Metanna, partnering with metal roofing and building manufacturers to provide turnkey solar solutions, joined with the Metal Construction Association and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to commission an experimental state-of-the art research project. The project intends to test and validate the dynamics between the metal panels of a building, solar modules, and energy efficient technologies in order to optimize an envelope design to minimize building energy consumption and maximize on-site electricity generation, based on the surrounding environment.
The project’s development phase commenced in 2009; the final phase is set to be completed in 2013. Testing in the early phases of the project included the use of thin-film photovoltaic modules. The final phase of the research was designed to evaluate crystalline modules on standing seam metal.
In April 2012, the final phase was initiated. Metanna’s Jason Watts joined MCA at the ORNL test building to assist in the installation of the test lanes. Gary Manlove, president of Metanna says “solar photovoltaic energy is most efficiently harvested on metal roofs. The panels can be direct attached without penetrating the roof using S-5!, and the panels sit a few inches above the roof, casting shade and creating air convection, effectively cooling the roof, which reduces the building’s cooling costs. We’ve believed for years that coupling PV panels with a standing seam metal roof produces the most energy efficient roof.”
According to Scott Kriner, MCA technical director, “The cooperation from Gary Manlove and the team at Metanna was instrumental in the procurement of solar panels and BOS [balance-of-system] equipment needed for the steep slope and low slope test lanes. The assistance with the coordination and installation of the PV modules and metal panels was invaluable in allowing our group to finish the installation within three days.”
To learn more about MCA and the Dynamic Building Envelope Research Project, visit www.MetalConstruction.org. To learn more about Metanna, visit www.metanna.com.
