LEDS DESIGNS PHOTOVOLTAIC ROOF SYSTEM

Limbach Mid-Atlantic branch along with Limbach Engineering and & Design Services (LEDS), Perkins and Will, and Turner Construction have teamed up as Design-Build partners to build a new library for the DC Public Library system. When completed, the new library will be 2 stories, approximately 20,000 square feet, and act as a local community hub. The Design-Build Team has been working with the Owner to secure the Department of Energy and Environment Grant for a Renewable Photovoltaic source to offset the building’s energy cost. LEDS engineers designed a solution and prepared a final proposal that they presented to the DOEE. The proposed on-site energy system would utilize 131 KW of rooftop hybrid ballasted photovoltaic panels with 2 string inverters to produce approximately 155,584 kWh per year. This wattage would offset the building’s estimated energy cost by 30%. The system is projected to save the District of Columbia Public Library system about $12,448 per year. This solution, once implemented, will exceed the LEED Credit EA5 requirements and allow for the maximum allotted points for the credit.
LEDS took into account several factors to propose the most effective system to the client. In-depth solar studies that analyzed the building’s relative location, including shading from its proposed roof design, shading from adjacent buildings, and other building constraints. Engineers at LEDS also modeled the entire photovoltaic (PV) system in both National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts and Easy Powersoftware, which allowed them to project the PV system output, Arc Flash/Short Circuit contributions, voltage drop, and other safety factors. Such an emphasis on safety falls in line with Limbach’s Hearts and Minds Program. This program asks our people to take direct responsibility for eliminating and preventing all incidents and injuries at home and in the workplace.
With this focus on safety as well as the customer's overall cost & energy savings, the DC Public Library promises to be a project for the record books. ​
​