SAGINAW, Mich. - Duro-Last Roofing Inc. has announced plans to jointly pursue solar energy or photovoltaic (PV) sales opportunities with Open Energy Corp. The alliance between the companies will enable both companies to take advantage of the robust market growth of PV installations on commercial, industrial and institutional facilities.

“We’re excited to be working with Open Energy in this new market arena,” said Steve Ruth, the vice-president of sales for Duro-Last. “Duro-last has been a leader in the commercial single-ply roofing industry for almost 30 years, and partnering with a cutting-edge firm like Open Energy will certainly open new doors for us and add strength to our market presence.”

The companies will jointly develop marketing activities and pursue sales opportunities in which Duro-Last roofing systems and Open Energy solar energy panels can both be installed. Open Energy will assemble solar cell panels at its Aurora, Ontario facility using Duro-Last’s roofing membrane as a base sheet. These panels will then be shipped from Open Energy to the job site for final application to the Duro-Last single-ply roofing membrane.

“The Duro-Last network of sales professionals and roofing contractors provides Open Energy with a nationwide sales and installation capability, providing solar roofing alternatives for all existing and new Duro-Last customers,” said Howard Gomes, the vice president of Open Energy.