Solar Power Without Ugly Rooftops
Filed Under: Green Technology on July 9, 2009
Solar panels for photovoltaic (PV) power generation are not new or innovative, but up to now they’ve been pretty bulky and ugly. Even on new construction, PV panels are often installed as if they were an afterthought or an ad-on. They’re rarely very well integrated into the structure itself.
There are a lot of reasons for this: the shape and size of the panels themselves, the position and orientation they require, and the fact that any amount of shade reduces their efficiency are all factors. Recently, more and more innovation towards thin-film solar cells and more maleable, flexible product designs have changed how PV is seen. Literally.
SRS Energy in Philadelphia, PA is one of the leaders in making a change in how solar looks.
They manufacture solar cells that are integrated into Tuscan terracotta roofing tiles from US Tile. The tiles are durable, very pretty to look at, and integrate with an already-popular roofing style in the southern climes where they’ll be most efficient.
The solar tiles produce up to 500 watts per 100 square feet, which is not as efficient as straight solar panels, but much of this is due to the construction method and the fact that not every cell is facing the optimum direction at any given time. Despite that, the tiles look really good and are a great step forward in design elements meeting green technology.
Pretty darn cool!
What beautiful roof tops!