I know they exist, but what is the cost(per KW), durability, ease of installation? Anyone know of a good company(s) marketing this product? What about their competitiveness vs. conventional PV cell panels? Thanks Dave

Dave, I'm not an expert at this stuff (PV), I only know what I've read, but heres what I've learned. Unisolar does the PV shingles and they run aprox. $680 for around 150 watts. You can buy (sunelectronics) a 190 watt silicon based panel for $700. I can't remember who had the Unisolars at that wattage and price but if you hunt around the web I'm sure you'll see it. Nanosolar out in Ca. is on track to bring on $1 watt thin film panels but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for them, I bet it will many years before we'll see them retail. Good luck.

I think everyone is waiting for the googlepowered nanosolar stuff, but Topgas is right in that it'll be a while before end users like us will have access to them. I actually participated in a cool seminar in the Bay Area where they teach you hands on how to install the thin film roof shingles and it was quite fun.

Let me know if you're interested in ordering the UniSolar thin film shingles at discount from retail. I recently launched an online "renewable energy superstore" with the sole purpose of getting energy system components to end users at better prices. As always, a simple google will pull up a ton of online distributors.

good luck!

Jhunanger629, a link to your site please. TG

Jhunanger629,
I googled "renewable energy superstore" and got a few sights. What is the link to yours? I would like to support members if possible.
Louiee

Hey Louiee, I appreciate the thought. I just didn't want to post a link and violate any forum rules.

The site is www.solarblvd.com.

Let me know if you have any questions as we launched the site recently and will be commencing our full scale marketing/seo/etc early april

A medium quality system cost aproximatively 6-8000 $/Kw.
Normally is really easy to install.
Loris

I wonder what affect the heat will have on output of a shigle type application?

That's a really good point..............

Generally, most amorphous, or thin-film, such as Unisolar and the Siemens ST series, have less power loss at high temperatures. In environments such as Arizona and other high desert areas, some installers rec the thin film over the traditional monocrys.

Yes!! Eagle Roofing. They are fairly easy to install. Have done 4 so far. I recommend them. The technology is from a company named "Open Energy."
Who also makes some other great products.


http://www.eagleroofing.com/greenBld_eagleSolarRoof.htm

Hi Guys,
I wonder about the ability to repair a section if needed. It seems that a panel may be easier to get at and repair or replace.
Marc and Kemella