Roof Retrofit Program
What is this program all about?
Electric cooperatives, with grant funding from the S.C. Energy Office and Central Electric Power Cooperative — the co-ops’ wholesale power provider — are piloting a series of energy efficiency research studies with their members. The studies will seek to determine which energy efficiency measures work best in the state’s manufactured homes that are served by co-ops.
How will it work?
Each participating co-op will accept applications from its members for its assigned research study. Applications will be available online and in print. Many co-ops will include applications in their issues of South Carolina Living magazine. Others will distribute applications via direct mail or make them available at co-op offices. After the application period ends on May 14, 2010, a limited number of member-owned and occupied homes served by participating co-ops will be selected for the study of the research specifically for manufactured homes.
Why are the co-ops doing this?
As independent, not-for-profit businesses owned by their members, co-ops are different. Their mandate is to provide affordable and reliable power to the people they serve, and look out for the best interests of their member-owners. As the economy struggles to recover, the co-ops and their members continue to face real challenges. More members are joining co-ops every day, increasing demand for power across the state. Wholesale energy costs are expected to continue to rise worldwide and anticipated federal climate change legislation could force consumer costs even higher. The simplest and cheapest way to address these challenges is for S.C. co-op members to start using energy more wisely and efficiently at home.
Which S.C. electric co-ops are participating in the Roof Retrofit Program?
Participating co-ops include Broad River, Horry and Mid-Carolina.
How will homes be selected?
Members must complete an application to be considered for program selection. Only S.C. co-op members who live in a manufactured home are eligible to be chosen for this study. Expert panels, including co-op staff, will choose a designated number of homes for the study based on research requirements, how well the home matches the specific program needs and other factors as outlined in the rules.
What if my home is picked for this study?
The designated energy efficiency measure for this study will be applied in your home in 2010 at no cost to you. Once you sign the final agreement to participate, the co-ops will collect energy use data before and after installation so they can later gauge the effectiveness of the measure.
What are the selection criteria for receiving the roof retrofit?
Ideally your home would be all electric and located in an open area to take full advantage of this upgrade. You must own your home and the property. We are looking for single and double wide homes built between 1976 and 2005 and prefer these homes have had no additional rooms or overhangs added to the roofline. Your local Cooperative will perform a site visit to assess the physical condition of your home and roof prior to final acceptance in this program.
How long will the upgrade take?
This upgrade will take anywhere from 1 to 3 days.
What types of residential roof retrofit technologies are available?
Two roofing technologies will be used in this program, metal roof and membrane. The study and your home will determine which will be used.
Can I pick a roof color and/or style?
No, the colors used will be white or silver depending on the structure and style of the manufactured home.
Who will do the work?
Licensed contractors will perform the work on your roof.
Who warranties the work?
The licensed contractor warrants the labor and the equipment will be warranted by the manufacturer.
How long is the warranty?
Labor will be warranted for two years and the material warranty will range from 10-20 years.
Will this upgrade affect my existing roof warranty?
If your current roof is still under warranty, you may wish to check with the manufacturer of the roof to determine if this upgrade will void that warranty. It probably will.
Who owns the new roof?
Central Electric will own this improvement for the duration of the study which ends September 30, 2011. The new roof becomes yours after that date.
What kind of information are you looking for in this study?
Your local electric Cooperative will compare your whole house electric use from before and after the roof upgrade.
Will my power bill go down?
Most all participants will see their electric energy consumption go down after the installation of this energy efficiency technology. The new energy efficient roof significantly reduces the summer cooling load on your home by reflecting instead of absorbing the sun’s energy. Your air conditioner will not have to work as hard to keep you cool in the summer. In the winter time, the additional insulation offered by these roofs will help keep the heat in your home.
What is my role is this pilot program?
In addition to giving us permission to have access to your electric energy consumption, you will be asked to provide information on your home and electric consumption, give us access to your home for the assessment and improvements, and fill out questionnaires before, during, and at the end of the study. Even though the study officially ends September 30, 2011, we will continue to monitor your electric consumption. |
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