—Darin Johnson, Midstates Energy Solutions
Given the sharp increases in utility rates, the farmer wished to offset his electrical usage by installing a rooftop solar system.
By taking advantage of the Federal Investment Tax Credit, the farmer will receive a total return on investment within 5 years. The PVKIT and ProteaBracket system provided an aesthetically- pleasing, cost-effective PV mounting solution–saving him time and money on installation and materials, enabling such a short pay-back period.
A local Amish metalworker recommended the PVKIT direct-attachTM solar solution paired with the ProteaBracket to provide a secure, economical system for attaching solar modules to the roofs. The PVKIT was the lightweight solution (85% lighter than a traditional racking system) that local EPC contractor, Midstates Energy Solutions (MES) was seeking. Featuring far fewer components than traditional mounting systems, the PVKIT allowed for quick and easy installation and enabled solar installers to “lay & play” PV modules with tested, engineered, cost-saving attachment. Matter of fact, MES estimated a labor savings of up to 40% in installation time. The ProteaBacket, mounted directly onto the rib of the trapezoidal sheet, comes with a factory-applied, EPDM pad to ensure the weatherproof fit the customer wanted. MES estimated the system would show a return on investment in just 5 years. The farmer now has an advantage over energy inflation by taking a variable energy cost and locking in a fixed cost for the 25 years following the initial pay-back period.
Leas Farms was concerned about farm equipment, vehicles, machinery and debris interfering with a ground mount system, not to mention taking up valuable farmland. The farmer wanted a system that would be safe and away from all the activity on the ground. He also wanted a lightweight mounting system that could be engineered to handle the service loads (primarily wind uplift) of the solar modules and would keep his roof watertight. Additionally, given the sharp increases in utility rates, he was looking to offset his grid electrical usage by installing a rooftop solar system that would enable him to reduce his overall electrical spend and a system that would pay for itself.
As utility rates are expected to rise at a rate of 2% per year, the farmer wanted a rooftop solar PV system that would enable him to supplement his power usage. His cost savings will continue to grow each year with a total forecasted savings of more than $400,000 over the next 25 years.
The pre-assembled PVKIT® used in rail-less solar PV mounting can save you in logistics and installation time. It is compatible with all S-5! clamps and most brackets. It fits all 30-46 mm module frames and offers multiple slots for wire management.
The ProteaBracket fits most trapezoidal sheet profiles, including pre-assembled foam core panels (IMPs - Insulated Metal Panels).
ProteaBracket is mounted directly onto the crown of the trapezoidal sheet using stainless-capped screws (provided) or Bulb-Tite rivets (sold separately). It has been rigorously tested for load-to-failure results in sheeting only.
Learn more about the products featured in this case study.
