Solar Roofs initial cost is about twice as much as many standard roofing systems. However many of us know little about them in general.

Like how does a solar roof system function? This can be complicated to explain to someone that is not familiar with solar systems. Basically when sunlight hits the PV panel, it’s cells absorb that energy and generate electricity in the process. The electrical properties of the PV cell provide all the voltage needed to drive that current though an external load. The system generates DC electricity, which is converted  to  usable AC power. The power will be stored and  distributed through the existing electrical outlets throughout the building. Of course that is just the short version, but hopefully you get the point.

Is a solar roof system worth the investment? Well that depends. If you are in Florida and get plenty of sunshine year around you will get more out of a system than somewhere like Alaska. It’s not uncommon for companies to save 40% or more on their electricity bills a year, and most save a minimum of 15%.  Many state and federal incentives are offered as well, that can save a company even more money. As you can see these systems can eventually pay for themselves, and a good system should last 20 years or more if properly designed and installed.

There is no single contractor with a dominant market share in the roofing industry. We have some major players in the game, but we don’t exactly have a Coca-Cola or Pepsi in our industry. Even the largest contractors make up a small amount of the market.

Total Revenue for both commercial and residential sectors is 46 Billion with an annual growth of 2.2%

Nearly 100,000 Roofing companies employ nearly 287,000 people.

Course Overview

This course provides the NRCA approved roofing torch applicator program. Instructor will use NRCA manuals, video, classroom discussion and live demonstration to teach the most recent best practice and industry requirements for the safe use of roofing torches.

When: November 3rd, 8-4 (Breakfast and Lunch will be served)

Where: ABC Supply, Doraville, GA

Cost to attend? $200 for NRCA member or $250 for non-members

This course will also be available in Spanish.

Registration deadline is October 27th, but limited spots are available. So, go ahead and reserve your place and register ahead of time. For more information contact RSMCA.

This weekend was my first trip to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It was well worth the $18.95 admission, and the $5.00 for parking. It’s a great way to get some exercise (a lot of walking involved), while seeing beautiful scenery. They had a wide variety of plants both inside and out, and even a park for children.

When first entering the building of the Atlanta Botanical Garden I noticed a green roof (or as I call it a roof garden). I consider any energy efficient roof as “green”, roofs that I see on a daily basis. However, I do not see many roof gardens in the south, so I snapped some photos.

Green Roof at Atlanta Botanical Garden

Plants on Roof

Plants cover nearly 50% of the visitor center roof area, provide natural cooling, sound insulation, and additional wildlife habitat for the many squirrels, birds, lizards, and critters that live at the park. This roof consist of five layers of material for waterproofing for the interior.

If you are interested in visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden additional information can be found below.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

1345 Piedmont Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA, 30309

404-876-5859

http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org