Roof Hugger, Dawn Solar align for energy savings (October 2009)

The Roof Hugger Inc., Odessa, Fla., is incorporating energy-saving technologies offered by Dawn Solar Systems, Brentwood, N.H. This strategic alliance provides Roof Hugger’s and Dawn Solar’s customers with the expertise and integrated products for developing renewable energy solutions. Their technology is a means of harnessing solar energy coupled with the ability to integrate systems into building architecture without compromising design aesthetics. The systems include solar heat recovery and solar thermal heat collection for water, process and space heating in retrofit and new construction applications. In retrofit, the fundamental principle for these systems is utilizing the air-space cavity that is created by installing Roof Huggers between the old and new roofs. For new construction, the air-space is created by first installing a metal sub-deck over the purlins with a Roof Hugger and then insulating for maximum thermal resistance. The application provides a very clean underside roof assembly, which enhances lighting and interior aesthetics. The air-space in both applications present several options to the contractor and building owner.For code compliance, high-density board insulation is installed across the sub-deck ribs parallel with the Roof Huggers. Atop the insulation is the Dawn Solar reflective radiant insulating barrier having an R-valu of 10. With a minimum overall thermal resistance of R-26 being required by the Model Energy Code/ASHRAE 90.1 for new metal building construction, the insulation board can easily be selected fro any number of manufacturers with products having a minimal R-value of 16. For retrofit, the insulation type can be fiberglass or board insulation and as far as R-value, it is up to the building owner and/or design professional. These systems can be used to improve the building inhabitants’ comfort and environment as well as provide energy benefits through alternative energy resources. Approved by the Solar Rating and Certification Corp., the system qualify for federal tax credits available for commercial buildings. Under the conditions of the Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 and the more recent American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, commercial building owners that improve their energy efficiency using solar systems may be eligible for tax credits as allowed by Section 179 of the U.S. Tax Code. These credits have been extended for projects completed prior to Jan. 1, 2017. For more information, visit www.roofhugger.com or www.dawnsolar.com.