May 21 2010
Custom-Bilt Metals and Unique Concepts Inc., a contractor of metal roofing, declared that a 5.7 kW solar system has been installed on the roof of the recently renovated St. Bartholomew’s Chapel, which is located on the Rincon Reservation, Valley Center, CA.
FusionSolar Solar Power System from Custom-Bilt Metals Installed on a Roof
The solar system is incorporated into the seam metal roofing of the Chapel. Custom-Bilt Metals has always focused on eco-friendly solutions in the past through innovation in its product line.
The historically significant St. Bartholomew’s Chapel was destroyed in the Poomacha wildfire of 2007. In the fire, only the bell tower of the chapel was left out. The Ricon chapel was reconstructed in May with notable sustainable innovations.
A resident of Escondido, Kevin deFreitas, an architect provided his services for the loss. It took $3.2 million for the project to get completed. The new 3,356-square-foot building can accommodate 140 worshippers; it is almost double the capacity of the destroyed chapel. The walls of the chapel employ an old rammed-earth technique. This technique is energy-efficient and merges the cement with the soil obtained from the reservation. The altar of the chapel is adorned with a large oak obtained from the surrounding tribal lands. The newly built chapel supports ADA access, parking area, and has common facilities such as a complete kitchen.
Custom-Bilt Metals’ president Tony Chiovare has stated FusionSolar does not require any drilling, such as that required for polycrystalline panels that are also visually obtrusive, and blends in well to the roof and is fused to the standing seam panel directly. He also added that FusionSolar, a perfect solar product with green building and energy-conserving characteristics, makes it a fine structural design for worship. The flexible thin film lies flat on the top surface and blends with the roof structure and on the curved structures.
According to Chiovare, the solution of thin-film laminate attached to the seam roofing is durable and the ideal choice as it endures a wind speed of about 160 mph and extreme temperatures of Escondido valley. This technology accomplishes a high efficiency under low light and high temperatures than solar power glass for generating constant electricity.
Unique Concepts’ president, Robert Ferguson commented that the FusionSolar was the company’s first incorporated solar roof and is making the installation of metal roofs. It was effortless to add solar panels to the chapel as solar panels were provided on site. In such a large project like this that involves roll-formed panels on site, the PV was put to the standing seam effortlessly.
Ferguson noted that the roof had one roof penetration, which was flashed easily with the help of a pipe flashing boot. The hardware, specifications and drawings were given in a clear manner. It required no solar expertise and any electrical contractor can give connections to the main electrical source.
Custom-Bilt Metals has delivered sustainable roofing solutions by the cool roofs technology. The FusionSolar is effective for all kinds of roofing project, replacement roofs or buildings, and it was awarded the designation of PCBC 2009 “Cool Product” under the list of energy saver.