Wednesday, December 31, 2008

BIPV, Integrated Solar Roofing Materials Atracts Manufacturers And Builders.

MIT Technology Review has published a very nice article on Integrated solar roofing material that will make life easier for home owners. A technology partnership have produced metal roofing system with integrated solar generator that generate 3 to 120 KW while being sturdy enough to withstand 160 miles per hour winds. Wind resistance and aesthetic problems of protruding solar panels have both been removed from the scene.
Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are not new technologically but they are to the commercial arena and now more and more companies coming together to offer the services and materials.
But the article also mentions that BIPV is more popular and in demand in Europe. "There are very high incentives for BIPV in Italy and France." For instance, United Solar currently sells its solar laminates to a large asphalt-shingle manufacturer in Italy that supplies residential clients with solar shingles.
With the housing markets lying low and and builders looking for niches might find this interesting. Also solar tax credits that are set to expire in the USA, need to be reviewed and reinstated.
You can find the article here!
Integrated Solar Roofing Materials Attracks Manufacturers And Builders.

1 comment:

dyetube said...

Let's hope that we see more of this. I think one of the bigger reasons people don't want to go solar (aside from the cost aspect) is that solar tends to stick out like a sore thumb. If it were integrated more into the house, more people would be willing to consider it.

Jeff McBride
Web Development/Marketing
www.solarmecca.com

1-800-SOL-MECCCA