How Nova Spray Helped Killam Apartments Avoid Massive Solar Removal Costs With a Roof Rejuvenation Treatment

When Killam Apartments reached out to us, they weren’t calling about a leak, a structural failure, or a major emergency. They were calling because of a problem hiding underneath something valuable: a roof beginning to show its age beneath a 10-year-old solar array.

Like many property groups in Nova Scotia, Killam had invested in renewable energy long before roof rejuvenation services were widely known. Their solar system was still performing well - but the shingles underneath were aging much faster.

A contractor had already given them the kind of recommendation no building owner wants to hear:

“To replace the roof, you’ll need to remove the entire solar array.”

And the estimate for the panel removal alone? Almost $75,000.

That’s when Killam’s team asked if Nova Spray could take a closer look.

The Initial Concern: An Aging Roof Trapped Under a Solar System

When we arrived on site, it was clear why the question came up:

• The shingles were showing early UV fading

• The surface had begun to dry out

• The solar array had been in place long enough to complicate any future roofing work

• But there were no active leaks and no structural red flags

This is common for buildings that combine asphalt shingles with solar panels.
Panels naturally collect heat, shed snow differently, and reduce airflow - often making the roof age unevenly.

But based on what we were seeing, a full tear-off didn’t feel like the right solution.

Our Inspection Process

Before making any recommendation, our team performed:

• A drone survey to assess the roof surface and the solar mounting layout

• A close-up inspection of the shingle surface

• A check for visible moisture intrusion or compromised areas

Everything pointed in the same direction:

The shingles were worn - but the roof still had usable life.

There was an opportunity here to restore the roof’s surface condition…without touching the solar array at all.

Killam’s team just needed an option that wouldn’t trigger a six-figure chain reaction.

The Recommendation: Roof Rejuvenation Instead of Replacement

We recommended a nanotechnology-based roof rejuvenation treatment called GoNano - a non-invasive approach designed to:

• Rejuvenate the shingle surface

• Improve flexibility

• Reflect UV rays to slow oxidization

• Improve the roof’s ability to shed moisture

• Slow further weathering based on condition

And most importantly:

This could be done without removing the solar panels.

That meant no downtime, no electricians, no new permits, and no solar re-certification.
And no disruption to the building’s residents.

Killam approved the plan.

The On-Site Process

Our crew worked around the solar array safely and efficiently. We protected sensitive areas, ensured controlled application, and completed the work within one day.

What could have been weeks of costly roofing work and solar system handling instead became a smooth rejuvenation project with minimal interruption.

By the end of the application, the shingles responded exactly as expected - with visible surface improvement.

The Outcome: A Major Financial Win

Here’s what Killam Apartments gained by choosing rejuvenation:

✔ No solar panel removal

✔ No solar reinstallation

✔ No re-roofing downtime

✔ No electrical re-certification

✔ No lost solar production

✔ Roof surface restored based on condition

✔ Nearly $75,000 saved in avoided removal costs alone

A full replacement would have easily reached high six figures once everything was factored in.
Instead, the building was back to normal the same day - with the roof stabilized and the solar array untouched.

Why This Matters for Buildings With Solar Panels

This project highlights a growing issue:
Solar panels are outlasting the roofs beneath them.

And when roofs age prematurely under an array, owners are often told there’s only one option — tear everything off and start fresh.

But in many cases, that simply isn’t necessary.

Roof rejuvenation offers a practical alternative when the underlying roof structure is still functioning:

✔ No solar panel removal

✔ No heavy equipment or mess

✔ No tenant disruption

✔ No expensive tear-off

✔ Less waste

✔ Faster, more predictable timelines

For property managers, asset managers, and owners with solar investments, this approach can result in substantial savings

If You Have Solar Panels on Your Roof, We Can Help

If your roof is aging but your solar system still has years of life left, full replacement may not be your only option.

Nova Spray offers inspections across Nova Scotia to help determine whether a rejuvenation treatment is suitable for your roof’s condition.

Contact us to schedule an inspection:
📞 902-580-9796
📧 info@novaspray.ca
🌐 www.novaspray.ca