Service Offerings
For more than 150 years, Sprague has helped businesses adapt to a changing energy landscape. In 2017, we pioneered the use of flexible thin-film solar panels on our own facilities and quickly saw the positive results: consistent output, no operational disruptions or roof penetrations, and energy savings from previously unused areas.
Our exclusive lightweight thin-film solar panels convert unused surfaces into reliable, cost-saving energy sources without the weight or disruption of traditional panels. Talk with our experts to see how Sprague Solar can work for you.
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Offset energy consumption by using solar power to stabilize and lower overall electricity demand.
Sprague offers a turnkey solar solution that reduces operating costs and can be acquired with zero upfront costs.
Protect tank roofs from weather exposure and extend the roof's lifespan.
Maintain power reliability and reduce dependence on external energy sources with on-site solar generation.
Store excess solar energy to optimize usage and reduce peak demand costs.
Panels can be installed on your tanks without interrupting your daily operations or requiring roof penetrations, ensuring business continuity.
Sprague’s thin-film technology minimizes structural load—ideal for older, metal, or low-capacity roofs where traditional solar and racking would be too heavy.
Thin solar panels typically come with a robust 25-year warranty, which speaks to their durability and long-term performance. This warranty often guarantees that the solar panels will maintain an efficiency of 65% or greater throughout the entire 25-year period.
The hurricane-force wind rating allows these panels to withstand extreme weather conditions.. This level of resilience ensures that the solar panels remain operational even in the face of severe storms, minimizing the risk of damage and downtime.
In 2017, we installed the nation’s first solar tank at our Portland terminal, pioneering the use of flexible thin-film panels engineered to perform where traditional solar systems can’t—a level of innovation that earned Sprague the Sustainable Impact Award at the 2020 Global Tank Storage Awards. Today, we bring that same forward-thinking approach to commercial and industrial facilities across the region, helping businesses lower energy costs, reduce emissions, and strengthen energy resilience.
Sprague brings:
No. Whether installed on a rooftop or tank roof, Sprague’s thin-film solar panels are designed for non-intrusive installation and operation. The lightweight panels adhere directly to the surface, eliminating the need for heavy racking or roof penetrations. Most installations can be completed without disrupting normal business activities.
Sprague’s panels are built for industrial and coastal conditions. They withstand hurricane-force winds, hail, and extreme temperatures. The same flexible technology proven on fuel storage tanks performs reliably on warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and other commercial rooftops exposed to harsh weather.
While the panels can support the weight of a person, Sprague recommends avoiding direct foot traffic whenever possible, as it can reduce long-term performance. We create designated walking paths to ensure that essential areas—such as vents, gauges, or other rooftop units and maintenance access points—remain accessible for operations without impacting the system.
Yes. System performance can be monitored remotely through connected inverters and inspected visually on site. If replacement is ever needed, new panels can be installed directly over existing ones, or the adhesive can be softened to remove and reapply panels without major disruption.
In many cases, yes. Existing conduit and supports can often be leveraged to connect the solar system to your facility’s electrical components—whether on a tank, building, or other structure. Sprague engineers assess each site to determine the safest and most efficient connection method.
Sprague’s systems continue to operate through light to moderate snowfall. Because the panels absorb heat, they help snow melt more quickly compared to uncovered surfaces. Heavy snow may temporarily reduce production, but the production of the panels is estimated to take into account average historical snow coverage, and generation resumes automatically once the snow clears.
Sprague’s panels come with a 25-year warranty guaranteeing at least 86 percent of their original efficiency. Inverters typically have a 10-year warranty and may require replacement once or twice during the system’s lifespan. With proper maintenance, both tank and rooftop systems can continue producing energy well beyond the warranty period.
Yes. Solar panels shield underlying surfaces from UV exposure, rain, and temperature swings—reducing wear and helping extend roof or tank coating life. Because Sprague’s systems are lightweight and non-penetrating, they also minimize stress on structural components.
Maintenance is minimal. Regular visual inspections and occasional cleaning are typically all that’s needed. Remote monitoring alerts Sprague and the system owner to any issues so they can be addressed quickly.
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At Sprague, innovation has always been at the core of our energy solutions. With more than 155 years of experience helping businesses adapt to shifting energy markets, we understand the importance of turning challenges into opportunities. Tank Solar highlights how above-ground storage tanks have the potential to become productive assets, transforming unused roof space into renewable power. Piloting Solar on...
At Sprague, we understand the importance of finding energy strategies and services that fit your needs. Our experienced team offers deep insights and industry knowledge. Contact us today to see how we can make a difference for your business.
David Borkowsky | Director of Business Development
dborkowsky@hartreepartners.com
917.822.6156
Please note: At this time, Sprague serves businesses only.
