5 Reasons to specify Gypsum-Based DensDeck® Roof Board for Commercial Low-Slope Photovoltaic (solar) Roof System

Commercial architecture and construction are evolving at a rapid pace, driven by the increasing demand for renewable energy solutions. One evolution is the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems on commercial low-slope roofs. To maximize efficiency, durability, and safety, specifying the right materials is crucial. Enter DensDeck® Roof Board, a high-performance gypsum cover board designed to optimize your photovoltaic installations. In this article, we explore the benefits of specifying DensDeck Roof Board for your commercial low-slope PV systems.

1. The Inevitable Shift to Renewable Energy

Transitioning to renewable energy is no longer a choice but a necessity. With the global push towards sustainable practices, integrating PV systems into commercial buildings is a significant step. The U.S. aims to achieve 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035, and solar power is a crucial part of this strategy.1 According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the commercial solar sector is projected to grow by an average of 8% over the next five years.2

2. Solar Electricity Benefits

Solar electricity offers numerous advantages for businesses:

  • Lower Utility Costs: PV-generated electricity can significantly reduce utility expenses, offering long-term financial savings.
  • Increased Property Value: Roof-mounted solar panels could increase overall property value by adding a competitive edge in the real estate market. Further, valuations can show that properties with solar installations can command higher prices as the potential for future energy savings is often capitalized into the property’s value.3Green Building Certifications: Installing solar panels can contribute to achieving LEED® points and other green building ratings, enhancing your building’s marketability.
  • Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC): For qualified projects, this reduces federal income tax liability by up to 30% of the cost of installing a solar system through 2033.4
  • Accelerated Depreciation (MACRS): Businesses can write off the total system cost in the first year.5
  • Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs): These credits help recover installation costs through the system’s energy production.6

3. Fire Risk Mitigation and Non-Combustibility

Solar panels on roofs, specifically faulty photovoltaic (PV) systems, can create high temperatures leading to significant fire risk. Electrical arcing in these systems, caused by separated conducting components, can generate this heat. The issue is escalated as the arcing can be sustained in direct current (DC) systems compared to alternating current (AC), causing potential roof damage. Studies by the International Energy Agency have highlighted the grave risks from arc faults, ground faults, and combustion in PV systems. As a result, strict fire safety measures and the usage of non-combustible materials, like DensDeck Roof Board, are essential for minimizing fire risks related to solar installations.

Safety is paramount in roofing systems, especially with electrical components like PV panels. DensDeck Roof Board is non-combustible per ASTM E136, which significantly helps to reduce fire risks. The gypsum core and fiberglass-mat facers in DensDeck Roof Board to slow the spread of flames and smoke, ensuring a safer environment for both the building and its occupants.

4. Durability and Longevity

Photovoltaic systems need a durable foundation, and DensDeck Roof Board excels in this aspect:

  • Compressive Strength:With a compressive strength ranging from 900 to 1,800 PSI, DensDeck Roof Board resists punctures from installation, maintenance activities, and continuous foot traffic.
  • Extended Roof Life: Studies show that 86% of single-ply roofs with a cover board met their owner’s life expectancy, compared to only 52% without one. This highlights the role of DensDeck Roof Board in enhancing the longevity of roofing systems, reducing the need for costly re-roofing.

5. Efficient and Safe PV Installation

DensDeck Roof Board contributes to safer and more efficient PV installations. Its stability and durability provide a reliable base for mounting solar panels, ensuring they remain securely attached even in adverse weather conditions. This not only facilitates a smoother installation process but also maximizes the operational life of both the roofing system and the PV panels.

Conclusion

Specifying DensDeck Roof Board for commercial low-slope photovoltaic roof systems is a strategic decision that offers multiple benefits. From enhanced fire safety and durability to financial incentives and environmental impact, DensDeck ensures your roofing system is ready to support the future of renewable energy. Make sure to share this insightful blog with your network of commercial architects, building specifiers, and roofers to spread the word on the benefits of DensDeck Roof Board. For more details on how DensDeck can bolster your next project, visit DensDeck.com and explore our range of high-performance roof boards tailored to meet the needs of modern commercial buildings.

1 https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/DOE%20-%20100%25%20Clean%20Electricity%20-%20Final.pdf
2 https://www.trinasolar.com/us/resources/blog/c-and-i-top-trends-of-2024#:~:text=A%20Snapshot%20of%20C%26I%20Solar,will%20likely%20experience%20increased%20development
3 PV VALUE® User Manual v. 1.1 (appraisalinstitute.org)
4 https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/federal-solar-tax-credits-businesses
Depreciation of Solar Energy Property in MACRS | SEIA
https://www.kcgreenenergy.com/blog/businesses-benefits-solar-installation/#:~:text=Energy%20Independence,Independence%20from%20commercial&text=By%20investing%20in%20a%20self,happens%20to%20the%20commercial%20grid.