ATAS International Captures The Sun’s Power At Mesa, Arizona Plant

Mesa, AZ - In a continuing effort to improve energy efficiency at their facilities, a 187.2 kW photovoltaic (PV) solar electric system was recently installed on ATAS International’s plant located in Mesa, Arizona. The PV system was installed by RER Energy Group (RER) over an existing metal trapezoidal seam roof system.

Dick Bus, President of ATAS, stated the array will offset a substantial amount of ATAS’ annual electric usage, representing an important accomplishment in ongoing environmental and sustainability efforts. “We initially were going to install a system in Pennsylvania but decided to do the smaller Arizona installation first. It is producing electricity better than anticipated and we are moving forward with installing a 500 kW roof mounted array at our Grant Way facility in Allentown, Pennsylvania,” stated Bus.

According to Loretta Ottinger, the sales representative for RER Energy Group, the system consists of 576 roof-mounted, photovoltaic solar panels of 325 watts each. The array will produce more than 297,900 kWh (kilowatt hour) of renewable energy annually, resulting in energy cost savings in excess of $1.5 million over the life of the system. The system is expected to pay for itself within four years and three months. It made sense to focus on ATAS’ Arizona facility first, for a solar system installation; the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reported in June of 2018 that the state of Arizona is ranked third in the nation for the amount of solar installed, up from being ranked seventh in the prior year. A total of 3,463.4 MW has been installed in Arizona, resulting in 6.09% of the state’s electricity produced from solar. ATAS is proud to now be part of that solar growth in Arizona.

Solar installations continue to increase throughout the country. In May of this year, California regulators approved an historic plan to mandate rooftop solar panels on most new single-family homes built in the state. The California Energy Commission's solar mandate, which goes into effect in 2020, received the support of homebuilder and solar trade associations as well as several large utilities. Currently, the SEIA reports that California leads the nation in solar installations, followed by North Carolina.

Metal roofing is the ideal platform on which to attach solar arrays, due to its long service life. Metal Construction Association (MCA) studies have proven that standing seam metal roofing systems can last 60 years or longer in most environments with proper installation. Crystalline solar panels typically have a life expectancy of 25-30 years, so the metal roofing system will surely outlast the solar panels. Installing solar panels on a roofing system with a lifespan of less than 30 years creates a situation where building owners may not get the full value from their solar panels. They could end up removing working solar panels to repair or recover a failing roofing system. Crystalline solar panels can be easily attached to standing seam metal roofing using specially designed clamps, without any roof penetrations. S-5! manufactures and rigorously tests a variety of these metal roof attachment systems, and they were used on this ATAS facility in Arizona.

As a manufacturer of metal roofing, ATAS wanted to set an example on their own facility to show how solar and metal roofs can work together, resulting in a long-lasting, sustainable, and energy efficient system. It was noted that solar-ready metal roofing is the best solution for any building on which solar is being considered.

About ATAS International Inc.

Founded in 1963, ATAS International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of metal roofing, wall cladding, ceilings, perimeter edge metal, and accessories. The ATAS portfolio features an expansive selection of products available in aluminum, steel, zinc, stainless steel, and copper. Standard profiles include narrow and wide ribbed wall panels, corrugated styles, standing seam and batten seam roof systems, metal shingles, shakes, tiles, and more. Additional options include curved, tapered, and perforated panels; concealed or exposed fasteners; smooth or embossed textures; horizontal and vertical applications; and a choice of over 40 stock colors with 70% PVDF finish.

With sustainability at the forefront of modern building design, ATAS proudly supports green building objectives with high performance solutions, such as solar-ready roof panels, insulated metal panels, cool roofing products, and solar air heating wall panels. The ATAS team consists of product and market specialists that provide a high level of support for your project, from initial discovery and design to installation. ATAS has two ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing locations in the United States: the headquarters in Allentown, PA, and their facility in Mesa, AZ. ATAS also has a second location in Allentown, PA, and recently added a new manufacturing location in University Park, IL. For more information about ATAS International, visit www.atas.com or call 610.395.8445. For more information on InSpire transpired solar collector metal wall panels, visit www.inspirewall.com.