FRESNO, CA (July 30, 2009) -By creating a new branch of its successful and established brand, longtime roofing company Barrier Roofing of Fresno has solved the modern conundrum that often surrounds adding solar electric energy systems to commercial building rooftops.

The new company, Barrier Solar, is likely the first integrated solar electricity and roofing company in California. With the startup of Barrier Solar, commercial building owners looking to benefit from green energy can turn to a single firm that can install commercial solar electric energy systems and handle all the related roofing issues that ultimately become a part of any rooftop solar installation.

The creation of the new company solves the chicken-or-egg debate that frequently arises on solar energy projects – which should come first, installation of the solar system or needed energy-efficient updates and repairs to the roof at the site. Now there’s a third option – hire a company who can handle both.

The firm is the latest innovation from Blair Cunnings, CEO of one of the country’s most respected roofing companies, Barrier Roofing.

“Typically, any roof-mounted solar electric system needs a roof repair, roof inspections or a brand new roof before being installed. By selecting Barrier Solar, clients don’t have to choose between hiring a solar company which attempts to do roofing work, or contracting with a roofing company that dabbles in solar systems,” explained Cunnings. “They can get expertise in both areas from a single, proven source.”

The integrated firm also solves the problem of varying warranties, one for the roof and one for the solar system – when Barrier Solar does the work, clients benefit from both Barrier’s full-service warranty, paired with coverage from solar equipment manufacturers.

And then there’s the creation of a comprehensive energy model for clients that only an integrated solar and roofing firm can provide, Cunnings noted. “With expertise in both solar electricity systems and energy efficient roofing products, Barrier Solar can offer a fully green alternative, and all of our systems are renewable.”

In the months since putting the innovative business plan into action, Barrier Solar already has projects totaling over $XX million throughout California in development.

Cunnings said the idea for the new company came from the increased demand for solar electric systems, paired with his drive to provide clients with a fully integrated solution. “I thrive on determining exactly what a client wants, devising a system to meet their needs and then showing them how to get there.”

Cunnings is a longtime commodity in the roofing and specialty coatings industry. He has more than a decade of experience as CEO of Barrier, and is a fourth-generation coatings expert in the Central Valley. Cunnings brings to the company his top-notch expertise in all aspects of roof design and construction – from traditional single-ply roofs to sprayed coating systems, and from metal roofs to energy-saving “cool roofs” – and pairs it with several recent years of experience working alongside solar system installation firms.

Barrier Solar provides the design and installation of turnkey solar power systems for businesses and homes of all sizes, with emphasis on large scale commercial systems. In addition to custom solar system design and installation throughout the state of California, Barrier Solar  also provides a full range of related services including: on-site analysis of your roof and a summary of your energy usage patterns; recommendations on how to make your property more energy efficient to save you real dollars; completion and management of the paperwork required to take advantage of solar rebates and incentive programs such as a customer service team to guide you through the construction process and into the operation of your solar system; and warranty coverage so comprehensive it provides you with a lifetime of protection.

With the current rebates and tax incentives being offered to companies who install solar energy systems, there’s simply never been a better time to turn to solar power, Cunnings said.  Rest assured that Barrier Solar will help you navigate the incentive system, ensuring that your company takes advantage of all of the benefits including the California Solar Initiative rebate, a 30% federal tax credit, available cash grants and the tax savings offered from the allowed five-year accelerated depreciation.

For additional information on Barrier Solar, please call 559-274-1680 or visit the company Web site at www.barrierroofing.com.

Contact:
Blair Cunnings
559-233-1680