Sika Sarnafil, a leader in thermoplastic roofing and waterproofing membranes, announced that it is hosting a solar project at its Dan Road facility in Canton, Mass.

CANTON, Mass. – Sika Sarnafil, a leader in thermoplastic roofing and waterproofing membranes, announced that it is hosting a solar project at its Dan Road facility in Canton, Mass. The project will generate electricity and when complete, will serve as a solar park providing to customers a demonstration of four unique solar photovoltaic technologies. Phase I of the project consists of two 12,500-square-foot arrays. Both arrays were capitalized, designed, engineered and installed by Greenskies Renewable Energy LLC, a Connecticut-based solar system integrator utilizing a Solar Power Purchase Agreement. Phase I is expected to be commissioned in early August and will displace approximately 37 percent of the facility’s entire electric usage and 82 percent of its peak power requirements.

The first array uses Sharp monocrystalline silicon modules, a common form of photovoltaic solar. The array consists of 325 modules that are expected to produce 87,766 kWh of electricity in its first year of operation. The second array consists of 450 Solyndra thin-film modules and is expected to produce nearly 95,000 kWh annually using the same footprint. The total electricity produced by Phase I is enough to power nearly 25 New England homes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Each array has its own inverter that will allow Sika Sarnafil and Greenskies Renewable Energy to determine the net energy production for each array independently. Flat-screen monitors mounted in the company’s Dan Road building provide real time observation of electrical generation and environmental data from the solar arrays.

“Energy savings is an important issue with many of our customers and that often involves the consideration of solar generating technology,” said Peter Bonavita, General Manager, Sarnafil Services. “Our solar park will enable us to show our customers, firsthand, the capabilities and benefits of multiple solar technologies so that they can make more informed decisions about solar technology for their building.”

With the evolution of the solar energy industry, the concept of a solar park is beneficial to those considering solar technology.

“A project like this allows companies like Greenskies to examine the productive power and durability of different solar technologies in a controlled environment and to pass that knowledge on to our customers and financial partners to ensure they enjoy the greatest return on their investments,” said Mike Silvestrini, President of Greenskies Renewable Energy.

A key requirement for solar roof installation is the long service life of the roofing membrane. Sika Sarnafil provides solar ready roofing systems with a history of proven performance and longevity. The systems are designed so the solar arrays can be added after membrane installation. Moreover, with their high level of reflectivity, Sarnafil cool roofs maximize solar performance and solar module energy production, thereby increasing the performance of the solar arrays.