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Elevating Performance Under Pressure: How DCE’s Eco-Top Delivered at Oak Hill

  • Writer: Kayla Harris
    Kayla Harris
  • 3 hours ago
  • 2 min read
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The Overview

DCE is proud to partner with Pfister Energy, a leading renewable energy EPC, and Scale Microgrids, a leading vertically-integrated microgrid and distributed energy company, on a major rooftop solar installation at Oak Hill in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania. This 2,186,540-watt system is engineered to perform in a demanding 50-pounds-per-square-foot snow load zone, exceeding typical commercial rooftop requirements and demonstrating the level of precision and resilience expected from DCE’s engineered solutions.


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The Challenge

Designing a large commercial rooftop solar array in a region with 50-pound-per-square-foot snow load presented a unique set of challenges. The roof’s strict 3.25 psf weight limit required careful planning to avoid overloading the structure, while ensuring reliable long-term performance in harsh weather conditions. At the same time, accommodating VSUN modules introduced potential compatibility and installation complexities. Successfully meeting local building standards and maintaining structural integrity demanded close collaboration between DCE and Pfister to develop a solution that could confidently perform under these demanding conditions.


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The Solution: DCE’s Eco-Top

The DCE Eco-Top system was fundamental to meeting the project’s structural and design requirements. To remain within the roof’s strict weight limit, the team utilized a combination of north–south mid pads and east–west wedge pads, keeping the full racking and module assembly below 3.18 psf. This approach protected the roof’s structural integrity while maintaining reliable performance in a 50-pounds-per-square-foot snow load environment. In parallel, DCE completed UL 2703 optimization for the VSUN modules, allowing simplified mounting and removing the need for additional grounding components. This reduced installation time, minimized material use, and ensured full compliance without compromising system reliability. These coordinated adjustments delivered a streamlined, adaptable solution designed for the site’s unique constraints and reinforced DCE’s leadership in addressing complex commercial rooftop challenges.


“The DCE racking helped provide increased efficiencies on the project due to its easy pre-assembly and wire management. The DCE team was incredibly supportive during construction when responding to RFIs and making sure the proper equipment and materials were on site.”

Andrew Ackerman, Construction Manager

Pfister Energy, Inc.


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Key Results

  • System Size: 2,186,540 watts

  • Racking System: DCE Solar Eco-Top

  • Location: Mountain Top, Pennsylvania

  • Snow Load: 50 psf

  • Roof Load Limit: 3.25 psf, maintained below 3.18 psf

  • Impact: A structurally compliant, high-performance rooftop array that delivers clean energy while meeting stringent snow and load-bearing requirements.


 
 
 
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