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Array Provides 20% of Annual Power Requirements

Project at a Glance

"We choose S-5! for their reliability and great technical support. This installation is in a snow belt so proper attachment was crucial. Being able to install the system without penetrating the metal roof also helped us sell the project to the customer."

-Deborah Zarbo, Alternative Engineer, Frey Electric Construction

The Situation & Results

Harvest Hill Golf Course, located near the border of West Seneca and Orchard Park, New York, completed extensive renovations in May 2013. After a new clubhouse, two cart houses and a tournament pavilion were finished, Harvest Hill contracted Frey Electric to install a solar harvesting system to the cart house structures to partially offset the cost of operations.

According to Deborah Zarbo, Alternate Engineer at Frey Electric, “While the PV system was not part of the project’s initial design, the arrays were relatively easy to integrate with the cart house buildings.”

Frey Electric solar PV

What Worked?

S-5!’s solar attachment technology was perfect for this retrofit project.

The S-5-PVKIT is a cost-effective direct-attached™ solar mounting solution that provides module-to-module conductivity, drastically reducing the need for costly copper wire and lugs. Installation is quick and easy, saving additional costs during labor.

The PVKIT utilizes the extensive line of profile-specific S-5! mini attachment clamps for maximum holding strength without damaging the roof membrane or voiding the roof manufacturer’s warranties. The astounding holding strength of S-5! mini clamps provides a permanent solar attachment, even on a 12:12 pitch.

Within only 18 days, the 37.44 kW solar project was complete and the system was commissioned in July 2013.

Frey Electric solar PV

Long Term Outlook

Because the steep slope allows snow to shed quickly from the PV modules, the system’s energy output is actually higher than the projected values. The array is now expected to provide 20% of Harvest Hill’s annual power requirements.

Because roof penetrations weren’t made, leaks and weathering will not occur at the system’s attachment points, and the mounted solar array will not jeopardize the roof manufacturer’s warranties.

S-5! Products Used

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 S-5-S (“S” stands for snap-lock) is a non-penetrating, standing seam metal roof (SSMR) clamp. The S is designed for most popular vertical snap-together profiles -- typically with vertical dimensions of 1.5” (38 mm) and 1.75” (44 mm).

Learn more about the products featured in this case study.

PVKIT S-5-S Mini Clamp
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