Will Your Next Roof be Made of Solar Shingles?

Last week, Dow unveiled Powerhouse, a new solar shingle. Essentially, the product is a small, flat solar panel that can be used exactly like a regular roof shingle. Each shingle connects to the next, creating a massive solar array that looks just like a normal roof.

So, what are the benefits of solar shingles over traditional solar panels?

For one thing, they look a lot better than the cumbersome solar panels we’re used to. Unlike the giant panels, solar shingles seamlessly blend with regular roofing shingles to create a look that many people wouldn’t notice as out of the ordinary. That’s important, because there are many people out there that either don’t want to take the plunge into solar power, or aren’t allowed to by their homeowner’s association, because of the “eyesore factor” of traditional solar panels.

While the aesthetics of the system do matter, the real benefits here are cost and ease of installation. Instead of requiring a specialized installer, Powerhouse shingles can be installed by a regular roofer, slashing installation costs. And instead of the 20 to 30 hours a traditional solar array takes to install, a Powerhouse system can be installed in around 10 hours. Dow hasn’t released any firm numbers, but estimates put savings at about 30 to 40 percent.

Dow plans to start rolling Powerhouse shingles out on new homes mid 2010.

via Green Inc. | Photo credit: Dow Chemical Company.

Comments

[Ted (the electric tankless expert)]

I wonder how the electricity flows between the shingles and the home. It sounds like a terrific idea if the connections are strong enough to withstand wind and weather. Innovations like this are just what we need fpor energy conservation and efficiency.

[dining room set]

This is good for our roof since we are not allowed to have those in our neighborhood. Great idea!