Solar by Barge in Virginia

A 12 kW Integrated Solar Roof on a Virginia Island Dock House

Some projects stand out not because they’re large, but because they push the boundaries of where high-performance solar can go.

This recent Virginia waterfront installation is a perfect example. The project features a 12 kW ArcEdge integrated solar roof system, consisting of 95 Roofit.Solar panels, installed on an over-water boat dock house located on a private island. With no road access, every component of the system was custom-crated and barged across open water before installation began.

Built for Access Challenges — and Harsh Environments

Reaching the site required careful coordination and planning. Panels were staged, crated, and transported by barge to ensure safe delivery without compromising finish or performance. Once on site, the system was installed directly onto the dock house structure, fully integrated into the metal roofing assembly.

Marine environments are among the most demanding conditions for any building system. Salt air, wind exposure, humidity, and direct sun all place long-term stress on materials. ArcEdge’s integrated solar roofing is engineered specifically to perform in these conditions, making it an ideal solution for coastal and over-water structures.

One System, Three Panel Sizes, Zero Compromises

This project utilized all three ArcEdge panel sizes, allowing the layout to be optimized around roof geometry, penetrations, and structural constraints without breaking visual continuity. The result is a clean, architectural roofline that produces energy efficiently while maintaining a uniform appearance.

System highlights include:

• 12 kW total system capacity

• 95 integrated solar panels

• Three panel sizes for precise layout control

• No rack-mounted hardware

• Seamless metal roof and solar integration

By designing the solar as part of the roof — not an add-on — the system maintains consistent sightlines from every angle, including from the water.

Why Integrated Solar Matters for Waterfront Projects

Traditional rack-mounted solar systems often struggle in coastal settings due to wind uplift, corrosion risk, and visual impact. Integrated solar roofing addresses these challenges by embedding the solar directly into the roofing material itself.

For this island dock house, that meant:

• Reduced wind exposure and uplift risk

• Cleaner aesthetics suited to a high-end waterfront property

• Fewer penetrations and simplified waterproofing

• A durable, long-term solution designed for marine climates

Expanding What’s Possible with Solar Roofing

This Virginia project demonstrates what’s possible when solar is designed as a building material rather than an afterthought. From barge delivery to final install, the ArcEdge system proved that access limitations and unique site conditions don’t have to limit performance, durability, or design.

Whether it’s a private island, a coastal home, or a complex architectural roof, integrated solar opens the door to projects that traditional systems simply can’t serve.

If you’re exploring solar for a waterfront or hard-to-access property, ArcEdge is built for the challenge.