Introducing Doran Solar
Doran Roofing to Offer Solar Roofing System

In response to increasing demand, Doran Roofing Inc. will begin offering a standing seam solar roof system in 2008 under its new division, Doran Solar. The new system will be offered in conjunction with the standing seam metal roof design that Doran Roofing has been installing for more than 30 years. By utilizing a flexible "peel and stick" adhesive panel, the Doran Solar roof system will be less obtrusive and less costly than traditional solar panel installations.

The solar panels will attach to any of the color roofs available from Doran's metal supplier, Drexel Metal Inc. (for a complete color chart, visit www.drexmet.com). The panels (only available in blue) can be applied to as large or small of a roof area as desired, preferably a southern exposure in direct sunlight. The adhesive and coating on the roofing and solar panels are warranted for 20 years and can withstand wind gusts up to 160 mph. The photovoltaic film is warranted to produce power for 25 years at 80 percent of initial capacity. The result is an alternative energy option that provides substantial savings on the electric bill of any home or business over the next quarter century.

Precise savings on an electric bill will vary depending on the amount of footage installed and the amount of available sunlight during a given period. Installation price will also vary depending on a number of factors, however, given present tax credits and potential electrical output, it is estimated that a solar electric system should pay for itself within 5 to 10 years.

The initial Doran Solar consultation includes a comprehensive cost/benefit analysis worksheet that takes into account a number of factors to calculate electric potential including geography, exposure, and pitch. Doran Solar then combines that annual savings number with the litany of federal, state, and local grants and tax credits available to finally compute the break-even point for a solar roof installation.

Jake Helm, owner and president of Doran Roofing Inc., says, "This is the direction that metal roofing is heading. As energy costs rise, business and homeowners will continue to look towards alternative energy sources. We are already installing the roof, so it’s a natural next step for us to begin offering our customers a solar energy option.”

Helm adds, “The only added cost for us in going from a traditional standing seam roof installation is applying the peel and stick solar panels and sub-contracting an electrician to complete the wiring. The result is a more affordable solar option for the property owner."

The Doran Solar roof option will initially be available only on new standing seam roof installations because the application of the solar panels must be done in a highly controlled environment. Wiring specifications also require an alternative ridge cap combined with a non-traditional standing seam roof installation, which applies the ridge at the end of the process rather than the beginning.

Solar roof systems are not inexpensive. The result, however, is an energy efficient lifetime roof capable of generating electric power well into the foreseeable future.
For more information on standing seam solar roof installations or to schedule a no-cost consultation, contact Doran vice-president and CFO, Don Hubert Jr., directly at don@doranroofs.com or by calling 802.265-8038.