S5 Solar Array Installation     8 March 2014

S5 Solar Array Installation

American company Toys “R’ Us uses S-5 brackets on their Butler Seam Roof solar installation, not compromising their pre- exsiting roof warranty

Looking for Solutions

In an effort to reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions, Toys “R” Us installed a solar photovoltaic (PV) system on their distribution center in Flanders, NJ. Prior to the installation of the system, the distribution center used an average of 8 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity and produced an annual carbon emission of 4,000 metric tons, resulting in more than $500,000 USD per year in energy costs. The installer turned to S-5!® because they were unwilling to compromise the pre-existing roof warranty.

What Worked?

Through the use of 90,000 S-5-E Mini clamps, they were able to install 37,144 rigid thin-film PV modules while maintaining the roof’s integrity and preserving the roof manufacturer’s warranty. The completed solar array covers more than 70% of the 1 million sq. ft. standing seam roof, thus making it at completion the largest single rooftop installation in North America. What’s more, the ease-of-use of the S-5-E Mini clamps helped to streamline the installation process, saving time and labour costs.

Long Term Outlook

The completed PV array will provide 72% of the electricity needed to run the distribution centre. This equates to an average savings of $366,000 USD in energy costs per year ($7 million USD over 20 years). In addition, the distribution center has reduced carbon emissions by more than 4,000 metric tons per year (80,000 metric tons over 20 years). The array has also qualified Toys “R” Us to receive 7,500 Green-e® certified renewable energy certificates (RECs) over 3 years.

Around the globe, the concept of combining photovoltaic arrays with standing seam metal roofing is growing, and for good reason. A standing seam metal roof has a life expectancy consistent with that of PV modules. A 30-year power source on a 40-year roof, coupled with S-5!’s patented attachment technology, creates the most sustainable roof systems available today.