Comments on: Flexible Solar Powered Rooftop Shingles

By: Keith Elliott

Keith Elliott — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:30:01 +0000

Paul Barnes notes that Nanosolar (A Google backed California Company) started this off. They did not actually invent the process, but they did take it and run with the idea. Their production costs are less than $1 per watt, making the electricity price-competitive with that of the grid. Which, as we all know, only goes up. And as for balance of system costs, that depends somewhat on whether or not you have a stand alone system, or purely grid tied, in which case your power might go out when the grid goes down. If you do indeed have battery backup, inverter etc., then, yes your costs are higher, but not prohibitive. Any half decent DIY person can keep the installation costs down to almost nothing.
Personally, I like the idea that my power NEVER fails me.

By: cancerman72

cancerman72 — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:40:42 +0000

I think I have seen this installed one of those Green show a few months back. Its a great concept. I forget what the show was called. Anyone remember?

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:58:47 +0000

I think flexible solar is a good idea, especially in the area of Texas where I live where damaging hail is a potential problem as well as extreme winds. The way I see it, being able to flex would be very beneficial. But, that’s just my 2 cents.

By: RB

RB — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:17:00 +0000

This is still the holy grail search for aesthetics that meets the efficiency required to justify. If we aren’t so anal about appearance and realized that simple is better, we wouldn’t be having this discussion. I totally agree with research to expand our future options but the mindset of many is similar to the analogy that when cars reach 100mpg AND cost less that $20K, then I’ll do it. Not very wise thinking. We need to remember that the market still drives innovation but holding of on progress when we are in the economic and technological void of today is not wise. Support innovation by moving forward in small steps if neccessary. JMHO

By: Paul Barnes

Paul Barnes — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:49:49 +0000

I think you will find that this idea is already in production. I think the idea comes from a company called nanosolar.

By: Tony DeMerchant

Tony DeMerchant — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:55:11 +0000

Flexible solar panels shingles this I really like. Nice point of view Charles on wind turbines and solar panels a concept need doing.

By: Charles Simpson

Charles Simpson — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:54:54 +0000

See I say again, why aren’t wind turbines covered in solar panels? they could easily be producing double if not triple the power and consistently too, not just when its windy.

By: Julie Lancaster Cowan

Julie Lancaster Cowan — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:54:28 +0000

This is brilliant and should be standard for all new houses.

By: Shawn Seaver

Shawn Seaver — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:54:04 +0000

Been hearing about this, I look forward to applications like this catching on, it’s about time…

By: Jules Hazard

Jules Hazard — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:53:41 +0000

So the question is… is it like the old ones? cause you could not walk on those, they would get damaged… cool though.