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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSolar Shingles Help Solar Blend Into the Background
http://www.getsolar.com/News/Solar-Energy-Facts/General/Solar-Shingles-Help-Solar-Blend-Into-the-Background-800697142Solar Shingles Help Solar Blend Into the Background
Tuesday, January 31st 2012 2:07 PM
By GetSolar Staff.
Different homeowners have given different reasons for not wanting to invest in solar installations. Some worry about the up-front cost or the value of their home, though that argument is quickly fading away. Others question whether the technology is effective, though again those ranks are steadily disappearing. snip
The market is just now beginning to emerge as well. The Denver Business Journal reports that Dow has announced agreements with its first new Colorado solar installers, actually three roofing companies. Colorado was chosen as the testing ground for the new technology, presumably because of its strong market for residential solar installations. The Solar Energy Industries Association reports that the state was the fifth largest solar market in 2010, with one-third coming from the residential sector.
Crain News Service reports that after the roll-out in Colorado in January, Dow intends to quickly bring the new solar shingles to 12 other states in the next 18 months. The next group is scheduled to include California and Texas.
MadHound
(34,179 posts)They're great. Roll out like regular roofing material, and more efficient than standard solar panels. Oh, and they are competitive with regular solar panels as well.
ProgressiveProfessor
(22,144 posts)Standard panels are the most efficient PV collectors at this time. They are also the lowest priced.
Solar roofing is new, is not as efficient, has no long term track record, is inherently less reliable and more expensive to maintain.
It is however prettier and more acceptable to HOAs.
GardeningGal
(2,211 posts)It makes solar blend in. I wonder how efficient this type of installation is - I didn't see a mention of it in the article. (Unless I read it too fast.)
ProgressiveProfessor
(22,144 posts)I am very pro solar and have a large solar plant. However, puff pieces like this are infuriating.
Solar roofing (it is incorrect to call it shingles) are a cosmetically more correct PV collectors and nothing more. They are less efficient than current discreet panels, have no long term track record as roofing, and are inherently less reliable.
Some of the issues may resolve over time, but they are far from a great leap forward unless you are a member of an HOA board.
mdmc
(29,092 posts)renie408
(9,854 posts)Awhile back I saw a show that featured this stuff that was like a solar 'film'. I was intrigued by the idea because it looked like something that would go perfectly on a tin roof and we have a big ole barn with a lot of tin roof. Do you have any opinion on something like that?
ProgressiveProfessor
(22,144 posts)It may allow PV collection in places right now that are really not suited for panels.
The solar products marketplace is moving forward and that is an excellent thing. However, it still has a lot of hucksters out there, and that really pisses me off. Solar roofing has its place, and hopefully there will be good products out there that are well understood. It may at some point pass panels in terms of price/performance, which would be great.
People/companies buying into solar need to have accurate information to make decisions with. When they get it, they still tend to go solar, but with far fewer disappointments.