CORROSION RESISTANT ROOFS WITH INTEGRATED SUSTAINABLE PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS

 

The popularity and advancement in thin-film photovoltaic technologies has recently crossed over to the metal roofing industry, providing sustainable roofs and electric power that is cost-effective in areas where electric rates are higher than $0.25/kilowatt-hour.  DOD facilities located in harsh marine environments typically experience high corrosion of metal roofs and also pay some of the highest electric rates in the nation.  The application of thin-film PV material to existing metal roofs and structures will generate environmentally friendly, cost-effective electricity.

Kilauea Military Camp, Hawai’i, has identified severe corrosion problems with metal roofs due to exposure to a micro-climate of alternate rain and sunshine. Over 50,000 square feet of the metal roofing on these buildings has been severely degraded.  These roofs have received Roofing Condition Index ratings of 20-50 (on a scale of 100 being “new” condition).  However, the effect of these PV systems and their components on the corrosion resistance of coated metal roofing systems during exposure has not been documented.

Working together with the KMC Department of Public Works’ staff, ERDC-CERL researchers will be demonstrating and validating a corrosion resistant 15 kilowatt-peak solar metal roof on Building 84, during FY10.  The roof is being performance monitored for both corrosion resistance and power/energy production.  A successful corrosion resistant solar metal roof demonstration at KMC’s Building 84 will provide Installation Design Standards and Unified Facility Criteria to allow Army/DOD-wide implementation of this technology, especially for Pacific Rim facilities. This project is co-sponsored by the Office of Under Secretary of Defense’s Office of Corrosion Policy and Oversight, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition Policy and Logistics (Army Corrosion Control Prevention Executive) and the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management and Headquarters, U.S. Army Installation Management Command.