Rooftop solar systems offer property owners a valuable opportunity to generate revenue from an often overlooked asset—the building’s roof. Since a roof’s primary function is to protect the building envelope and its occupants, any solar installation must be carefully matched to the roof’s construction, membrane, and slope to ensure long-term performance and warranty compliance.
Flat Roofs with TPO and PVC Membranes
Flat commercial roofs often feature durable and energy-efficient membranes such as TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). TPO is known for its excellent UV and chemical resistance and reflective surface that helps reduce cooling costs. PVC offers superior chemical resistance and watertight protection through its welded seams. Both membranes are lightweight, flexible, compatible with insulation systems, and support sustainability goals.
Sloped Standing Seam Metal Roofs
Standing seam metal roofs, typically made from steel or aluminum, are prized for their longevity—often lasting 40 to 70 years—and exceptional weather resistance. Their reflective surfaces reduce heat absorption, and their design frequently allows for solar panel installation without roof penetrations, preserving roof warranties and structural integrity. These roofs are also environmentally friendly, often made from recycled materials and fully recyclable at end-of-life.
Solar Racking Solutions by Roof Type
Plankton Energy helps property owners monetize their rooftops by selecting the ideal solar racking system for each roof type. For flat TPO and PVC roofs, Plankton Energy employs ballasted solar racking systems. These systems use distributed weight to secure panels, minimizing or eliminating roof penetrations, protecting membrane warranties, and reducing the risk of leaks. Panels are mounted at a fixed tilt to optimize energy production while accommodating rooftop obstacles like vents and HVAC units.
For sloped standing seam metal roofs, Plankton Energy utilizes flush mount racking secured with S-5!® clamps. These clamps attach directly to the raised seams without penetrating the metal, maintaining the roof’s weather-tightness and warranty compliance. Flush mount systems keep panels close to the roof, reducing structural load and wind exposure. A wide variety of clamp styles ensure compatibility with different seam profiles and panel types.
Maximizing ROI with Proven Technologies
Both ballasted and flush mount solar racking systems are proven, reliable technologies that enable property owners to maximize their rooftop solar investments. By choosing the appropriate racking for their roof type, owners protect their building envelope, maintain warranties, and achieve strong, long-term energy generation. This reduces electricity costs and increases property value through sustainable, on-site power generation.
Whether your building has a flat membrane roof or a standing seam metal roof, Plankton Energy offers expert guidance and installation solutions to turn idle rooftop space into a revenue-generating asset.
Who Is Plankton Energy?
Plankton Energy delivers turnkey solar energy systems by managing every phase of the process—from initial site evaluation and utility interconnection to incentive enrollment, engineering design, financial structuring, construction, and long-term operations and maintenance.
As a financially structure-agnostic developer, Plankton Energy offers flexible funding options tailored to each property owner’s needs. Whether through site leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), or direct ownership, we craft agreements that maximize both environmental impact and economic value for our clients.