Here’s what to watch for (and what to do) when your single-ply roof starts showing signs of trouble.

Membrane Shrinkage Can Lead to Costly Failures

To stay ahead of the issue, monitor the perimeter of your roof and areas around penetrations for signs of pulling or curling. If caught early, your contractor may be able to reinforce the membrane or re-flash affected areas. Left unchecked, though, shrinkage can mean serious repairs—or even full replacement.

Foot Traffic and Debris Can Cause Punctures and Tears

Single-ply roofs are tough, but they’re not invincible. Rooftop foot traffic, service crews, dropped tools, and flying debris during storms can all lead to punctures or cuts in the membrane. Even small punctures can allow moisture to reach the insulation layer below, leading to saturation, mold, and reduced thermal performance.

Keep an eye on areas with heavy foot traffic and consider installing walkway pads near rooftop equipment. After storms or maintenance visits, inspect the membrane for new damage. Small holes can often be patched, but widespread damage may signal larger problems.

Seam Failures Are a Common Leak Source

Seams are critical to the integrity of any single-ply roof. Whether they’re heat-welded (TPO, PVC) or adhered (EPDM), seams are a potential weak spot; especially if not installed properly or subjected to years of UV exposure.

Watch for areas where seams appear bubbled, lifted, or separated. A simple probe test can often detect loosened seams. Address these quickly, as a failed seam can let in water that migrates far beyond the point of entry. For best practices on seam repairs, consult the Single Ply Roofing Industry (SPRI) guidelines.

Ponding Water Can Accelerate Roof Degradation

Flat and low-slope roofs should be designed with proper drainage in mind, but over time, things shift. Settling, insulation compression, and clogged drains can lead to ponding water. Water that remains more than 48 hours after rainfall can damage the membrane, promote algae growth, and increase UV degradation.

If you notice standing water, act quickly. Cleaning out drains may be a simple fix. If ponding is recurring, solutions like tapered insulation or secondary drains may be needed. Don’t wait—long-term ponding can void warranties and compromise your roof’s performance.

Flashing Around Penetrations Is a Frequent Failure Point

Anywhere your roofing system must be sealed around an object – like a vent, HVAC unit, or skylight – is a potential vulnerability. Flashing that cracks, pulls away, or lifts from the membrane can open the door for leaks and interior damage.

Check flashing details regularly. Look for gaps, tears, or dried-out sealant. These areas can often be patched or re-sealed without major cost if caught early. But if several flashings fail at once, or if there’s visible water damage inside, it may point to more systemic issues with the roof’s installation or age.

Protect Your Investment with Regular Inspections

Single-ply roofs are designed to last 20–30 years when maintained properly—but that lifespan depends on regular inspections and timely repairs. Routine maintenance not only extends the life of your roof, it helps you avoid costly surprises when the next storm hits.

Need help? The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and Choice Roof Contractor Group are excellent resources for finding commercial roofing service providers who have experience with single-ply systems.

Key Benefits of TPO Roofing Systems

TPO roofing systems have also become a favorite among roofing contractors throughout the country, and for good reason. They are a cost-effective roofing system that can deliver the long-term protection buildings require while still being easy to install. A few other key benefits they provide are:

• Low Maintenance
• Energy Efficient
• Versatility & Strength
• Bacterial Resistant

Know The Drawbacks

First, TPO roofing systems require maintenance ahead of any winter season. While preventative maintenance is recommended for any roof, it is a critical piece to meet to ensure your TPO roof can last confidently throughout the entire winter season without concern. It’s also key to keep in mind that standing water can be detrimental to a TPO roof. If the roof does not properly divert the moisture, you could soon be dealing with a leak or a failing roof.

TPO roofing systems are well known for their energy efficiency, due to their reflective white topcoat that keeps buildings cooler during the summer. However, in colder climates, a darker roof may reduce heating costs in the cooler months by drawing heat into the building.

The only other thing worth mentioning is that these membrane systems are less fire-resistant than PVC. To learn more about PVC membranes and how they compare to TPO, visit our blog: TPO or PVC – What’s the Difference?

Application

TPO roofing systems can be applied in several ways. The three most common are fully adhered, mechanically attached, and ballasted. No matter the application, TPO roofs will always be heat-welded at the seams. This creates a monolithic bond.

Under the TPO material, you will need insulation foam, of which the depth will vary depending on the client’s roof and needs. TPO comes conveniently rolled and in assorted sizes. You will want to ensure you double check the measurements to be certain you have enough material for the entire project ahead of time. With fasteners and plates, which also come in varying sizes, you will be able to ensure proper securement of both the insulation foam and TPO material themselves.

Preparing your roof ahead of the TPO application is imperative to its success. A clean roof, free of any debris or damage, is necessary. Once the roof has been meticulously cleaned and prepped, you will be ready to install the insulation foam. Staggering the foam is best practice to ensure better insulation. Once you have installed the insulation foam, you will need to cut out any places where there are drains or pipes. With your insulation completely in place, you will be ready to roll out your TPO. Starting at the edge of the roof, in a straight line, you will unroll the TPO.

When you are certain the TPO is straight and free of any wrinkles, you can begin to secure it with your plates and fasteners. Overtightening of the plates and fasteners can damage your insulation foam and create water intrusion problems down the road. Be sure you have the proper drill for this application. Once all the TPO is secured, you can begin heat-welding the seams with an automatic heat welder. Hand welding any joints, or areas where drains or pipes lie, is recommended to provide the best seal.

A proper application of a TPO roofing system will help ensure your client has a roof that can last for decades with a proper maintenance program.  

TPO Offers Protection You Can Rely On

TPO roofing systems are continually being improved in many ways and can be heavily relied on for a trusted roofing system. While there are some disadvantages that effect some more than others, it offers superior performance in almost any climate when in the hands of the right roofing contractor.

This cost-effective, resilient roofing system has much to offer roofing contractors and building owners and is considered one of the leading options for roofs throughout the country.

First, you should anticipate that the roofing company will want to conduct an inspection.  It is unfair to expect any form of estimate without allowing for time and opportunity to assess your current roof situation.  Some roofing contractors may choose to conduct their inspection either on the roof or via drones.

Second, give the contractor some time to prepare that estimate.  There are some contractors who are comfortable doing an “on the spot” quote, but others want to take the time to ensure it is a complete and full estimate.  You wouldn’t commit to an important project without doing your due diligence, would you?  Consider granting your commercial roofing contractor the same respect and understanding.

Part of the pre-estimate process frequently deals with discussing the type of system you are considering.  Not all roofs are appropriate for all systems nor do all commercial roofing professionals work with all types of potential roofing systems.  Sit down with the contractor and discuss your business goals as a part of this process.  Identify if your goals include energy efficiency, chemical resistance, improved longevity, or cool roof technology integration.  This information assists the contractor in determining the BEST system for both your building and your business.

Elements of a Commercial Roofing Estimate

Every contractor is different, so we’ve put together an overview of various elements you should look for in your commercial roofing estimate.

Materials:  Exactly what type of materials, including manufacturer, is the contractor planning to use?  Like cars, there is a wide variety in quality and cost between different manufacturers.  A good commercial contractor may even prepare you options between XYZ and ABC manufacturers on the same type of roofing system.

Labor.  Some contractors choose to include the cost of labor within the materials portion while others choose to make this a separate line item.  There is nothing wrong with either method.

Protection.  Again, some contractors include the cost involved in protecting your property and business from damage within their overall cost projection.  Other contractors choose to show this as a separate line item on their estimate.  Either is fine, but it is important that you clarify the steps that will be taken to protect your existing business while that roof is being replaced.

Warranty.  This area is important.  Your estimate should include a written outline of the warranty offered, both in terms of materials and labor.  You should anticipate paying more for a really great long-term warranty that includes ongoing maintenance.  Think of it as insurance for that roofing investment.

Timeline.  Your estimate should include the timeframe anticipated to complete the job.  Please notice the word “anticipated”.  Like every other business, there are times when the unexpected occurs.  Roofing contractors are subject to the vagaries of weather or supply chain interruptions to a greater extent than many other industries.  That timeframe is an estimate based on past experience.

Payment Due Dates.  Many large projects allow for payments to be made through the project completion.  If that is the case with your commercial roofing project, your estimate should include the exact date each payment is due, along with terms for noncompliance by either party.

Elements that Affect Your Replacement Costs

There are many elements that go into determining the cost of replacing a commercial roof.  Each is considered and calculated into that final estimate you will receive.

Size.  This is pretty obvious.  The size of your roof is a HUGE consideration in the overall replacement project.  Not only in materials and labor, but additional considerations such as debris removal, movement of materials over the scope of the project and even increased safety considerations all can play a part.

System.  Different roofing systems have different costs.  That is also pretty straightforward.  If you and your contractor determine your roof is best suited for a PVC system, you will pay more than if it is determined that shingles will work better.  Why?  Because PVC costs more than shingles.

Roof Style.  This one may come as a surprise, but roofs with multiple peaks and valleys will generally cost more per square foot than flat roofs.  Why?  A good part of it is due to increased labor costs as those steep angles require more time and more protective equipment than an open flat roof.

Roof Access.  If your contractor is going to have to hire a crane to get materials and personnel up 10 stories, it is going to cost more than if they have to move those same items up 1 story.

The bottom line is there are a LOT of considerations that go into a good commercial roofing estimate.  That is the best reason to work with a qualified, reputable, professional commercial roofing company.  If you are looking for an estimate, feel free to contact the Choice Roof Contractor Group at (800) 670-5583 or complete the inquiry form and we will put you in touch with a roofing company in your area.

This is a problem many business owners and property managers face when beginning a new roofing quest.  An understanding of the terminology used in the roofing industry is paramount before anyone can possibly begin to determine what works for them and how best to proceed.

Single-ply Membranes

Both TPO and PVC are single-ply membranes.  As single-ply membranes, they are best suited to flat or low-slope roofing structures, though can be used on other styles.  These thin sheets of material are laid on top of the existing roofing system and may be connected to that system either chemically with adhesives or using mechanical fasteners.

Single-ply membrane systems offer specific benefits to building owners.  Some of those benefits are:

Energy Efficient.  Single-ply membrane systems come in a wide array of color and reflectivity levels.  The more reflective the material, the more the sun’s heat is reflected away from the building.  The reduced heat can lead to savings of up to 30% on air conditioning costs, depending on location.

Flexible.  The flexibility of the membrane system is a crucial component.  This flexibility allows for flexing and contraction as temperatures rise and fall and contributes greatly to the durability of the membrane.

Lightweight.  Every building is designed with specific weight limitation.  The lightweight nature of single-ply membranes contributes a negligible amount of weight to the overall structure.

Low Maintenance.  Most single-ply membrane systems are designed to be low maintenance, requiring little more than annual inspection and basic preventative maintenance.

TPO Pros and Cons

TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is made from rubberized materials, generally a blend of polypropylene plastic and ethylene-propylene rubber.  These sheets come in various thicknesses, ranging from 40mm to 100mm, with 45mm to 65mm being the most common for roofing applications.

TPO is manufactured primarily in 6’ to 12’ wide rolls.  Sheets are rolled out onto the roofing surface and cut to fit.  They are then secured to the roof in 1 of 3 ways:

1. Mechanically fastened using nails, screws or anchors that attach to the building.
2. Fully adhered utilizing an adhesive material.
3. Ballasted using rock to hold the membrane in place (less common).

To reduce the risk of moisture getting into the seams, and to prevent seam separation, the seams are then generally heat welded or glued together to produce a primarily monolithic or one-piece system.

Benefits and drawbacks of TPO

TPO membrane systems offer specific benefits to their building owners.

• Less expensive than PVC.
• More chemically resistant than PVC.
• Better for the environment than PVC.

However, there are some drawbacks. 

• TPO is a newer material on the market, so there is less experience regarding longevity and durability.
• Less fire-resistant than PVC.
• Quality variations between manufacturers.

PVC Pros and Cons

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the 3^rd most produced synthetic plastic in the world.  In its original form, it is the rigid white plastic that you’re familiar with in plumbing and other applications.  With the addition of “plasticizers”, it becomes the flexible version used in single-ply membrane systems.

This single-ply roofing system ranges in thickness from to 50ml to over 100ml, depending on manufacturer.  It comes in rolls ranging in width from 6’ to 12’ rolls, with custom sizes available from some manufacturers. 

PVC attaches to the roofing structure in the same manner as TPO, that is either chemical adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or ballast.

Benefits and drawbacks of PVC

PVC membrane systems have significant benefits.

• More time on market, resulting in better information regarding durability than TPO.
• More fire resistant than TPO.
• More resistant to puncture and weathering than TPO.

PVC also has a few distinct drawbacks.

• More expensive than TPO.
• Tendency to shrink over time.
• May be difficult to repair as it ages.

Most Important Consideration

Selecting your contractor is actually more important than your material selection is.  The installation process, quality of adherence, seam welds and how protrusion are addressed are what will make or break your single-ply roofing system.

Let us help you.  Choice Roof Contractor Group is an association of roofing contractors that have met training qualification and are held to high levels of professionalism in order to maintain their membership. 

Choice Roof Contractor Group was founded to give contractors a firm base of resources for their roofing company in order to provide better service to building owners and/or property managers. Call one of our representatives today at (800) 670-5583. We would love to assist you in finding your next roofing partner.

With such a stalwart protector over our head, why should we be concerned about a little heat?  The answer may surprise you if you haven’t checked the status of your commercial roof for a while.

Heat and Your Commercial Roof

The sun, with its heat, can really do a number on your commercial roof. 

Chemical breakdown.  Depending on the roofing system installed, outdoor temperatures of a comfortable 90°F can quickly become a blistering 160° on the roofing surface!  Some roofing system materials absorb and retain that heat, rather than reflecting it away from the building.  With surface temperatures that extreme, the chemical compounds within the materials can begin to break down.  Over time, this leads to roofing system failure.  Unfortunately, this breakdown is almost impossible to see to the naked eye and you are only aware it has occurred when the next rainstorm advises you.

Thermal fluctuation.  The fluctuation in temperature between the heat of the day and the cool of the evening can cause your roof and roofing system to expand and contract in response.  Over time, that constant movement in the roof will cause damage within the structure itself.  Depending on the type of roofing system installed, it can also cause fault lines to develop within the protective system, leading directly to future system failure.

UV Radiation.  Though not specific to heat, UV levels do increase as the heat increases, so it seems appropriate to mention here.  Just like your skin, the chemical bonds within your roofing material are susceptible to UV radiation.  That radiation causes the bonds to weaken and eventually begin to break. As these microscopic breaks multiply, the overall system becomes weakened and the potential for failure increases.

How to Save that Commercial Roof

Now that the problem is better understood, the next step is addressing it.  Of course, there is the option to simply wait and hope, but that is potentially a pretty expensive “solution”.  A better idea is to be proactive. 

Inspection.  Have the roof inspected twice a year.  Once in spring, in preparation for the upcoming heat and again in the autumn, to prepare for those upcoming frigid temperatures.  A scheduled inspection program with a reputable commercial roofing contractor is worth its weight in gold. 

Ventilation.  Ensure attic or crawl spaces are well ventilated.  This can help improve airflow throughout the area and reduce the ability of the roofing materials to absorb and “hold on” to the heat.  Additionally, it does offer some minor levels of insulating properties to keep the building itself more comfortable.

If you’re ready to protect the roof that protects your business and livelihood, make an appointment today with a commercial roofing contractor.  Don’t have one yet?  Call the Choice Roof Contractor Group at (800) 670-5583 and we will put you in touch with a contractor in your area.

Because of their impressive weather resistance, they continue to grow in popularity throughout the country and perform well on both flat and low-slope roofs. An ideal option for commercial properties, they are durable enough to withstand oils and fuels, making them a common choice for the restaurant and aviation industries.

Leading Benefits of PVC

PVC roofs are a premium choice as they offer watertight protection in severe weather elements. Ponding water is no threat for a PVC roof when professionally installed and maintained. Other leading benefits a PVC roofing system can offer include:

• Easily recyclable
• Energy efficient
• Flexible
• Versatile and customizable
• Lengthy lifespan
• High flame resistance
• Heat-welded seams provide increased durability
• Wind resistant
• Chemical resistant
• Limited maintenance
• Lightweight
• Straightforward application

Application

The three most common ways to apply a PVC roof are ballasted, mechanically attached, and fully adhered. When an experienced and professional roofing contractor is applying the PVC roof, you can trust that any of these methods will deliver a long-lasting, durable roof as the seams are heat-welded to create the monolithic bond required for watertight protection.

To reduce heat loss and ensure elevated levels of energy efficiency, insulation board is installed prior to the PVC material. The type of insulation and the thickness can vary. PVC material comes in varying roll sizes and is rolled in a straight line over the top of the insulation board. Depending on the application type chosen, the PVC material is securely attached to the roof. Which method you choose will depend on your preference, location, season and more.

Drawbacks to Consider

With all investments, it is best to know the drawbacks as well as the advantages. Thankfully, with PVC roofing systems, there are few to consider. PVC roofing systems will perform best when installed on a smooth surface. This means that older roofs may not always be ideal candidates for a PVC roof and a tear off may be required. This can be a costly venture if it is necessary. PVC is a great option for varying weather conditions, although intense cold can cause it to become brittle and in turn crack; although we are talking about intense cold around -50°F, so it is still well suited in many parts of the country. Lastly, if you are looking at attaching your PVC roof with an adhesive, this is best done in the warmer months as the adhesive can freeze and therefore will not secure properly. PVC roofs certainly have more to offer than not, but location and other factors must be considered when looking into investing in a new roofing system for your property.

Resistance You Can Rely On

With an experienced roofing contractor installing and maintaining a PVC roof, it can have an expected lifespan of three decades. Thirty years is a great return on investment. With trusted protection and energy efficiency, they provide buildings with a better chance at maintaining value.

If you are considering PVC and/or other types of roofing systems, feel free to give us a call at 800-670-5583.

Step One: Schedule a Roof Inspection

The first step is the most important step. Before the winter season, it is vital to have a professional commercial roofing contractor assess your roof. During these inspections, the contractor will walk your roofing unit, inspect the interior of your property, and your entire building envelope. They will assess areas of concern and provide you with solutions to address them.

A few things of what your contractor will look for include:

• Loose or separated seams
• Ponding water
• Cracked caulking
• Blisters, punctures, or cracking
• Loose roof perimeter
• Drainage problems

When snow and ice hit, a small problem can quickly expand into a major headache. A regular inspection before the winter season can make or break a roofing budget.

Step Two: Clear all Debris

Step Three: Evaluate Surrounding Areas

During the inspection, an evaluation of the surrounding areas is paramount. If your region regularly receives multiple inches of snow or ice, surrounding trees can cause a hazard for your roof. Tree branches, when weighed down from winter weather, can dump a substantial amount of weight onto your roof. They can also break and cause punctures. It is important to identify these hazards and be prepared.

Step Four: Have Emergency Plan

Even with a fully proactive approach, Mother Nature is unpredictable and can throw hazardous weather your way. If you find your facility is in need of emergency services, try to plan ahead. Know who to call, when to call, and what to do in the event of a roof leak (or worse).

There are many benefits of a proper roof inspection. To find a contractor near you, call the Choice Roof Contractor Group at (800) 670-5583.

First, some science.  EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber.  Rubbers with saturated polymer backbones, such as EPDM, have much better resistance to heat, light and ozone than unsaturated rubbers. This makes it suitable for external harsh environments.  As such, EPDM can be formulated to be resistant to temperatures as high as 150° C, or 302° F for the metric challenged.  Properly formulated, EPDM can be used outdoors for many years without degradation.

Benefits of EPDM

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Initial Investment.  EPDM is the least expensive of the most common membrane systems (PVC, TPO and EPDM) to install.  That up-front savings may be the most important thing for your client to consider.

Part of the reason for the lower investment is based on the wider roll sizes, which means fewer rolls to purchase to cover an existing roof.  Part of it is also based on reduced labor costs, due to the presence of fewer seams; again based on the wider rolls.

Durability.  EPDM is tough.  Properly installed and maintained, an EPDM roofing system can last for decades, depending on location.  It is important to note that maintenance is key to a good, long-lasting EPDM roof. 

One of the drawbacks of EPDM is seam separation.  Regular inspection and ongoing maintenance of those seams is crucial to maximizing roof longevity.

Weather Resistant.  EPDM is basically rubber.  This makes it extremely resistant to impact-damaging weather such as hail or high wind related debris.   Available up to 90 mil thick, EPDM is about as good as it gets in heavy hail areas. 

It is also ozone resistant, with an ozone-resistant rating of ‘A’ up to 100º F.

Maintenance & Repair.  Though we did mention the importance of maintenance previously, EPDM has a reputation for being easy to maintain.  Additionally, repairs are usually straightforward and easy to manage.

Energy Efficient.  Depending on location, traditional EPDM is well known for helping keep a building warm, by absorbing and retaining solar heat.  In warmer climates, EPDM is available in white to reflect solar heat and keep the interior cooler.

Once that EPDM roof is finished, the materials are fully recyclable.  Not only does that prevent wasting limited resources, it also keeps our landfills clear of unnecessary debris.  Another environmental bonus!

There are other benefits to EPDM not discussed.  However, these are the top 5 most likely to be important to your clients.

If you’re interested in learning about TPO and PVC, visit the following blog:
TPO or PVC – What’s the Difference?

Remember, the ability to answer questions in detail on the various systems available not only reinforces you as an expert in their eyes, it also underscores the value you place on your client’s needs.  Contractors that consistently meet the needs of their customers are contractors that get repeat business, excellent referrals and grow their business.

You may already know the primary problems they may face with their flat roof system. It is your responsibility to impart that knowledge in a clear, concise, and understandable fashion to your current or potential customer. What is the best way to do that? You can share the information on your company social media (think Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.). You can share expertise via your website blog. You can have a flyer made to provide various details. There are many options. What is not an option is failing to support your commercial clients with the information they desperately need to make good financial decisions.

In case you are newer to flat roof systems or are looking for more information about their potential issues, we are sharing the top 5 reasons ponding water on a roof is a problem.

Why is Ponding Water a Concern?

The very nature of a flat or low-slope roof causes ponding water problems. Without a significant slope to remove it from the roof, the water will pond in low areas. Why is this a problem? There are several reasons to consider.

Gravity. If moisture has nowhere else to go, gravity will cause it to seek any tiny imperfection in the roofing system to move downward. This leads directly to leak development and resulting structural damage.

Vegetation. Stagnant water is a petrie dish for the development of mold, mildew and other forms of vegetation. Many of these use a root system, which can penetrate the roofing system and cause the very defects that lead to the development of leaks. Additionally, some of this vegetation is extremely unhealthy for the people the roofing system is designed to protect.

Pests. Standing water provides the opportunity for pests to gather. Not only is it a breeding ground for mosquitoes, it provides a gathering location for birds, rodents and other pests to find their necessary water.

Weight. Depending on the size of the ponding area, it could be adding unanticipated weight to the roofing structure. A single gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds. You can quickly see how large areas of ponding can add substantial weight to specific structural locations. Those locations may not be sufficiently reinforced to support that weight.

Collapse. Over time, left unchecked that ponding water will lead to system failure and will eventually get into the structure. The structure will weaken and collapse. No roofing system or substructure can withstand the damage of unchecked water year after year.

How to Address Ponding Water Issues

There is no point in identifying a problem if you aren’t willing to offer some solutions. Here are a few ways to identify and address water ponding.

Inspections. Scheduled inspections help identify the existence of a ponding water issue. Simply put, you can’t fix what you don’t know is broken. The NRCA states water found standing on flat roofs for longer than 2 full days after a storm should be examined by a professional commercial roofing contractor.

Maintenance. Appropriate maintenance of the flat roof system is paramount. This is how those small defects that may exist are corrected, reducing the risk of system compromise from the accumulated water.

Repairs. Any repair should be made promptly and correctly. Though it doesn’t stop the water from ponding, it does reduce the likelihood of more extensive damage from occurring.

Restoration. The application of a coating, spray foam or single-ply membrane improves the waterproofing of the system and helps seal any existing defects. If the ponding is due to collapsed insulation or other “low spot” in the roofing structure, it can also help fill in the area for a more even roof.

Gutters. Gutters need to be cleaned and inspected at least twice a year. Debris build-up is another common reason water can begin to pond on a system. This is such an easy fix. There is no excuse for it ever occurring.

Drains. The installation of drains may become necessary. Experts recommend a drain every 80 feet to allow for proper and efficient water removal.

Replacement. If the problem is extensive or caused by issues like collapsing insulation, weakened structure or even a foundational issue, the only answer to the problem may be a full tear off and replacement to address the deficiencies.

Remember, more than just an eyesore, ponding water is truly a hazardous condition to any flat roof system. Left unchecked, it will ultimately lead to system failure and the risk of a catastrophic loss to your client. Do them a favor, and make sure they know the risks. They will appreciate it.

Benefits of Solar Panel Power

Though solar power is not appropriate for everyone, for those who have the option, solar power has so many key benefits to consider. Here are just a few.

Save Money.  This benefit is a no-brainer and probably your primary reason for considering the solar option in the first place.  By generating part, or all, of your electricity needs, you reduce or even eliminate what you spend on your local electric company each and every month…for a very, very long time.

Control.  Solar panel power offers you control, financially, emotionally, and physically.  You have more control over rising energy costs, more control over your monthly finances and much more control should an emergency occur, and your electric grid is impacted.

Incentives.  With the concept of net metering (where the local electric company can and does purchase excess electricity from you) and SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits), you can actually make money, in the form of cash or credits, while generating your own electricity.

Investment.  The presence of solar panel power on a building increases its market value.  Depending on location, that increase can exceed 10% or more!  This can be a great investment.

Environmentally friendly.  Many people are extremely concerned about the environmental impact of carbon emissions. Solar panel power offers a clean, sustainable energy source which will greatly reduce the carbon footprint of your business.

Types of Solar Panels

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Monocrystalline.  The oldest of the solar panel types, monocrystalline panels have solar cells made of pure silicon.  A panel consists of 40 of these square-shaped cells and is black in color.  Other pertinent information about monocrystalline solar panels:

• Reaches up to 20% efficiency.
• Most expensive type of panel.
• Temperature coefficient of -0.3% C to -0.5% C.

Polycrystalline.  An update from the monocrystalline panel, polycrystalline panels are also made of pure silicon, though it is silicon fragments that have been melted together. This is then sliced into wafers which are assembled into the panel, which is blue in color.  Other pertinent information about polycrystalline solar panels:

• Reaches 15% to 17% efficiency.
• Mid-range type of panel.
• Temperature coefficient of -0.3% C to -0.5% C.

Thin-Film.  The newest of the panel options, thin-film panels are not always made of silicon, but may be made of cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide or amorphous silicon.  The biggest difference is the panels are about 350 times thinner than the crystalline options. They may be either blue or black in color.  Other pertinent information about thin-film panes:

• Reaches +/- 11% efficiency.
• Most expensive panel style.
• Temperature coefficient of -0.2%.

Want to know more about solar panel power and your options?  Call us today at 800-670-5583 and schedule a no-obligation consultation.