The primary problem with thin-film cells is you end up with a much larger system and much higher installation costs.

Roof tile prices?!? You're not worried about a larger system here. your just using solar cell in place of roof tiles.

From a builders perspective, same cost but comes with some free power.

It might not get you off the grid, but it will help lower utility costs and environmental impact.

Boooyaa!

http://www.dowpowerhouse.com/

Then just cover these with a thin sheet of Gorilla glass and you get durable roof tiles with electricity.

Roof tile prices?!? You're not worried about a larger system here. your just using solar cell in place of roof tiles.


You can't actually use them -as- roof tiles.

There's a lot more involved than just stacking them up like ordinary roof tiles and putting a nail through to keep them in place. You need to provide wiring access, free ventilation under the panels to keep them cool, weatherproofing and service access.

Although it would be neat if someone made a roof tile that had a solar panel built into it.

Cool the PV with copper tubing to pre-heat home hot water.

Dual-purpose solar helps shorten the investment payback - that number has been a problem since the 70's!

Already ahead of you Eikka


Those are shingles, not tiles. A shingle roof doesn't last as long as a tile roof, and you can't use them as actual roof shingles - rather you install them on top of a mat you lay on a shingled roof.

And again, it's not very optimal because the roof surface gets really hot in the sun.