This fall, the Bolingbrook, Illinois headquarters of G&W Electric has been bustling with activity, even more than usual. This is due in part to the recently announced microgrid project, which is turning the roof of the Bolingbrook facility into a power-generating solar farm.
Before that roof could be transformed, though, it needed some repairs and a strong, sustainable upgrade.
The endeavor has now been completed, in partnership with Tremco Inc and Malcor Roofing, and it has set up the ongoing project for success. The total thickness of the new roof membrane is approximately 200 mils and boasts a puncture resistance greater than that of a built-up roof with three times the tensile strength. The slick texture and white color of the membrane are also designed to reflect the most possible light back onto the solar panels, generating yet more power.
Along with providing these essential improvements, this roof remodel also meets the company’s high sustainability standards; causing minimal environmental impact due to the use of truly sustainable roofing materials and the reuse, repurpose, and proper recycling of the previous roof membrane system.
How Solar Panel Roofing Supports a Solar Microgrid
A successful solar microgrid depends on more than just solar panels; it requires a durable, high-performance roof structure designed to support long-term solar energy production. By investing in advanced solar panel roofing, G&W Electric ensures that its solar panels on roof operate at optimal performance under real-world conditions.
Unlike traditional roofing materials, solar-ready roof systems are engineered to handle the additional load of solar panel roofs, energy storage equipment, and electrical infrastructure. This approach improves energy production, protects the existing roof, and supports future solar technology upgrades.
Key advantages of solar panel roofing for microgrids include:
- Improved power output from reflective roofing surfaces
- Enhanced durability to withstand harsh weather conditions and winds
- Better alignment with renewable energy and clean energy goals
- A stable foundation for rooftop solar and energy storage systems
- By preparing the roof before installing solar panels, G&W Electric reduces long-term maintenance needs while maximizing electricity generated by the solar system.
Solar Panel Roofs vs. Traditional Roofing Materials
Installing solar panels on roof surfaces requires more planning than standard roof replacement projects. Traditional roofing materials and conventional roof shingles are not always designed to support the lifespan or weight of solar panel roofs.
Solar panel roofing differs from standard roofing materials in several important ways:
- Structural strength: Designed to support solar panels, solar cells, and mounting systems
- Energy efficiency: Reflective surfaces increase solar energy production
- Longevity: Built to last alongside the full solar installation lifecycle
- Sustainability: Supports clean energy and reduced environmental impact
While traditional solar panels are mounted on top of a roof, a solar-ready roofing system ensures the roof structure, roof size, and roof shape are optimized before installation begins. This proactive approach protects the investment and supports higher energy independence.
Long-Term Benefits of Solar Panel Roofing for Energy Production
Solar panel roofing plays a critical role in maximizing electricity produced and long-term value. When combined with a solar microgrid, it helps organizations reduce reliance on the grid and improve energy resilience.
Key long-term benefits include:
- Increased solar energy production from optimized panel placement
- Improved performance during local weather patterns and harsh conditions
- Reduced maintenance compared to regular shingles and standard roofing materials
- Better integration with energy storage and net metering systems
- Progress toward energy independence and sustainability goals
By building on a strong roof foundation, solar panels receive consistent exposure and maintain optimal performance over time resulting in more energy, less power loss, and greater reliability.
Enabling a Resilient Solar Microgrid With Advanced Power Infrastructure
A durable solar panel roofing system is only one part of building a high-performing solar microgrid. Behind the scenes, advanced electrical infrastructure ensures that the solar panels on roof translate into reliable, usable power across the facility.
G&W Electric’s broader energy strategy reflects the importance of grid intelligence and protection. Technologies such as Power Grid Automation play a critical role in managing energy flow, monitoring system performance, and responding dynamically to changes in energy production. As solar energy production fluctuates throughout the day, automation systems help balance loads, manage excess electricity, and maintain system stability.
In addition, modern Switchgear forms the backbone of safe energy distribution within microgrid environments. Switchgear protects equipment, isolates faults, and enables seamless transitions between grid-connected and islanded operation. This is essential for facilities relying on rooftop solar and energy storage to support business continuity and operational resilience.By pairing solar panel roofs with intelligent grid components, organizations can move beyond basic solar installations toward a fully integrated, future-ready energy system.
Protection and Reliability for Solar Energy Production
As solar energy becomes a core part of energy production, protecting the infrastructure that supports it is critical. Rooftop solar systems must be supported by robust protection technologies to ensure safe, uninterrupted operation.
Reclosers and Overhead Switches are essential for managing faults and minimizing downtime in distribution networks connected to solar microgrids. These devices automatically isolate faulted sections and restore power where possible, reducing disruption and protecting both conventional and renewable energy assets.
Similarly, Current Limiting System Protection helps safeguard sensitive solar equipment by limiting fault currents before they can cause damage. This is particularly important as solar panels, inverters, and energy storage systems become more tightly integrated into facility power systems.
Together, these technologies enhance:
- System reliability during peak solar energy production
- Protection of solar panels and electrical components
- Faster recovery from faults or harsh weather conditions
- Long-term performance of solar panel roofs and supporting infrastructure
A strong roof foundation combined with intelligent protection systems ensures solar installations remain resilient throughout their lifespan.
Supporting Clean Energy Distribution With Advanced Cable Accessories
Efficient solar energy production depends not only on panels and roofs but also on the quality of electrical connections throughout the system. Distribution and Transmission Cable Accessories play a vital role in ensuring safe, reliable power delivery from rooftop solar arrays to microgrid systems and facility loads.
These accessories are designed to:
- Maintain insulation integrity
- Support high-voltage and medium-voltage applications
- Withstand environmental stress and temperature variations
- Enable long-term reliability for renewable energy systems
In solar microgrid environments, properly selected cable accessories reduce energy losses, support consistent electricity generated, and help maintain optimal system performance. They also simplify maintenance and future expansion as solar capacity grows.
By investing in both solar panel roofing and robust distribution components, organizations can ensure that clean energy flows efficiently from roof to grid.
Precision Monitoring for Optimal Solar Performance
Monitoring and measurement are essential for maximizing the benefits of solar panels on roof installations. As solar technology advances, accurate data becomes critical for optimizing energy production and supporting long-term sustainability goals.
High Accuracy, High Precision Sensors provide real-time insights:
- Electricity produced by solar panels
- Power output trends throughout the day
- System performance under varying local weather patterns
- Energy flow between solar generation, storage, and facility demand
These sensors enable certified energy practitioners and facility managers to make informed decisions, improve energy efficiency, and fine-tune system performance. In a solar microgrid, precision measurement supports smarter energy management, reduced waste, and greater energy independence.
When paired with solar-ready roofing and grid automation, precision sensing technologies help ensure every kilowatt of clean energy is used effectively.
Building a Future-Ready Energy Ecosystem
The transformation of G&W Electric’s roof into a solar-ready foundation represents more than a single infrastructure upgrade; it reflects a holistic approach to sustainable energy and long-term innovation.
By combining:
- Solar panel roofing designed for durability and reflectivity
- A scalable solar microgrid architecture
- Intelligent Power Grid Automation
- Reliable Switchgear and protection systems
- Advanced monitoring through high-precision sensors
- The organization is building an energy ecosystem that supports resilience, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
This integrated strategy positions the facility to adapt as solar technology evolves, energy demands change, and sustainability expectations grow. It also demonstrates how thoughtful planning from roof replacement to grid intelligence creates lasting value across energy production, operations, and environmental impact.
FAQs About Solar Panel Roofing
What is solar panel roofing?
Solar panel roofing refers to roof systems designed or upgraded to support solar panels, solar cells, and related electrical infrastructure. It ensures the roof structure can handle solar installation while maximizing solar energy production.
How does solar panel roofing improve energy production?
Reflective and durable solar panel roofs help panels receive more sunlight, improving power output and increasing the total electricity generated over time.
Does solar panel roofing support long-term sustainability goals?
Absolutely. Solar panel roofing enables clean energy generation, supports renewable energy initiatives, reduces environmental impact, and helps organizations move toward sustainable energy and energy independence.
With this stage of the project completed, G&W Electric is now moving forward, building its microgrid’s solar farm on the strongest and most efficient foundation possible.
