Replies

1. 
   garymac | Oct 09, 2009 07:04am | #1

   Is anybody aware of solar photovoltaic panels that are compatable with roofing systems. I'm not a fan of the ones that are trying to look like shingles and would prefere something that actually makes the roof itself. Putting panels on top of a roof seems a bit silly. Covering a roof? It just seems weird.

2. 
   peteshlagor | Oct 09, 2009 03:17pm | #2

   A decent magazine stand will have the "Home Power" rag.

   Here's their website:  http://www.homepower.com/search/results/?search=&resourceid=5&energyapplicationid=4

   A real nice resource.

   At home shows, I've seen several displays of PV panels that blend into various (three ply shingles, concrete tiles, etc) roofing materials.

    

3. 
   DanH | Oct 09, 2009 03:34pm | #3

   I think the problem is that PV panels are always made in sections, and making the seams between the panels waterproof would be very difficult.

   Further, having runoff all the way down a full-roof PV array, with no drainage to the side/under, would lead to more rapid deterioration of the array.

   As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
1. 
   garymac | Oct 10, 2009 07:31am | #4

   I've seen full roofs. All problems can be resolved with flashing

2. 
   mike_maines | Oct 10, 2009 09:04pm | #5

   Dan, what kind of deterioration occurs?  Abrasive etching of the glass or whatever the surface material is?  Are you concerned with decreased efficiency, or with losing the ability to keep weather out of the house?

1. 
   DanH | Oct 10, 2009 09:09pm | #6

   Deterioration of the surface, I would expect, and increased trouble with water getting in around the edges and degrading/shorting the panels.And I can't see how you'd achieve reasonable sealing between the panels anyway. "Flashing", if it were wide enough to be effective, would block too much of the surface area. I suppose you could use some sort of rubber gasket between adjacent panels, but it would be a pain to install and prone to failure.
   As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

4. 
   Clewless1 | Dec 06, 2009 03:44pm | #7

   Water runoff is no worse than with a window.

   Also conventional panels have a frame of like 1/2" around the panel surface so you could flash it if you design it right.

5. 
   Clewless1 | Dec 06, 2009 03:59pm | #8

   Not sure why this is in the 'archives' forum section rather than energy.

   I've used Unisolar product. It is a peal and stick thin film solar panel. We use them to create carports. It doesn't rain much here, so sealing between panels isn't really an issue (although I'm not sure if they seal them or not). It comes in 16" wide rolls.

   Not sure how you would approach a standard house roof. On commercial roofs, I think they adhere the 'panels' to standard roofing ... which defeats your purpose/intent.

   The thin film produces less peak power (by area) ... HOWEVER, it performs better (than conventional crystaline) under hot conditions and where there is some shading (including clouds). The cost per design/peak watt is 'about the same' ... however this will vary depending on your conditions and ability to install it w/ less hastle ... conventional systems require a rack structure. While racks may not be a big part of the cost, they may be a significant issue.

   We've put in several hundred KW of carports w/ this product. We are in a VERY hot climate, so we get the benefit and our particular application is easy ... we apply it to the 'wrong' side of a standing seam metal roofing (16" wide) and turn the roofing upside down.

   They've used this for a wide variety of applications on commercial roofing. There is definately some potential for residential and someone may have already covered the details required (it's ALWAYS in the details, right?). Maybe a rep would know.

   Where are you located? Look them up on line ... you should be able to get connected if you want to explore this option more.

1. 
   garymac | Dec 08, 2009 01:47am | #9

     Thanks for the info I'll check them out.

     Living up in the Okanagan valley just north of Washinngton State. Our temperarures go from 40 C below to 40 C above.

   I just wish some one made a pannel that I could cover a complete south slope on a simple gable end roof with. If the were made to work in conjunction with a truss roof system I could cover two aspects of the building with one product

     Thank you Gary 

1. 
   Clewless1 | Dec 08, 2009 03:34am | #10

   Yup ... that's the best way to economize on energy ... kill two birds w/ one stone and the economics begin to make a lot more sense. Share what you find if you find something interesting ... I think a lot of people would be interested.