High-visibility Project Gets a High-performance Roof
Zelma George Recreation Center is a focal point in the residential Cleveland neighborhood where it is located. Because it is such a highly used facility, it is important the building perform properly, as well as be aesthetically pleasing. After 10 years, the building still looked good, but some issues had arisen. The original metal roof was not watertight and had leakage problems. The panel profile used was not adequate for this type of application. The city needed to find a solution…
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In Memory of Gene Kaleta…
Sheffield Metals International along with Ultra Seam Association Inc. has established the NATHAN KALETA EDUCATIONAL FUND. The fund is now available for a company or individual who wishes to extend any type of contribution in conjunction with Gene's recent passing. Gene continues to be sorely missed by Sheffield Metals, Ultra Seam, and the entire metal roofing industry. Those who wish to keep Gene's spirit alive may contact:
Terry King
First Merit Bank
5252 Detroit Avenue
Elyria, Ohio 44035
(440) 934-4109
Capital Improvements
Wall Street bailout extends tax incentives for cool metal roofing
When President Bush recently signed into law the $700 billion Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424), one of the bill's provisions extended the tax incentives for cool metal roofing and other renewable and energy efficiency improvements.
The new act extended the tax perks originally offered by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The 2005 Act created a $500 tax credit for homeowners who installed Energy Star approved prepainted metal roof systems. The 2008 Act extended the incentive to homeowners who add the approved roof systems in 2009.
Cool metal roofs save on more than just taxes. The properties of coil coated metal and cool pigments combined in a roofing system can save up to 40 percent in cooling costs, provide a wide selection of styles, textures and colors, and offer a green alternative to existing roofing systems. Cool metal roofs are sustainable, are made from 25 percent to 100 percent recycled materials, resist harsh weather, are 100 percent recyclable, and lead to a substantial reduction in landfill deposits.
The Energy Improvement and Extension Act also included the Extension of Energy-Efficient Buildings Deduction, now valid until December 13, 2013. Currently, taxpayers can deduct the cost of energy-efficient property installed in commercial buildings. The amount deductible is up to $1.80 per square foot of building floor area for structures achieving a 50 percent energy savings. To qualify, the energy savings must be attained through power and energy cost reductions for the building's heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water, and interior lighting systems.
Specifying prepainted metal building panels, roof systems, doors and windows can help achieve these energy efficiency goals, meaning building owners can trim even more off their tax bill, in addition to the substantial energy cost savings.
For Immediate Release
Date: 10/3/2008
Federal Solar Tax Credits Extended for 8 Years, US Poised to Become Largest Solar Market in the World
Industry Leaders Forecast Dramatic Growth in the U.S. Solar Market by 2016 with Extension of Credit
WASHINGTON - Today, by a vote of 263-171 , the U.S. House of Representatives passed historic legislation that extends the 30-percent federal investment tax credit for both residential and commercial solar installations for 8 years. This landmark legislation is part of H.R. 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, designed to address the U.S. financial crisis. It is the most significant federal policy ever enacted for the solar industry. President Bush has vowed to sign the bill into law. The Senate passed the bill on Wednesday night.
"This bill is a major step in our long journey toward energy independence and ensures that solar energy will be a significant part of America's energy future," said SEIA president Rhone Resch. "This long-term extension of the solar tax credits will create a domestic solar industry with hundreds of thousands of jobs while providing clean, affordable, carbon-free energy to millions of American families, businesses, and communities."
"On behalf of the 60,000 Americans employed by the solar energy industry, we would like to thank Leaders Reid and McConnell and Senators Baucus, Grassley, Cantwell and Ensign for their dogged support of the solar tax credit extension. In the House we are thankful to Leaders Pelosi, Hoyer, Boehner, and Blunt, and Chairman Rangel, Ranking Republican McCrery and Rep. Camp among many others who have long worked to bring solar energy to the mainstream. These leaders have broken through partisan politics and have provided a bright future for solar energy in the United States," said Resch.
"By passing this bill, Congress has finally given the solar energy industry 'policy certainty' that will attract investment, expand manufacturing and lower the cost of solar energy to consumers," said Roger Efird, SEIA chairman and president of Suntech America, a leading Chinese solar power manufacturing company. "This will allow companies like mine to move forward with expansion plans to serve the growing U.S. market."
"This bill puts the sun to work for every American," added Resch. "And by 2016, we expect solar energy to be the least expensive source of electricity for consumers."
The solar investment tax credit (ITC) provisions will:
- Extend for 8 years the 30-percent tax credit for both residential and commercial solar installations;
- Eliminate the $2,000 monetary cap for residential solar electric installations, creating a true 30-percent tax credit (effective for property placed in service after December 31, 2008);
- Eliminate the prohibition on utilities from benefiting from the credit;
- Allow Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) filers, both businesses and individuals, to take the credit;
- Authorize $800 million for clean energy bonds for renewable energy generating facilities, including solar.
The solar tax credits were originally enacted in the 2005 and have created unprecedented growth in the U.S. The amount of solar electric capacity installed in 2007 was double that installed in 2006.
"Over the last 2 years, these tax credits have turned the solar industry from a small, cottage industry into an economic engine for America. Electricians, plumbers, roofers and construction workers can now get back to work. These jobs are the backbone of the American economy and the solar industry is creating them at a time when they are needed the most," said Resch.
According to a new economic study by Navigant Consulting, Inc., the 8-year extension of the ITC will create 440,000 permanent jobs and unleash $325 billion in private investment in the solar industry. This study did not factor in elimination of $2,000 monetary cap on the residential credit, so the actual job creation and investment could be even greater.
"This is a big boost for the residential market in particular, allowing homeowners to contribute to our nation's energy independence," said Efird. "It also opens the floodgates for building large, utility-scale solar power projects that need longer timeframes to complete."
To date, there are 27 such utility-scale solar power projects totaling 5,400 megawatts of power in various stages of development; most were on hold due to uncertainty surrounding the expiring tax credits.
Because solar energy components are manufactured near their markets, this extension will create manufacturing and installation jobs in all 50 states. The states that will enjoy the largest economic boost are California, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, and Washington.
Similarly, the economies of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and the rest of the Great Lakes region will grow significantly as a result of the extension. This area of the country has suffered greatly from a huge decline in jobs in the automotive and traditional manufacturing industries.
According to the same study, more than 28 gigawatts of electricity will be produced from solar energy by 2016 - enough to power more than 7 million homes.
"Success has not come easy. It required a strategic campaign that included dedicated SEIA staff, a committed board, and active membership all focused on one goal. It took seven votes in the House and 10 votes in the Senate, but in the end, Congress came through. This effort has established SEIA as a major energy player on Capitol Hill," said Resch. "We have a lot of opportunity in front of us and will be back next year to work on critical issues such as transmission infrastructure, renewable electricity standards, and combating global warming."
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jason Watts
Phone: 1-800-283-5262
E-mail:
Date: 10/1/2008
Sheffield Metals International Introduces SOLR™:
Solar Energy Roofing Panels
Sheffield, Ohio… Sheffield Metals International announces the release of SOLR™, Solar Energy Roofing Panels. The new product uses EnergyPeak technology and standards to create a best-of-breed solar roofing product that's affordable and suitable for virtually any roofing project, both new and retrofit.
The foundation of SOLR™'s impressive energy generating capability is EnergyPeak's state-of-the-art thin-film solar laminate, a lightweight and highly flexible material that integrates onto the surface of Sheffield Metals International's CoolR® cool metal roofing. When exposed to sunlight, these solar laminates produce electricity, even in high temperature and cloudy environments. Electricity generated by the laminates is fed back through the electrical meter into the power grid.
This enhanced efficiency of SOLR™, combined with ever increasing government incentives, tax rebates and renewable energy credits, promises lower initial cost and impressive returns on investment (ROI). Sheffield Metals International's SOLR™ solar roof system will come with a standard 20-year warranty.
“In light of rising energy costs, Sheffield Metals International introduction of SOLR™ illustrates Sheffield Metals International's commitment to alternative energy sources and green building products,” explains Jason Watts. “By combing advanced solar energy technology with Sheffield Metals International's established reputation as a top metal roofing provider, SOLR™ provides our customers with a solar system of unmatched quality and performance.”
The SOLR™ system also features new ROI calculator that provides architects and building owners with a complete analysis of the proposed solar energy system. Using numerous variables, including up to date rebates and incentives, the ROI software predicts system power output and return on investment, both financially and in years.
For information on how SOLR™ can power your new or existing project, call Jason Watts at 1-800-283-5262 to request a customized ROI analysis.
Sheffield Metals International is a leader in the manufacturing and distribution of coated and bare metal products. The company specializes in providing prepainted galvanized, galvalume and aluminum for the architecturally designed metal panel industry. More than 25 colors are continuously stocked in both galvalume and galvanized steel, complimented with several popular colors in aluminum coil. Sheffield Metals operates out of four facilities: Sheffield, Ohio; Acworth, Georgia; Mansfield, Texas; and Denver, Colorado.
For more information, visit www.coolrmetal.com or call 1-800-283-5262.