FRESNO, CA (October 16, 2012) – A building from the 1930s is now operating at full 21st century “green” levels thanks to a three-pronged overhaul by Barrier, a Fresno, Calif., roofing, solar, coatings and insulation company.

The project included the installation of a solar electric system, an Energy Star rated foam roof  and a complete rewiring of the inefficient electrical system at the Beverly Fabrics Inc. site at 874 Higuera Street in downtown San Luis Obispo, Calif. In the early 1900s, the building housed Montgomery Ward, but has been home to Beverly Fabrics since the 1970s.

At the heart of the project are 450 rooftop solar panels that drive the 117-kilowatt solar electric system. To add to the overall energy efficiency, Barrier replaced the antiquated electrical system and applied a sprayed polyurethane foam roof.

“Not only will this mean electrical cost savings, the upgrades serve the environment,” described Andy Zavorek, director of sales for Barrier. “It will literally eliminate their electric bill, and the store will be completely energy independent in seven years.

Bob Sleeper, one of the Beverly Fabrics owners, said the overhaul was just part of the ownership group’s commitment to going green. The four owners have also installed solar electric systems on each of their personal residences and are investing in LED technology to reduce electricity usage.

“It’s good for the environment, it’s the right thing to do and it lowers energy costs,” Sleeper noted. “It was a big endeavor, but it was very well worth it. As soon as the solar electric system was turned on, the meter was spinning backward.”

Additional benefits, Sleeper noted, are that the entire site is now energy efficient, greenhouse gasses are reduced and the local economy got a boost. “The city was behind us all the way and they were great to work with,” Sleeper added.

The project brought Barrier some exciting challenges including working on a busy, one-way downtown street, craning panels onto the rooftop and ensuring that the store could remain open throughout the three-month process.

Barrier 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 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.

Barrier’s satisfied roofing and solar clients include Costco Wholesale, Charles Krug Winery, Cline Cellars, Fresno Unified School District, Valley Children’s Hospital, Wawona Frozen Foods, P.G &E., Save Mart, Span Construction and Xerox.

For additional information on Barrier Solar, please call 877-233-2003 or visit the company Web site at www.barrierroofing.com.

CONTACT:
Andy Zavorek
Director of Sales
559-233-1680