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Dow and Global Solar Energy have teamed up to take on the Department of Energy's "Solar America Initiative (SAI)" to create building-integrated solar. The purpose of the SAI is basically to create an incentive for the development of cheap, simple building-integrated photovoltaic systems. Dow Building Solutions wants to take Global Solar Energy's panels and, basically, turn them into roofing shingles.
Expensive, shiny, energy harnessing, roofing shingles.
Global Solar Energy produces thin-film, flexible CIGS solar panels for a variety of markets already. Dow was excited to partner with them because they're the only producers currently making flexible panels that meat the SAI's requirement for 10% efficiency.
Photovoltaic roofing shingles aren't a new idea, but using low-cost CIGS panels could make the technology significantly more cost competitive. As more CIGS manufacturers move onto the scene, we could be seeing a lot more of this sort of transparent, distributed power generation. My house is going to need a new roof in ten years or so...hopefully by then, they'll be ready for me.
Via Energy Daily and GoodCleanTech
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written by GoSolar, May 02, 2008
to a roof with solar shingles? How about mounting a TV antenna, or adding a skylight or solatube?
If a storm damages the roof, do you call a roofer or a solar company? How many wires hang from each shingle? If 1 shingle is damaged by a storm, how do I replace it? With a crystalline panel, you simply remove the broken panel with a new one.
And with efficiencies at about 1/2 of traditional panels, significantly higher installation prices, and declining efficiency over time....the ONLY appeal I see for these is their appearance.
If a storm damages the roof, do you call a roofer or a solar company? How many wires hang from each shingle? If 1 shingle is damaged by a storm, how do I replace it? With a crystalline panel, you simply remove the broken panel with a new one.
And with efficiencies at about 1/2 of traditional panels, significantly higher installation prices, and declining efficiency over time....the ONLY appeal I see for these is their appearance.
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written by Sick of trolls, May 02, 2008
Even I wouldnt blame Bush&co. for the low efficiency of these flexible solar panels. GoSolar- just because you dont have the answers doesnt negate the possabilities of this system. The product is still in development- those questions are things DOW will be considering. The system is a marriage of two formally separate ideas- solar panels & roofing.Ideally in the near future when someone needed a new roof- they could go this route with a minimal premium and create a little electricity to boot.
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written by ksgarvin, May 02, 2008
Only a few pragmatic decisions of American government could increase efficiency rate of solar shingles to 20% in the first phase and cut the price for at least 50%
What? What do government decisions have to do with improving efficiency of solar cells? I don't follow your reasoning.
If that's all it takes, then government should decree good health, free groceries, and long vacations for everyone. Really, no one wants to hear political ranting. That's what keeps us from solving problems in the first place -- we keep going after the wrong solutions because of politically correct government mandates. This just makes for bad policy, and it's a poor excuse for environmental responsibility.
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written by curt, May 02, 2008
Quote: 'What? What do government decisions have to do with improving efficiency of solar cells? I don't follow your reasoning.'
It is very easy:
1. Only government decision could de-classify 'secret status' on PV devices, which have been already in use in some military programs and are much, much better (efficiency rate, much less material, etc.)
2. Only government decision could make a large scale deal with appropriate corporation for massive production of PV devices, etc.
3. Only government decision could decide about tax rates, incentives, other financial conditions, etc.
Government is a kind of a manager of country's economy and security: resources, top scientific research, army, intelligence, energy, federal finances finances, etc.
I can't do it, you can't do it, President can order it and his government can execute it, if only they wanted to.
It is very easy:
1. Only government decision could de-classify 'secret status' on PV devices, which have been already in use in some military programs and are much, much better (efficiency rate, much less material, etc.)
2. Only government decision could make a large scale deal with appropriate corporation for massive production of PV devices, etc.
3. Only government decision could decide about tax rates, incentives, other financial conditions, etc.
Government is a kind of a manager of country's economy and security: resources, top scientific research, army, intelligence, energy, federal finances finances, etc.
I can't do it, you can't do it, President can order it and his government can execute it, if only they wanted to.
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written by ozi ozi, May 03, 2008
Hey America. They have a product on the market in Australia for standard PV cells that sit flush with roof sheeting. There are councils (local government approves most buildings in Australia) that will require you to have PVs, but forbid you from making them visible from the street, & other such non-sense.
If this is a low cost alternative to raping the design of your house to meet ridiculous planning regulations, then send us the trade literature when it's ready to specify.
As for what the US government could do to support solar. If they required every new building & all government/military buildings to have alternative energy with a mains backup, & introduced standards for electrical, mechanical & hydraulic efficiency...
...the market would probably sort out the rest.
If this is a low cost alternative to raping the design of your house to meet ridiculous planning regulations, then send us the trade literature when it's ready to specify.
As for what the US government could do to support solar. If they required every new building & all government/military buildings to have alternative energy with a mains backup, & introduced standards for electrical, mechanical & hydraulic efficiency...
...the market would probably sort out the rest.
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written by Solar Transfer, May 06, 2008
It simply makes no sense. A solar transfer technology is where your green dollars should be going and they are not even trying to sell you anything yet! Keep solar panels off of roofs! There is a better way!
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written by Bill, June 21, 2008
It is very easy:
1. Only government decision could de-classify 'secret status' on PV devices, which have been already in use in some military programs and are much, much better (efficiency rate, much less material, etc.)
If there is a secret "PV Device" there is usually a reason. We may not know the reason, but it is usually there for our protection. For example we've had the ability to shoot down a satellite for years. This was keeps secret till we needed it to shoot down a satellite that poses an environmental risk. Next thing you know China is screaming bloody murder. Why because the same tech can shoot down one of there missiles, leaving them in a weaker position in the event of a war.
2. Only government decision could make a large scale deal with appropriate corporation for massive production of PV devices, etc.
Why should they unless it is for there use. Lets face it the government is not know for making the best deals. Too much politics in the way. Better to let the markets decide than let the government choose, then give that company a monopoly. In the end we will pay more.
Think what would have happened if the government would have given Ford the monopoly in the US for making cars. No other cars in the country but Ford, and all Ford had to do was keep up with government regulations. Imagine the POS we would be driving. Don't get me wrong Ford is a great company, but only because they have to compete with GM, Toyota, & Honda.
3. Only government decision could decide about tax rates, incentives, other financial conditions, etc.
True, but when the government gives you a break one place they have to make it up someplace else. Usually they more than make it up. Tax breaks, are like magic, it's all smoke and mirrors. Your only watching the break that you can see not the increase you don't
1. Only government decision could de-classify 'secret status' on PV devices, which have been already in use in some military programs and are much, much better (efficiency rate, much less material, etc.)
If there is a secret "PV Device" there is usually a reason. We may not know the reason, but it is usually there for our protection. For example we've had the ability to shoot down a satellite for years. This was keeps secret till we needed it to shoot down a satellite that poses an environmental risk. Next thing you know China is screaming bloody murder. Why because the same tech can shoot down one of there missiles, leaving them in a weaker position in the event of a war.
2. Only government decision could make a large scale deal with appropriate corporation for massive production of PV devices, etc.
Why should they unless it is for there use. Lets face it the government is not know for making the best deals. Too much politics in the way. Better to let the markets decide than let the government choose, then give that company a monopoly. In the end we will pay more.
Think what would have happened if the government would have given Ford the monopoly in the US for making cars. No other cars in the country but Ford, and all Ford had to do was keep up with government regulations. Imagine the POS we would be driving. Don't get me wrong Ford is a great company, but only because they have to compete with GM, Toyota, & Honda.
3. Only government decision could decide about tax rates, incentives, other financial conditions, etc.
True, but when the government gives you a break one place they have to make it up someplace else. Usually they more than make it up. Tax breaks, are like magic, it's all smoke and mirrors. Your only watching the break that you can see not the increase you don't
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written by Tomas Martinez, September 03, 2008
I would like to obtain pricing
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written by Richard Owl Mirror, January 11, 2009
This request is not your typical request. I am seeking a cost-effective solution for a stand-alone shed that can run about 2000 watts of power 24 hours a day.
It will be a self-contained plant growing environment. Power needs would be approx. a 1000 watt light system as well as water circulation pump, cooling fan, etc.
I am working on a low-cost solution to raise crops indoors without consuming power from the grid. I understand this is not a real money-maker for your company but, if I am able to get a quote and deem the project feasible I may be able to market this shed system nationwide. This will be a basic 12x12x8 storage shed which can be positioned to optimally collect the sun's rays.
Can anyone offer pricing, viability of such use on a small scale?
I am looking for a low-cost alternative for low-income patients.
It will be a self-contained plant growing environment. Power needs would be approx. a 1000 watt light system as well as water circulation pump, cooling fan, etc.
I am working on a low-cost solution to raise crops indoors without consuming power from the grid. I understand this is not a real money-maker for your company but, if I am able to get a quote and deem the project feasible I may be able to market this shed system nationwide. This will be a basic 12x12x8 storage shed which can be positioned to optimally collect the sun's rays.
Can anyone offer pricing, viability of such use on a small scale?
I am looking for a low-cost alternative for low-income patients.
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written by Liquid Roof, January 31, 2009
Do not you think that it can be dangerous to have solar shingles on our roofs. I feel that solar shingles can harm us, though it will give a lot of energy saving benefits even then as one of the person commented in post that how would we handle TV antena on the roof in this case....
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They are very well integrated into roof structure and they are long term photovoltaics devices.
Only a few pragmatic decisions of American government could increase efficiency rate of solar shingles to 20% in the first phase and cut the price for at least 50%.
However, that is not possible, because of the ultra strong opposition by President Bush and his team, who are against American energy independence and introduction of renewable energy sources.