InSpire is a transpired solar collector wall system that captures heat from the sun to preheat outside air before it enters the building, lowering heating energy consumption and decreasing utility bills. But it does much more than that. It also destratifies hot air trapped at the ceiling, resulting in lower temperatures for air exhausted through the roof. Furthermore, InSpire is beneficial in summer by shielding the building’s watertight wall from direct sunlight.

The system begins with the metal panels. They are available in 0.032-inch aluminum or 0.027-inch zinc. The aluminum is provided with a Fluoropolymer (PVDF) coating system in a variety of colors, whereas the zinc is available in pre-weathered finishes. With both materials, the sun’s energy is absorbed by the panels, heating the air at the surface. Precision-engineered perforations provide passageways for the air to move through the collector.

Installation consists of mounting the perforated ATAS wall panels 4 to 8 inches from the outer wall of the building. Ventilation fans at the top of the wall draw the outside air through the perforations in the panels and into the wall cavity. The air is then passed into the conventional ductwork of the building’s ventilation system.

InSpire reduces annual energy consumption by 1 to 2 therms per square foot of collector, and it lowers annual heating costs by $1.50 to $5.50 per square foot of collector, depending on the fuel replaced. This results in typical paybacks of three to eight years.

ATA-Solar is another sustainable option. It is a building integrated photovoltaic roof system that transforms solar energy into electricity. ATA-Solar laminates are factory-applied to the roof panels in a controlled environment. This alleviates problems that occur with other PVs that are applied in the field. The kilowatt capacity of ATA-Solar depends on the layout of the roof and the type of roofing panels used.

Where possible, ATAS roofing products are coated with a cool pigment paint that reflects infrared radiation. This allows the color to appear the same while keeping the material cooler, reducing the urban heat island effect, lowering the building’s interior temperature and slashing cooling season utility bills.

When thinking metal and green, don’t forget about lifespan and retrofit capabilities. Metal roof and wall systems offer the unique advantage of offering some of the longest service lives available among building cladding materials. Inherent advantages of metal roofing can be combined with other leading edge technologies, such as: ASV (above sheathing ventilation), PV systems, solar heat recovery, and integrating conventional insulation and air barrier components that can assist in achieving the high-efficiency building requirements of today and tomorrow.

The most efficient green building technique is retrofitting an existing structure to improve energy and use. Retrofit upgrades an existing building’s exterior to provide a newly engineered system that meets current energy codes. It is a proven technology supported by existing case studies and third-party testing and research that show its value in improving a building’s energy efficiency.

These ATAS products, and others, may contribute to LEED credits, be rated by the CRRC and/or be ENERGY STAR qualified. They also could qualify for tax credits. Visit www.atas.com for more information about the company’s sustainable offerings.

Product profile content written and provided by manufacturer.