Building Integrated Photovoltaics
Here’s the way I like to explain building integrated solar PV (BIPV): “It’s not on the roof; it is the roof.” This is clearly destined for greatness over the coming years, especially as more states and other countries follow California’s lead in requiring net energy neutrality for all new construction.
Having said that, there are good designs and bad ones. The one shown above looks both light weight and as efficient as possible, given that the PV itself covers most of the roof surface.
The same can’t be said about the design on the right; looks like a loser in the marketplace to me.
Craig,
Obviously you favour the less aesthetic design.
The problem with making your roof form solar panels is the problem of siting the panels. Obviously some panels will be more efficient than others, especially when the neighbors tree grows.
The other problem is the relatively short life of some solar panels and the general lack of life expectancy by all.
For home owners, replacing a roof is not only fairly traumatic but expensive. The idea the roof of a 10 year old home having to replace the roof in the near future may well deter many potential buyers. It will certainly detract from real estate values.
Many Solar companies guarantee their panels to remain 80% efficient over a twenty year period.
However, if you examine the fine print such a warranty becomes of far more dubious value. (also who says your solar company will exist in 20 years ?)
like many technologies the weaknesses and limitations of both Solar and Wind technologies are slowly becoming apparent. Some will be overcome as the technology evolves, while others may turn out to be inherent flaws, resulting in the same sort of boondoggles which have beset Us corn based Ethanol production.