RFQ - SBFD Solar PV - Johnson Melloh Solutions

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i Jim i t9a ifocial Solar PV One emerging technology is bifacial solar PV panels. According to the International Solar Energy Research Center (ISC) Konstanz, over 100 MW capacity had been installed world-wide as of 2019. These panels are relevant because they make use of reflected solar irradiance that strikes the back of PV modules. Unlike traditional PV panels, bifacial modules can generate electricity from the irradiance incident on the front as well as the back of the modules. A collection of studies shown by ISC Konstanz show an increase of 25% by bifacial modules under conditions of a reflective roof surface. These values were consistent with values provided by several other sources including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Because the designed system for the fire station is roof mounted and has room for higher production values, this project offers a great opportunity for a case study on bifacial panels. Diligent research and modelling of a bifacial system would be performed by JMS to determine feasibility, given the fire station's interest in pursuing this type of system. Roof i Current As stated in the solar PV design section, our solar array will be roof mounted and as such it is very important to consider the roof when analyzing the project's feasibility. Regarding the Central Fire Station, the good news is that it has excellent sun radiance and the roof is a great location for solar. The bad news is that the white membrane, single ply roof is now 15 years old and the warranty will expire on September 6th, 2019. Likewise, as the roof ages, the laps and seams start to pull from the substrate and will thus begin to open. Considering this, you will not want to add rooftop solar without first addressing the roof. We hate to be the bearer of bad news and truly want to earn your business. However, in good conscience, we cannot recommend rooftopsolaron the Fire Station roofs unless roof work is part of the process. Goshen High School, Goshen, IN and Elwood Schools, Elwood, IN (neither of which JMS was involved with) are two examples where solar was installed on top of aging, deteriorating roofs. In both cases, roof work was not part of the project and now both buildings are leaking. The leaks and headaches lead to "finger pointing", blame and accountability/liability issues and sadly litigation is either pending or already in effect. In other words, we cannot participate unless the roofs are addressed as we need to do it right. Hopefully, everyone who submits a proposal advocates the same thing. Roof Assessment Our approach to rooftop solar installation is very straight forward. We start with a comprehensive roof evaluation in order to make sure that the roofs can handle the solar panels. After the inspection; we perform an infrared (IP) scan/thermography diagnostic exam and or a roof "MPI" in order to identify any wet insulation in the roof system. We then cut core samples and hire a structural engineer to verify the deck can handle the added weight. At this point, we do not believe the added weight will be an issue on the Fire Station roof, however further structural analysis is needed.