We Handle
the Solar.
You Build
the Project.
Deliver fully integrated solar roof projects without adding complexity to your scope.
From Lead
to Delivery.
SunSteel Services manages the full project development process — so contractors can close solar projects without becoming solar experts.
Full process breakdown →Qualify & Screen
We assess whether a project is a strong SunSteel fit — building type, roof geometry, energy profile — so you never waste time on the wrong jobs.
Design & Develop
We design the solar system and integrate it into your building scope — handling sizing, layout, and coordination.
Win the Project
We support your proposal and help you secure the job — with sales support, financial modeling, and technical backup.
Permitting & Delivery Support
We handle permitting, interconnection, and project coordination through execution and delivery.
Five Reasons Contractors
Add SunSteel.
No Solar Expertise Required
SunSteel Services handles solar design, quoting, and permitting. Contractors can offer a complete solar roof solution backed by dedicated development support — no solar background needed.
Increased Project Revenue
Solar added directly into the building scope means contractors capture the solar revenue — not a separate solar company. An installed SunSteel system can be worth more than 10x standard roofing panels.
Competitive Differentiation
Offering a turnkey roof and solar solution positions you ahead of contractors bidding building or roof-only projects. SunSteel is a differentiator your competitors don't have.
Controlled Roof Quality & Warranty
Because solar is factory-integrated, there's limited work to be done on your roof after installation. Fewer third parties means less rooftop traffic, fewer trade conflicts, and lower risk of installation damage.
Optimized Structural Design
Solar loads are incorporated into the building design from the outset — not added as an afterthought. That eliminates the need for later structural adjustments or costly over-engineering.
Ready to add SunSteel to your next project?
Submit a ProjectSunSteel Services works with
Industry Affiliations
Ready to Submit
a Project?
Give us the basics. We'll get back to you with a preliminary assessment — fast.
Submit a ProjectHow SunSteel Services Works
A streamlined process designed to support contractors from early feasibility through project delivery.
Four Steps.
One Integrated Solar Project.
Submit a Project
You bring the opportunity. We handle the solar evaluation.
- Provide basic building details
- We assess feasibility and system sizing
- Early-stage economics and layout
Design & Develop
We design the system and integrate it into your project.
- System design and optimization
- Electrical coordination (via partners)
- Integration with building design
Win the Project
We support your proposal and help you secure the job.
- Proposal and sales support
- Financial modeling and options
- Technical support as needed
Permitting & Delivery Support
We support approvals and coordination through project execution.
- Permitting package
- Utility interconnection
- Project coordination
Who Does What
Contractor (You)
- Manage customer relationship
- Deliver building and roof
- Incorporate solar into overall project scope
SunSteel Services (Us)
- Proposal and sales support
- Solar design and integration
- Permitting and interconnection support
Ready to evaluate a project?
Submit a ProjectSunSteel, Solar 101, and FAQ
Technical resources, product details, and project support materials for SunSteel contractors.
Understanding SunSteel
What Is SunSteel?
SunSteel is a factory-integrated solar roofing system built around AUO's high-efficiency solar modules and Cornerstone's Double-Lok standing seam panels. Solar is integrated at the factory — not assembled at the job site.
SunSteel™ integrated solar roofing system | Developed by AUO | U.S. Patent No. XXXXXXXX
How It's Made
Cornerstone manufactures the standing seam panel. AUO integrates the solar module and brackets using a proprietary cold-forming process with no roof penetrations. The completed SunSteel roof panel ships directly to the job site — ready to install.
On the Job Site
Because solar is already integrated, installation follows the same workflow as typical standing seam roofing. The roofing contractor installs the panels as usual — an electrician simply makes the electrical connections between panels and runs conduit and wiring from the roof to the inverter.
The Fundamentals
Contractors Need
How Solar Saves Money
Commercial solar reduces utility bills by generating on-site power during peak demand hours — when rates are highest. Most commercial buildings see payback periods of 5–8 years depending on rate structure, system size, and available incentives, with solar production and savings typically extending for well more than 20 years.
Tax Credits & Depreciation
The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) provides a 30% federal tax credit on the cost of your solar project. Combined with accelerated depreciation (bonus depreciation under MACRS), commercial building owners can offset well over half of the total project cost — often the deciding factor in a customer's decision to move forward.
How Solar Works
Solar panels convert sunlight into DC electricity. An inverter converts that to AC power that the building can use. Excess power feeds back to the grid (net metering) or to battery storage for later use.
System Sizing Basics
System size is determined by roof area and energy usage. SunSteel Services provides preliminary sizing from basic building dimensions and expected energy usage — based on building size, type, and occupancy — no utility bills required for a first estimate.
Connecting to the Grid
Before a commercial solar system can operate, it must be permitted and approved by the local utility for grid interconnection. SunSteel Services supports the full interconnection process on every project.
Financing Options
SunSteel can be financed as part of a construction loan on new builds, or through dedicated solar financing for retrofit projects. In many cases, a loan can be structured so that energy savings and tax benefits exceed monthly payments from day one — making SunSteel cash-flow positive at the outset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from contractors about SunSteel, the installation process, project qualification, and customer conversations.
SunSteel in the Field
Real projects built with SunSteel factory-integrated solar roofing, including US and international installations.
Visalia, California
Tainan, Taiwan
Outdoor Gymnasium
498 kW
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Industrial Facility
380 kW
Daping, Taiwan
Aquaculture Facility
1,220 kW
Taichung, Taiwan
Parking Canopy
23 kW
Additional US project references available upon request. Contact us to learn more.
Solar That's Part of Your Roof
SunSteel integrates solar into your metal building roof from the start — not as an afterthought.
A Smarter Way
to Add Solar
Most commercial solar is added to a building after the roof is already complete — a separate trade, a separate timeline, and a separate set of penetrations that can compromise your roof warranty and delay your project.
SunSteel is different. The solar modules are integrated into the standing seam roof panels at the factory, before the product ships to your job site. Your roof is the solar system — delivered and installed by the same trusted contractor building your project.
That means one trade, one timeline, and one point of accountability. And because your project moves faster, you start saving money on energy costs sooner.
Ask your contractor about SunSteel, or contact us to learn more.
Streamlined Project Delivery
Roof and solar are purchased, designed, and installed together — faster and simpler than managing multiple contractors with separate scopes and timelines.
Single-Point Coordination
One contractor is responsible for both roof and solar. That reduces the risk of disputes, delays, finger-pointing, and warranty issues that come with multiple trades on the same project.
Higher Quality, Lower Maintenance Risk
Factory preassembly improves consistency and eliminates roof penetrations. Fewer parts and no aftermarket mounting hardware means fewer long-term maintenance issues.
Upfront Solar Adoption
Integrating solar from the start meets sustainability goals at project outset and avoids future retrofit costs, power shutdowns, and the disruption of adding solar to an occupied building later.
Clean Integration & Aesthetics
SunSteel's low-profile design is integrated into the roof itself — delivering a uniform, architectural appearance that traditional rack-mounted systems cannot match.
Significant Economics
from Day One
30% Federal Tax Credit — On the Full Project Cost
The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) provides a 30% federal tax credit on the cost of your solar project. Because SunSteel is an integrated solar roof product, customers may qualify for a higher tax credit than with standalone solar. Confirm eligibility with your CPA or tax advisor.
Accelerated Depreciation
In addition to the ITC, commercial solar projects qualify for accelerated depreciation (bonus depreciation under MACRS). Combined with the tax credit, these incentives can offset well over half of the total project cost — significantly improving payback and return on investment.
Built for Commercial & Industrial Construction
SunSteel is built specifically for pre-engineered metal buildings and industrial metal roofing — not retrofitted from residential solar technology. It's engineered from the ground up for commercial and industrial construction.
Submit a Project
Give us the basics. We'll review your project and follow up with a preliminary assessment — typically within one business day.
All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required. Best estimates are fine for dimensions and dates — we'll refine everything together as the project develops.
About SunSteel Services
The project development partner for SunSteel solar roofing.
Built Around
SunSteel.
SunSteel Services is the project development and coordination platform for SunSteel — the factory-integrated solar roofing system for commercial metal buildings. We work directly with contractors, Cornerstone Building Brands, and AUO Corporation to originate, qualify, develop, and deliver SunSteel projects from first contact through final closeout.
Our role is to make it straightforward for contractors to offer SunSteel without becoming solar experts. We provide the technical support, project development services, and coordination infrastructure that turn a roofing opportunity into a complete solar project — handled efficiently and professionally at every stage.
SunSteel Services is operated by Innovative Clean Energy LLC, an authorized SunSteel services provider and approved project development partner.
About Brandon Deno
Brandon Deno is the founder and principal of Innovative Clean Energy LLC. With two decades of experience in the renewable energy industry, Brandon has led work across project development, product marketing, sales management, project financing, and the commercialization of new solar technologies.
He helped develop and launch SunSteel in the US market through a collaboration between AUO Corporation and Cornerstone Building Brands, and brings deep experience across the full clean energy value chain — from equipment manufacturing and supply chain to project development and financing — along with more than a decade in the commercial construction industry.
- Two decades of renewable energy business development and marketing
- Deep experience across project financing, product development, and energy storage deployment
- 10+ years in commercial construction, including pre-engineered metal building sales
- Led US market development and launch of SunSteel
Innovative Clean Energy LLC, doing business as SunSteel Services, provides project development, advisory, and coordination services for SunSteel projects. Innovative Clean Energy is an authorized SunSteel services provider and approved project development partner. SunSteel is a trademark of AUO Corporation and is used under license. Innovative Clean Energy LLC is not the manufacturer of SunSteel products and does not sell SunSteel hardware.
Brandon Deno
Principal, Innovative Clean Energy LLC
Industry Affiliations