SolarDock Achieves Class A Fire Testing Certification with Motech Panels

NEW CASTLE, Del., July 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- New, industry-altering fire test regulations recently enacted by the State of California now limit the installation of roof-mounted solar systems only to those combining racking systems from SolarDock with Motech's panels until other systems achieve compliance.  MOTECH works to provide a global source of clean and renewable energy, and strives to create a sustainable environment for future generations. SolarDock's Class A Fire Rating furthers its reputation as the most safe, reliable and profitable racking system on the market.

SolarDock achieved its Class A fire Rating and brings a tested system by combining with the Motech Class C panel to rate as a Class A fire rated system. This configuration is the industry's only high-performance solar power system to achieve a Class A Fire Rating that meets all the IBC 2012 and 2015 code requirements for rooftop PV and California new building code requirements.  These become mandatory January 1, 2015. 

"With several high profile fires in the last year," said Scott Johnson, Founder of SolarDock, "there has been increasing scrutiny of the solar industry's role in fire safety. That is why SolarDock made completing the UL 1703/2703 Fire Performance Tests its focus for 2014.  Now, with the Motech/SolarDock Class A Fire Rating, solar installers nationwide no longer have to wait for the industry to catch up to local and national building code fire rating requirements."

Dave Holleran, Senior Manager of Module Sales for Motech Americas, added, "This is a major development for solar installers in California, and with some 20 more states expected to enact similar regulations in the near future, the playing field is shifting rapidly.  Even though the official compliance date isn't until, 2015, by adopting this change now, installers generally can get a real head start on being more commercially established in the new regulations as this development spreads across the country."

According to the Solar America Board for Codes and Standards, in the last few years fire and code officials, along with members of the roofing industry, have expressed concerns that installation of photovoltaic (PV) modules in stand-off configuration over typical roof coverings may impact the fire resistance of the roof coverings. For that reason, and with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and the Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (Solar ABCs) developed a test plan to investigate the fire resistance properties of this configuration. 

More specifics are available by visiting: http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/bsc/prpsd_chngs/documents/erm_files/2014/SFM-EF-01-14-FOE-Pt2.pdf.

"Suffice it to say," SolarDock's Johnson concluded, "this new standard has been examined with great care.  And, given the inherent benefits the new classifications bring, the Solar Industry has new attributes to mutually foster the growth of this renewable energy approach."

About SolarDock

For more than 12 years, SolarDock has been recognized among leading integrators, distributors and site owners as the premier choice in fully non-penetrating, flat roof solar racking systems. SolarDock's commitment to safety and durability is demonstrated by its TUV Certification, 25 year warranty, and extensive wind testing and analysis. SolarDock is available in Canada through a licensing agreement with Sunrise Power (www.sunrisepower.ca). SolarDock can be found online at www.solardock.com and on major social media sites under the name SolarDock.

About Motech Americas

Motech Americas LLC is the most experienced solar module provider with its more than 20 years expertise. We provide the ideal combination of quality and cost, delivery and support for the North American market. MOTECH is the world's fifth largest solar cell manufacturer, providing complete control over its supply chain and access to ensure superior cell products. For additional information, visit www.motechsolar.com.

Media Contact:

Robert J. Sincovich
R.J. Sincovich Communications, Inc.
(267) 614-2265  
[email protected]

SOURCE Motech Industries Inc.