CE513: Rooftop PV: What You Need to Know About Roof Systems

Rooftops represent the most available, sustainable and secure real estate, which is why low-slope and steep-slope roofs are increasingly being used as platforms for photovoltaic systems.  Low-slope roofs (commonly used for commercial buildings) and steep-slope roofs (commonly used for single-family residences) have separate challenges when integrating PV systems.

Information from the roofing industry and roofing manufacturer requirements will be provided as well as numerous photographs.

INSTRUCTOR BIO:

James R. Kirby, AIA, is Vice President of Sustainability for the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing, Washington, DC.  Kirby has expertise in roof system design and construction, weatherproofing and energy-efficiency of the building envelope, and rooftop PV systems.  His responsibilities include serving as liaison for the Center's PV taskforce, representing the roofing industry at sustainability-focused events, and presenting sustainability-based technical information to roofing and other construction trades within the US and internationally.

Kirby holds a bachelor's degree in architectural studies and a master's degree in architecture (structures option) from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  He recently received his Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Design and Construction from Boston Architectural College, and he also is an accredited Green Roofing Professional.  Before joining The Center in 2012, he worked for National Roofing Contractors Association, most recently as Associate Executive Director of Technical Communications.  Prior to his 16 years at NRCA, he worked for Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc., Northbrook, Ill., an architectural and engineering consulting firm. He is a licensed architect in Illinois and a professional member of several industry organizations, including ASTM International, American Institute of Architects, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, International Code Council and U.S. Green Building Council Chicago Chapter.

Kirby is a frequent presenter and contributing author to the roofing, energy-efficiency and solar industries.  He has given numerous presentations, educational seminars and webinars to industry-related associations and construction-affiliated groups.  Kirby also is an annual guest lecturer at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.