On site, nine metal buildings primarily provide cold storage for their apples after harvest and immediately prior to distribution. Each building was constructed with Americana siding and Fabral® metal roofing. Five of the nine roofs feature direct-attach solar photovoltaics (PV). The PV was secured to the roofs with the S-5-PVKIT®2.0 solar attachment solution and S-5-S Mini clamps. The remaining, older structures utilize a traditional rail system.
The Bailey’s goal is to integrate a vertically holistic approach to sustainable fruit growing and operate a net-zero farm. Their approach begins with sustainable fruit growing techniques from preparing the land to growing their own apple trees in an on-site nursery. They even cultivate a pollinator habitat and grow native plants for nine species of native bees to provide cross-pollination for the apple trees, in addition to a locust post grove for trellising. Because the Bailey’s select apple varieties and plant trees based on predicting consumer demands 20 years out, they require buildings that utilize sustainable building components and an energy-efficient power generation system to run the farm.
The Bailey’s chose to use metal building components not only for their lasting performance and durability, but also because of their reflective properties, which lowers the temperature of the building and enhances its cold-storage functionality. They also chose to “go-solar” to supplement the farm’s power generation and in an effort to achieve their goal of operating a net-zero farm.
A standing seam roof was selected to allow direct attach of the solar panels to the seams or ribs of the roof, preserving the PV assembly’s longevity by providing a penetration-free system. The PVKIT mounting system was chosen to secure the solar panels to the metal roof because it provides a rail-less, aesthetically-pleasing, penetration-free, and cost effective solar mounting solution.
The PV system allows the Bailey’s to realize their long-term sustainability goals and reduce operating costs―getting
hem closer to their goal of running a net-zero farm.
The pre-assembled PVKIT® used in rail-less solar PV mounting can save you in logistics and installation time. It is compatible with all S-5! clamps and most brackets. It fits all 30-46 mm module frames and offers multiple slots for wire management.
The S-5-S (“S” stands for snap-lock) is a non-penetrating, standing seam metal roof (SSMR) clamp. The S is designed for most popular vertical snap-together profiles -- typically with vertical dimensions of 1.5” (38 mm) and 1.75” (44 mm).
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