I'm new -

[James Murphy]

Well hello all.

I'm a solar newbie and am looking round for info! Saw some solar panels in the shape of roof tiles at the trade show and it got my interest up. I live in a listed building and they would never allow traditional panels!

I run a Safety and Employment law company mod note - links removed where we work with solar installers on their method statements.

I'm also a DIY freak and have finally installed my Jacuzzi in the bathroom! (minus the panels so far).

[SunEagle]

Dow Chemical makes a "solar" shingle. They first started installations in Denver and expanded to Texas and California. While I too am interested in this technology since I need to replace my roof and would like to have a grid tie solar installaion.

I have not been able to get any good feedback on the quality and efficiency of the Dow product but the technology has expanded to another shingle manufacturer. Maybe after a few years of installed use there will be some good data on these systems.

[Naptown]

Sunpower also makes a roof tile type of panel.
I would run away from any of them until proven to hold up. There have been many attempts and all have failed that I know of so far.

[SunEagle]

Sunpower also makes a roof tile type of panel.
I would run away from any of them until proven to hold up. There have been many attempts and all have failed that I know of so far.

That's my fear. Thin film panels have not shown to have a long life.

I like the idea of replacing my roof shingle and installing solar power at the same time to reduce costs. I also like not having to worry about my "panels" being blown off from a hurricane.

I just don't know if a system like this is cost worthy as compared to a standard shingle roof and solar pv panel system. I need more data.

[Sunking]

Due to extreme high failure rates in the past and a nightmare of wiring and troubleshooting issues would stay far away. To date every company that has released this type of product went bankrupt from warranty claims.

[SunEagle]

Oh well. I guess I will just replace my roof with conventional shingles. Thanks for the input guys.

[inetdog]

Oh well. I guess I will just replace my roof with conventional shingles. Thanks for the input guys.

it would be a good time to install the racking and conventional silicon panels if you have the extra money and interest.

[SunEagle]

it would be a good time to install the racking and conventional silicon panels if you have the extra money and interest.

Agreed. But unfortunately I would not be able to afford a new roof and solar pv system right now.

[Sunking]

Agreed. But unfortunately I would not be able to afford a new roof and solar pv system right now.

Roof is more important.

[SunEagle]

Roof is more important.

10-4 on that comment.