A Solar Panel Array That Celebrates America!

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

When this self-storage facility wanted a new solar panel array, they had one installed in the shape of the American flag. 

In 2016, Louisiana-based Liberty Self Storage decided to go green by commissioning solar conversions for their facilities’ roofs. For the first few locations of their multi-site business, they installed standard solar panels. But for their 10th installation, they went the patriotic route instead. 

With “Liberty” being a part of their company name, the storage company wished to represent this idea with a solar panel array in the shape of an American flag. They commissioned The Next Energy Technology for the project. In order for the design to have a clean look, a rail-mounted solar system was not ideal. So, The Next Energy Technology worked with its and solar provider, Ontility to determine the best solution. Ontility recommended the PVKIT ® solar solution by S-5! They found that the challenges they faced with the logistics of the design were made easier by using the PVKIT. 

This S-5! rail-less system directly attaches the solar array to the metal roof without any exposed rails. Paired with the S-5-V Mini clamp, the PVKIT made it easy for the solar panels to attach to the roof securely without penetrating the metal. 

Since the storage facility is in a high-wind area, the contractor also had to ensure the solar mounting system was secure. The standing seam metal roof provides a structural covering that works hard to withstand harsh wind conditions. With this solar system in place, the mounting system and metal roofing panels work together to prevent wind from tearing the roof off. And in the end, the American flag design came out clean and beautiful. 

Learn more about S-5! in their directory or visit www.S-5.com.