What’s New

Radiant Reflection E-Barrier, a new radiant barrier coating from Sherwin-Williams, offers an alternative to foil-backed radiant barrier substrates. Containing microscopic reflective metal particles, E-Barrier is spray-applied to the underside of uncoated attic roof decks to reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 15 percent, according to the manufacturer and independent laboratory testing. E-Barrier achieves coverage in a single coat without dripping or running, produces no waste material, has little odor, and will not delaminate in moist environments.

During hot weather, E-Barrier reflects radiant heat away from the attic space and the living space below, and in colder weather it reflects interior radiant heat back into the home before it escapes through the attic roof. The Energy Star-qualified coating has an emissivity rating of .32, meaning it reflects 68 percent of radiant solar heat that passes through the roof. E-Barrier is breathable, and will not trap moisture in the structure. 800.474.3794. www.sherwin-williams.com.

Power Producer Xantrex Technology and Atlantis Energy Systems have partnered to offer an inverter/solar panel combination package that provides custom builders with the means to turn a house into a power-generating station that funnels surplus energy into the electrical grid.

Atlantis Energy Sunslates roofing product is based on the Swiss Eternit fiber-cement roofing system and incorporates Atlantis’ photovoltaic glass panels—a sandwich of photovoltaic cells between two layers of low-glare tempered glass. Each Sunslate generates 13.3 watts of DC energy; a typical installation of 300 square feet of Sunslate can provide 60 percent to 80 percent of a home’s energy requirements. Sunslates are Class A fire rated.

Xantrex’s SunTie XR Grid-Tie Inverter converts the collected solar energy into utility-grade AC electricity, which is used by the home or, when not required, fed to the power grid. Available in four sizes, the SunTie XR features a scrolling LCD display to show the system’s status, power output, array input voltage, energy harvest, and AC volts. The inverter uses a special technology that harvests the maximum amount of energy available from the solar array as environmental conditions change, the manufacturer says.

Despite being installed on a plenum roughly 2½ inches off the roof deck, the manufacturer says there is no discernible difference between the plenum’s height and the rest of the roof surface. To ensure this, Atlantis provides instructions for adjusting flashing and gutters, as well as for fitting the system into a valley, hip, and ridge. Because it includes all the necessary components, such as AC and DC disconnects, combiner board, and the required electrical components for a National Electric Code-compliant installation, the SunTie XR simplifies jobsite installation. The photovoltaic package can be installed by roofing and electrical subcontractors. Atlantis: 916.438.2930. www.atlantisenergy.org. Xantrex: 800.670.0707. www.xantrex.com.