asphalt - Fresh Surfaces for Work & Play
Pavement Maintenance 101
Asphalt Alternatives
Rocky Road
Pavement Preservation
Painting Top 5 Painting Tips
Painting & Exterior Finishes
Lead & Rules
On Site: Renting Delinquent Units

Building Management Hawaii June/July 2013