Non-Traditional Solar Applications Provide Consumers with More Options

As more and more people are looking to take advantage of solar opportunities, the variety of applications continues to expand beyond the traditional roof-mounted solar.  Three emerging applications include: Solar sunshades/awnings, carports/parking structures, and ground mount systems.

1.  Solar Sunshades/Awnings

Solar PV awnings provide consumers with a unique opportunity to make their solar purchase visible, aesthetically pleasing, and functional.  Aside from generating solar electricity, solar PV awnings also provide shade and reduce glare on hot, sunny days.  Solar PV awnings can help to conserve energy by shading your windows and doors, thus reducing the sun's heat and damaging UV and IR radiation rays from damaging valuable furnishings, floor coverings and window treatments.

Mounting solar panels on top of sunshades/awnings helps to increase the airflow around the panels so they may operate at cooler temperatures.  Solar panels maintained at cooler temperatures generate more electricity since heat tends to restrict electron flow. 

2.  Solar Carports/Parking Structures

Solar parking structures offer building owners and consumers many benefits including solar production and energy savings, shading and weather protection for vehicles, and increased system visibility.  Adding solar carport structures can help to attract customers and tenants because most will choose to park in a covered area verses a parking spot exposed to the elements- rain, snow, and the summer heat    

Most structures can be customized to match the color and design of existing buildings and sized to fit standard and complex parking lots.  Adding lighting and security cameras is also an option for most carport structures.  This is an ideal application for large parking areas including schools, hospitals, airports, and government agencies.  Carport structures may also be the wave of the future and serve as docking and charging stations for hybrid and electric vehicles. 

3.  Ground Mount Solar

A ground mount solar system is a highly recommended application for the following scenarios:

• Limited roof space
• Poor roof orientation or sun exposure (shadowing)
• Larger system installations
• Those with access to large amounts of sun-exposed land.

The two main types of ground mount systems are fixed-tilt and single- or dual-axis tracking systems.  All ground mount systems require solid foundations and concrete footings to provide stability in storms and high winds.  Although single- or dual-axis tracking systems can increase the overall energy yield achieved from the panels, they do require increased upfront costs and additional recurring maintenance and upkeep expenses.

April Showers Bring Leaks...Not Flowers

As Coloradans recovers from a winter filled with heavy, wet snows and tremendous freeze/thaw conditions, it's important to remember that your roof endured these harsh conditions also.  Damages, whether slight or extreme, may have occurred over the winter months and a little T.L.C. may be in order to get your roof back to ideal working conditions.

While leaks may be an obvious sign of much needed repair work, many indicators are more difficult to detect by an untrained eye.  The certified technicians at Douglass Colony Group can perform a roof inspection, complete with detailed pictures of problem areas, to show you the real story of what's going on with your roof.  We can provide you with different options, competitive pricing, and an array of product materials to meet your specific needs.  The quick turnaround time to get the project done will ensure everything under your roof stays dry and safe during the wet months to come!  

Give us a call today to fix that leak or schedule a no-obligation roof inspection.

303-288-2635 or 1-877-288-0650

Homes for our Troops

Homes for our Troops is a national non-profit organization that provides homes at NO COST to the Veterans that have selflessly given to our country and have returned home with serious disabilities and injuries since September 11, 2001.  All building materials and professional labor hours are donated for free.  The house will be built for Marine Lance Corporal Kade Hinkhouse who served in Ramadi, Iraq.  The General Contractor is Aaron Lovelace of Western Classic Design, LLC.  The 3-day Build Brigade will take place on April 30th, May1st, and May 2nd at 33075 Vista View Circle, Elizabeth, CO 80107. 

LCpl Kade Hinkhouse's story is quite exceptional.  In 2005, while patrolling on a late night mission, the vehicle he was riding in was hit by a dual stacked IED.  The Humvee exploded and LCpl Hinkhouse was ejected leaving him with near-death injuries including a depressed skull fracture, collapsed lungs, and a severe leg injury.  Doctors determined his right leg required amputation and 45% of his skull needed to be removed to alleviate the swelling and allow his brain to heal.  He spent over a year and a half recovering from cranial plastic surgery to repair his skull and countless hours of rehabilitation.  LCpl is happy to return to Colorado to be close to his family. 

Douglass Colony Group will be donating labor hours and materials/equipment at no cost.  Douglass Colony will be installing the tile roof and a 5kW ground mount solar system.  The project will be certified as LEED Gold.  . 

Client Testimonial

"The Douglass Colony team not only provided an excellent overview of their product lines-which are many-but they were also knowledgeable.  The presentation team is the team that actually understands what products cost, how they are installed, and what the pros and cons of each product are.  It was a pleasure to have actual service providers in the office, not just salespeople!"

               - Val Williams, Davis Partnership Architects

To learn more about our products and services or to schedule your Lunch and Learn appointment today, please give us a call at 303-288-2635 or 1-877-288-0650!