Solar panels that glue on

[DougA]

I haven't posted in this section for a long time. I thought this article was very interesting and shows the direction that panels might take in the future. If they could combine this with higher efficiency AND a low price, we might just be onto something.

http://nextbigfuture.com/2014/11/solar-panels-that-glue-on-to-roofs.html

 

[woodgeek]

I always like a new solar idea.

A flexible stick on product that fits the trenches on metal roofing was sold several years ago. Those non-silicon panels showed rapid degradation in service (in a few years), and then they started getting dumped on fleabay.

Dow also had a solar shingle several years ago that they claimed could be installed in place of a regular roof replacement, eliminating install costs. It too used a non-silicon flexible module.

Since the bottom fell out on silicon panel prices, I have not heard much about any of these products.

 

[peakbagger]

Many assumptions on how these will lower costs. The problem I have with these types of articles is it gives someone who is interested in getting solar an excuse to delay installing it. There have been adhesive solar panels sold for metal roofing and they failed miserably as the adhesive eventually failed. If is highly doubtful that any adhesive would work on a conventional asphalt shingle roof in the long term. Most shingle roofs are 20 year life and usually when they hit that age they are seriously deteriorated and anything attached to them are most likely going to be not securely attached. The concept of "smart" electronics is already commercially available with microinverters. Even if the wiring is "smart" there still is the need to install it properly using the right materials and making sure that it is compliant with safety codes. The interconnect to the utility panel also needs to be done by someone who knows what they are doing as improper backfeeding off the panel can cause a situation that the bus bars of the panel can get overloaded.

There definitely are opportunities to streamline the process to reduce costs without new technology. In many areas the electrical unions have taken over the process to ensure that only their members can do installs. In mass and in theory NH, only an electrician can touch a panel. The reality is that the folks who install the racking are entirely capable of rigging the panels up on the roof and hanging the panels.in place. Arguably there is no need for an electrician to plug one panel into another given that the connectors are polarized and are hard to improperly click them together. In other jurisdictions, PE stamps are needed for the electrical and structural. Building inspectors especiallyy in big cities love licensed pros responsible for installations as it transfers liability from the inspector to the pro. I don't see local authorities approving installations that don't need inspections and I don't see those authorities willing to take the responsibility back from the pros unless forced to.

People considering solar need to consider that the clock is ticking on the federal 30% rebate which is over in 2016. Panel prices have probably bottomed out and pricing for the inverters also seems to have bottomed out. If someone has the right solar exposure its time to install instead of delaying hoping that it will cost less at some indefinite time in the future.

 

[Circus]

Plug & play has been technically and financially available for quite a while. The hard part is getting permission to use it. I don't see how glue would change anything.


(broken link removed to http://www.cnbc.com/id/102205497)
BOSTON, Nov. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (CSE) successfully completed the first public installation and interconnection of its Plug and Play PV Systems
Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initative, the Plug and Play System is a holistic approach to residential PV that will dramatically help reduce the total installed costs of solar electricity by 2020, from $4.00/Watt installed to $1.50/Watt.
"What is particularly unique about this project is that it doesn't just stop at technology development but is a comprehensive approach, including integration with the utilities and jurisdictions,"

 

[Where2]

People considering solar need to consider that the clock is ticking on the federal 30% rebate Credit which is over in 2016.

Be sure to read and understand IRS form 5695 "Residential Energy Credits" and consult with your tax professional. It is a "Credit" not a "guaranteed rebate". Line 14 and the instructions about Line 14 on form 5695 are quite important. There are cases where you may not be able to claim all the credit in one tax year, which makes 2015 a more important year than 2016.

(disclaimer: I designed, permitted, and installed my own PV system without an electrical contractor.)

 

[peakbagger]

I designed, permitted, and installed my own PV system without an electrical contractor.)

I have done three systems solo through 3 different code versions. I had to have an electrician sign off on the last system to get RECs.

I agree that waiting until 2016 is not a great idea. I think if most folks are aware of the limitations of the credit they can plan their taxes to take advantage of it.