by CD — April 12, 2013—PanelClaw, a Massachusetts-based provider of ballasted flat-roof and ground-mount systems, recently assisted two San Mateo County schools in becoming the first schools in California to be fitted with ballasted solar mounting systems to reduce their energy costs and operate more sustainably.
For the project, the company installed its Grizzly Bear flat roof racking system, an environmentally friendly ballasted solar mounting solution for commercial flat roof applications. Included among its features are integrated UL 2703-certified grounding and ballast, recycled rubber roof protection pad, integrated wire management, and advanced thermal compensation, says PanelClaw.
According to the company, it is the first in the industry to have its wind tunnel data successfully approved by the California Division of the State Architect’s (DSA) newly revised IR-16-8 permitting guidelines. The CA DSA oversees design, construction, and the development of codes and standards utilized by K-12 schools and community colleges in the state.
The new California rules allow companies to replace the structurally prohibitive minimum weight requirement for ballasted systems with approved third-party wind tunnel data. This move makes PanelClaw’s ballasted systems an option for schools, and expedites review of the DSA’s Construction Oversight Process and permitting to ultimately lower the total cost of solar, the company says.
PanelClaw says it has completed countless school projects using Grizzly Bear across North America, and adding California schools and other public buildings as a viable application is yet another milestone for its product line.
