Solar panels getting a sleek new makeover
Thu, Jun 25 2009 at 1:59 PM EST
Read more: GREEN BUILDING, SOLAR POWER
Photo: SRS Energy The next generation of solar panels will bear little resemblance to their predecessors, at least on the outside. Companies like SRS Energy, Kyocera and Suntech Power are working with building suppliers on alternatives to clunky solar panels that will satisfy the demands of picky property owners, creating products like solar roofing tiles that blend in with the traditional clay versions found on many Southern California homes.
Aesthetics have long been a complaint of homeowners who were interested in switching to renewable power, but were unhappy with the looks of conventional solar panels. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are solar installations that also serve as functional building materials including roofing, shading systems and window glazing. Today’s versions still stand out, but advancing technology like thin-film copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) could offer nearly invisible solar coverage.
EMAIL
Facebook
Stumble
Tweet
DiggBIPV is still in its very early stages and remains a small percentage of the solar energy market, but there’s a good chance that increased demand for cheaper energy in the coming years will bring this technology into high end communities around the world.
Lawrence Gasman, principal analyst at market research firm NanoMarkets, believes that BIPV will take off when construction picks back up again and people come face-to-face with rising energy costs.
"When the numbers really begin to add up, it pushes people to be innovative," he says. "The sun will never start charging for its service."
Want more? Check out our energy section.
Link
CLOSE
link:
link:
Comments(3)
Posted By Mono - Sat, Jul 04 2009 at 1:44 PM ESThttp://www.solarpanelsx.com
I try to sold solar power to big company before this, they pay us only .000007 cent per kwh. This very cheap when compare with solar panels and other utility solar panels price (battery, base, installation). 1 year after we deploy solar panels, we design to sold all solar panels out because of maintenance cost (heavy win).
Posted By SHINE - Fri, Jun 26 2009 at 5:44 AM ESTClosed Minds
I believe a closed Mind is Owned by a Fool !!!
" I wrote that saying for my EX husband " and now I would like to share it with the people of the United States Because 90% of you are the Fools. WAKE UP Before Its to late.
Solar panels with sport
I saw discovery yesterday and found some country try to use solar panels for stadium roof. That very perfect and beautiful.