Monday, March 17, 2014

Residential Roof Integrated Solar Energy Modules

A second type of module design is one that allows the module to be integrated into residential roofing materials. Systems connecting directly to the roofing materials (i.e. replacing shingles or laying flat to the roofing boards) are called integrated solar modules. The module frame design is modified so that it has the same profile as neighboring flat concrete tiles. The modules are not mounted to a rail structure but are attached directly to the roof surface. This low profile mount allows the module to blend in to the look of the roof and avoid the retrofit appearance of standard mounted solar energy modules.

The emergence of this more attractive roof integrated product has encouraged many production home builders to incorporate solar systems into their projects. This type blends in with the roofing materials and is attached directly to the roof surface.

Types Integrated Solar PV Panels

One is the mono crystalline ridged frame design offered by some existing manufacturers. These PV panels are becoming more efficient and they blend well into the roofing structure. These solar cells use the same crystalline silicon technology as standard modules today. This set up has more mounting frame with fewer solar cells connected in series. The can result in a solar system that is a little more expensive. Because the roof integrated systems mount directly to the roof, they do not have the air flow of standard modules therefore the solar cell temperature gets higher, limiting their efficiency.

The other integrated solar cell product offered, by UNISOLAR, is a flexible amorphous technology. This type of solar panel is referred as thin film, sheet solar, or nano-solar. It is made to blend in with an asphalt shingle roof. It is somewhat less efficient, tends to degrade more quickly, and may have a shorter workable live spam. The manufacturer claims that this module is better in high shade situations.

Solar Energy Options Hitting a Roofs Everywhere

It is encouraging to see new solar energy systems hitting the market with enhanced technology, better integration options, and less complexity. It will take time to work out the bugs with these cutting edge products. With new technology, we think comes (hopefully) a lower cost of ownership. This should enhance the use of home solar energy systems worldwide. It will be innovative financing options that allow homeowners to use the technology that will cause explosive growth.

New solar energy technologies are on the march. Exciting investments and technology proof of concepts are everywhere. It is hard to refute the good, faithful, and well-established silicon based solar cells. These systems have a life span of 30 years and have been in active use for decades. The only deterrent, until now, has been the high price for the systems. With the option to rental the entire solar energy system including the ongoing maintenance of the system for up to 25 years, the choices homeowners now have related to renewable energy adoption in their homes is very exciting.

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