Anyone have PV Solar Panels?

[frankpc]

Originally Posted by gastric

What happens when you need to re-shingle your roof? I've done no research but I'm assuming they screw on top of (over) your existing roof using some sort of waterproofed screws of some sort.

You could use these:

DOWâ„¢ POWERHOUSEâ„¢ Solar Shingle Unveiled

Half joking as they're not really a product quite yet, but they are essentially roof shingles with embedded solar thin film PVs. The thin film solution will be less efficient than crystal silicon panels you typically see (and RDUBiker refers to). But interesting if you need a roof too.

Frank

[Sherifftruman]

The panels do need to be removed when shingles are re-done, but it is not that difficult. Also, from what I have read, your shingles will last longer as they are not exposed to direct sunlight and heat after the panels are on.

[RDUBiker]

Originally Posted by Sherifftruman

The panels do need to be removed when shingles are re-done, but it is not that difficult. Also, from what I have read, your shingles will last longer as they are not exposed to direct sunlight and heat after the panels are on.

Correct. They are pretty much a "bolt on" and should only take minutes to remove each panel. Not that big of a deal.

A side benefit, which nobody can seem to quantify, is the added insulation effect that the panels give to your roof.

[RDUBiker]

Just got an email from one of the companies that quoted my system earlier in the year. Prices on the 235W panels have come down, so that a 5.17kW array is about 10% lower in cost than it was a few months ago. That means I can increase the size of the array and still get the full 35% state tax benefit, or pay less and have a faster payback period for the 5.17kW....I'm going to see how much larger I can go (based on roof size and also tax credit) and think about jumping on this.

I'm also adding a new garage to my house where I may be able to put even more panels. My goal is 100% production for an entire year (averaged, of course) to become as close to self-sufficient as possible. Off the grid, baby, but not off the gas just yet. Haha.

[jimmyz80]

Just curious who all you are able to get the credits from. I live in Apex, and as far as I know I can get credits from the Town of Apex (Our Electric Utility), and from NC Greenpower. Did I miss anyone?

[bcattwood]

Originally Posted by jimmyz80

Just curious who all you are able to get the credits from. I live in Apex, and as far as I know I can get credits from the Town of Apex (Our Electric Utility), and from NC Greenpower. Did I miss anyone?

There is a little outfit in DC that is providing credits as well.