Submitted by Dave Nelsen, for a team comprised of Al Casas, Barry Hedgpeth, Ralph Locher, Dave Nelsen, Bud Spalding, and Mike Scrutton
In the Fall of 2014, it was recommended (on a diocesan level) that the parish investigate the merits of adding solar power to our campus. Our buildings and campus were evaluated by American Solar, and a proposal was submitted for building a 12.4 kW system comprised of 38 solar panels.
They proposed the panels be mounted to the flat portion of the Big Church roof at the entrance end of the building. It was strongly recommended the flat roof be replaced prior to installation of the panels, unless there was a strong ten years of life remaining in the roof.
This (and a current leak) prompted us to investigate the condition of the roof. Approximately ten roofing contractors were asked to submit bids for replacing the roof, with three submitting bids. The quote we were most comfortable with lists nine different options and prices for each, including $2,350 for maintenance of existing roof and $25,600 for replacement of roof.
Comments regarding the current condition of the roof were consistent from all three bidding contractors. The roof, now 15 years old, has weathered normally. They found no real evidence of deterioration (other than normal wear) and would expect this roof system could last another 5 – 8 years (with some minor maintenance).
We do not question the importance of installing solar paneling, however, considering we could expect to see 5 to 8 years of life from the current roof system, we recommend:
- Not installing solar paneling at this time.
- Contract with the selected vendor to perform suggested maintenance.
- Over the next 5 years, plan for the expense of replacing this roof.
- Revisit addition of solar paneling when this roof is replaced.
At the March 12 vestry meeting, a vote was taken, and passed, to proceed with the recommendations of this team.