Going solar without giving up green in New York

13.83 kWp

54 units

XM-3 QUATTRO-256S with BIO120 feet

The Water Street Hotel in New Paltz, New York, demonstrates how solar generation can be integrated with a vegetated green roof. The completed project features 54 Over Easy Solar xM3 BIO120 units, delivering 13.83 kWp of vertical PV capacity and an estimated annual yield of 15,696 kWh.

The challenge

The project required a solar solution that could be installed on the vegetated roof without significantly increasing structural loads or sacrificing the green roof area. Integrating conventional PV with a green roof can be challenging due to the space required for panels and supporting structures, as well as the need to preserve the vegetation.

The solution

The project team selected the Over Easy Solar xM3 BIO120 system for its low structural load and its ability to work in tandem with the green roof. The 54 vertical PV units are installed directly over the vegetated roof in three arrays of 18 units, allowing solar generation and vegetation to share the same rooftop area.

Unlike a conventional tilted system that would occupy a dedicated area of the roof, the vertical configuration allows the PV system to be integrated into the green roof while maintaining the vegetated surface. A separate 18-panel traditional PV array was also installed on another suitable section of the roof.

The completed vertical installation provides an estimated 15,696 kWh of annual solar generation while preserving the green roof and making efficient use of the available rooftop space.