Hiding Solar Roof Panels
Jun 23, 2009 – Melody Voith writes “Sneaky Solar” in the June 15, 2009 issue of C&E News. She points out that solar energy developers are seeking to move beyond clunky rooftop panels. Owners of high end houses want to keep the aesthetics of their house even if they install solar panels on their roof. Manufacturers are attempting to get the panels incorporated into building materials. These are called BIPV, or building-integrated photovoltaics. Europe’s BIPV in 2008 was only 40 MW or $300 million, less than 3% of the solar market. Thin film technology will be a factor in this technology. Players in thie market include Global Solar Energy of Tucson, AZ; Suntech Power, Kyocera, and United Solar Ovonics.
