Solar roof tiles (shingles)

To the majority the main reason why they won't install solar panels is that some can look well... ugly. Nobody wants to lose their curb appeal understandably BUT, you don't have to get panels. You can get solar roof tiles and they look just dandy!

What are they and how do they work? 

Solar shingles, also called photovoltaic shingles, are solar cells designed to look like conventional asphalt shingles. There are several varieties of solar shingles, including shingle-sized solid panels that take the place of a number of conventional shingles in a strip, semi-rigid designs containing several silicon solar cells that are sized more like conventional shingles, and newer systems using various thin film solar cell technologies that match conventional shingles both in size and flexibility. Solar shingles are manufactured by several companies by now.

Solar shingles are photovoltaic cells, capturing sunlight and transforming it into electricity. Most solar shingles are 12 by 86 inches (300 by 2,180 mm) and can be stapled directly to the roofing cloth. When applied they have a 5 by 86 inches (130 by 2,180 mm) strip of exposed surface. Different models of shingles have different mounting requirements. Some can be applied directly onto roofing felt intermixed with regular asphalt shingles while others may need special installation.

Aren't they just dandy?!  There are all sorts of shapes and sizes that admittedly do aesthetically dance on the eyes more so than the panels!

Downside?

So it is a no-brainer then; fit solar tiles instead of panels unless you want to make a statement to your neighbours with your solar panels. Well – as is often the case – it is not as simple as that. The main issue is cost or, more to the point, return on investment. Solar tiles are more expensive – often double the price – and less efficient – typically 10 – 20% less than than solar panels. And as solar PV systems are being presented as an excellent investment with the Feed in Tariffs this will have an impact on their popularity and applicability.

Solar tiles still may have a part to play in the sustainable design of our buildings however. For those that view the appearance of their roof as paramount or for whom cost is not a concern may still want to make the extra investment. Also with new build homes, it may be practical to install solar tiles instead of conventional roof tiles which will offset some of the cost and look great; particularly if they cover the entire roof pitch.

I apologise for the poor quality of this blog post. It was copied from our current, new and improved blog that is here. It is updated daily and more often than not features solar panel news. I know there are still a few stragglers reading this blog and I thank you but, if you want it recently and updated then Home Improvement Blog will be right up your street! However if you are afraid of change then  I will try to maintain this blog to the best of my ability although it will be irregular and late, I apologise in advance!

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams!

Solar Windows Power Your Home?

A house window that doubles as a solar panel could be on the horizon, thanks to recent quantum-dot work. Scientists have demonstrated that superior light-emitting properties of quantum dots can be applied in solar energy by helping more efficiently harvest sunlight. Clever clogs.

Quantum dot LSC devices under ultraviolet illumination.

A house window that doubles as a solar panel could be on the horizon, thanks to recent quantum-dot work by Los Alamos National Laboratory researchers in collaboration with scientists from University of Milano-Bicocca (UNIMIB), Italy. Their project demonstrates that superior light-emitting properties of quantum dots can be applied in solar energy by helping more efficiently harvest sunlight.
"The key accomplishment is the demonstration of large-area luminescent solar concentrators that use a new generation of specially engineered quantum dots," said lead researcher Victor Klimov of the Centre for Advanced Solar Photophysics (CASP) at Los Alamos.Quantum dots are ultra-small bits of semiconductor matter that can be synthesized with nearly atomic precision via modern methods of colloidal chemistry. Their emission color can be tuned by simply varying their dimensions. Color tunability is combined with high emission efficiencies approaching 100 percent. These properties have recently become the basis of a new technology -- quantum dot displays -- employed, for example, in the newest generation of the Kindle Fire ™ e-reader.

Light-harvesting antennas

A luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) is a photon management device, representing a slab of transparent material that contains highly efficient emitters such as dye molecules or quantum dots. Sunlight absorbed in the slab is re-radiated at longer wavelengths and guided towards the slab edge equipped with a solar cell.Klimov explained, "The LSC serves as a light-harvesting antenna which concentrates solar radiation collected from a large area onto a much smaller solar cell, and this increases its power output.""LSCs are especially attractive because in addition to gains in efficiency, they can enable new interesting concepts such as photovoltaic windows that can transform house facades into large-area energy generation units," said Sergio Brovelli, who worked at Los Alamos until 2012 and is now a faculty member at UNIMIB.Because of highly efficient, color-tunable emission and solution processability, quantum dots are attractive materials for use in inexpensive, large-area LSCs. One challenge, however, is an overlap between emission and absorption bands in the dots, which leads to significant light losses due to the dots re-absorbing some of the light they produce.

"Giant" but still tiny, engineered dots

To overcome this problem the Los Alamos and UNIMIB researchers have developed LSCs based on quantum dots with artificially induced large separation between emission and absorption bands (called a large Stokes shift).These "Stokes-shift" engineered quantum dots represent cadmium selenide/cadmium sulfide (CdSe/CdS) structures in which light absorption is dominated by an ultra-thick outer shell of CdS, while emission occurs from the inner core of a narrower-gap CdSe. The separation of light-absorption and light-emission functions between the two different parts of the nanostructure results in a large spectral shift of emission with respect to absorption, which greatly reduces losses to re-absorption.

Concept of a Solar Window

To implement this concept, Los Alamos researchers created a series of thick-shell (so-called "giant") CdSe/CdS quantum dots, which were incorporated by their Italian partners into large slabs (sized in tens of centimeters) of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). While being large by quantum dot standards, the active particles are still tiny -- only about hundred angstroms across. For comparison, a human hair is about 500,000 angstroms wide."A key to the success of this project was the use of a modified industrial method of cell-casting, we developed at UNIMIB Materials Science Department" said Francesco Meinardi, professor of Physics at UNIMIB.
Despite their high transparency, the fabricated structures showed significant enhancement of solar flux with the concentration factor of more than four. These exciting results indicate that "Stokes-shift-engineered" quantum dots represent a promising materials platform. It may enable the creation of solution processable large-area LSCs with independently tunable emission and absorption spectra.
Sadly this all still just an idea and won't be in the mainstream market for a few more years. The idea though is  revolutionary. You could plug in your appliances into your WINDOW. Ideal for Kitchen windows, plug in your kettle and make a lovely cuppa powered by the sun, bliss. For more information on the Solar Window click here. Also there are many different companies trying to get their own spin on the Solar Window e.g. New Energy claim they are making a Solar Window that can out perform any commercial Solar Panel by 10 fold. Clearly in the foreseeable future not only will we see Solar Windows hitting the market but a whole range of them specially designed in their own unique ways!

Spectroscopic measurements indicated virtually no losses to re-absorption on distances of tens of centimetres  Further, tests using simulated solar radiation demonstrated high photon harvesting efficiencies of approximately 10% per absorbed photon achievable in nearly transparent samples, perfectly suited for utilization as photovoltaic windows.

I apologise for the poor quality of this blog post. It was copied from our current, new and improved blog that is here. It is updated daily and more often than not features solar panel news. I know there are still a few stragglers reading this blog and I thank you but, if you want it recently and updated then Home Improvement Blog will be right up your street! However if you are afraid of change then  I will endevour to maintain this blog to the best of my ability although it will be irregular and late, I apologise in advance!

I bid you adieu my dear Sirs and Madams!

Architects in Plymouth save 70% with solar

Architects Design Group (ADG) is proving an old 1970's tower building can be effectively and economically upgraded, to slash it's energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Having already increased the walls thermal efficiency by 7 or 8 times, and replacing the glazing, they've just finished the installation  of a new solar (PV) panel system on the 5 storey roof.

The new solar panels, which feature a clever cylindrical pv system, capture more of the available light directly, increasing the efficiency of the panels. It's one of the first installations of its kind in the UK.

The 20kW system comprises of a 100 separate panels and will generate power equivalent to the typical use of 6 houses.

The new PV system will reduce ADG's electricity bill by 70%, with surplus power reducing costs of the buildings other tenants.

photo credit: solo

Australia - Solar electricity as cheap as grid electricity

ABC News in Australia reports that the Photovoltaic Association reckons solar electricity is now as cheap as 'grid' electricity, produced by fossil fuel means.

And it gets even better as Association spokesperson Muriel Watt reveals that the figures don't include the cost of transmitting/transporting the grid energy to where it's needed. Solar energy is usually used at source.

The achievement of equal price comparison is referred to as grid parity.

And it can only get better value as the costs of fossil fuel derived energy is expected to continue growing, much like the recent energy price rises in the UK.

It's another excellent argument for installing solar panels now, whilst the UK Government's tariff's are at their highest.

Lower production costs coupled with greater generating capacity, could see a larger reduction in the tariff's than was originally planned, so the time to act is definitely now.

photo credit: maxwell hamilton

Tokyo drive for renewable energy expected

Following the devastating Tsunami in Japan earlier this year, Tokyo is expected to announce a major push for renewables as public confidence in nuclear power dwindles.

Reports suggest that Japan will aim for a 15 fold increase in the use of solar power by 2030. One idea is that every new building will have to incorporate solar panels by 2030.

Japan was the world's third biggest user of nuclear power before the 'quakes.

And it's not just the Japanese government stepping forward. Big business leaders are also joining the renewables cause with one billionaire president planning to invest over 3 trillion yen (which equals over $36 billion dollars) of its sales revenue in solar power (source Reuters).

Perhaps other countries (including the UK) should take note and not wait for a national disaster before starting similar programmes of mass renewable installation.

photo credit: francois rejete

Selling solar energy to the masses

Kirsten Korosec at Bnet.com wrote a very interesting piece a couple of weeks ago about American big DIY outlets previous unsuccessful attempts to sell solar equipment.

One of the main problems she reckons is the upfront cost of such a system still putting many homeowners off.

And it's understandable. Although more and more homeowners are installing solar energy systems and reaping the rewards of cheaper energy bills and revenue from Government tariffs, many more still see solar as a 'fringe' energy source.

However a new scheme is going to be piloted whereby the DIY stores will not only sell the hardware, but also be able to arrange the finance and provide other options like leasing the equipment - similar to 'rent-a-roof'schemes in the UK where the installation is free, but the tariff payments go to the company rather than the homeowner.

The homeowner just benefits from the lower energy bills and the knowledge they're reducing the own homes CO2 emissions.

Like Solar Panel Quoter - instant online quotes for photovoltaic (electricity) and hot water solar systems, the American 'trial' will see visitors to the stores able to input their own property and the software 'map' a potential customers house.

It's hoped the system will include indicators of how much energy they're currently using, what their current daily spend on "dirty energy" is and how much less that would be with a solar system installed.

It's a brave move and I'm sure that if it works well enough, then it could herald the start of similar schemes in the UK.

To be able to arrive at a point where the homeowner states how much capital they're able to invest in a solar panel installation and the solar leasing companies be able to work out a proportionate amount of tariff payments to the homeowner etc must surely be one way forward for the UK's solar industry?

photo credit: bill rice

Bearded Theory - solar panels in the most unlikeliest of places

Our intrepid Festival go'er - Adam - is just back from the Bearded Theory festival>, which this year was held in the grounds of Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire.

(and yes he did wear his false beard - a Dumbledore creation in vivid purple)

Anyway, knowing my fascination for all things solar, he snapped the above picture - a set of solar panels apparently powering a DJ desk.

Whilst the solar panels wouldn't have generated enough power for the turntables, let alone the amps, they would have charged a battery up very nicely for a little night-time illumination.

If you've got the camping or caravan bug, and have been thinking about solar panels, unfortunately, Solar Panel Quoter is aimed more at domestic and business installations.

But you might try your local Maplins or Caravan seller as they may provide the smaller, complete solar kits for the great outdoors (or festival).

photo credit: Adam.

African residents could see first electricity thanks to solar

Africa's green future...

Maureen McHale reports that plans are afoot to bring solar energy to residents across Africa.

With some villagers having never seen electricity in their villages, the implications of introducing cheap energy for powering lighting, microwaves and televisions or radios becomes apparent.

Now add to that the possibility of being able to power fridges and other basic equipment at health centres - even water pumps and the true usefulness is obvious.

And as Maureen reports, with only 5% to 20% of Africans (excluding Egypt and S Africa) having direct access to electricity, a small change can make a big difference.

Investment continues to rise in Africa's sustainable energy programmes - in 2005 just $200 million was invested compared to $2.5 billion in 2009.

It's a fascinating story of two businessmen's dreams of bringing cheap renewable energy to Africa - read the full report here.

photo credit: steve evans

Free solar panel venture for industrial premises announced

Renewable News reported how a UK company, previously known for installing industrial scale wind turbines on commercial buildings is going to be offering solar panels installations 'free-of-charge'.

The news will be welcome to any business that has looked at reducing energy overheads but lacked the finance to install their own solar system.

Solar Power Direct aims to target roofs in excess of 4,000 square metres.

Read the full report by Renewable News by clicking here.

photo credit: seier seier

Pyramids, Camels and solar panels....

Egypt, more known for it's historical landmarks is planning to put itself on the modern map by building a 100MW solar power plant.

The plans due to be started in 2012 and finished by 2017 would see the country become one of the foremost generators of solar energy in North Africa.

This development also ties in with Egypt's plans to become a major exporter of electricity to Europe as part of the Desertec initiative.

If cruising down the Nile is more your thing, then you'll be interested to know that there are also plans to install several large wind turbine sites along the banks of the Nile - it being identified as an area of sustained wind levels making it a perfect location.

There's some very impressive figures quoted in Business Greens full report - click here to read the full article.

photo credit: daveness_98

Irish solar panel firm partners with Fiat

From the Emerald Isle comes news that SolarPrint - an energy technology company has just signed a deal with Fiat to develop solar panels for their cars.

The panels will be incorporated into the vehicle roofs, to generate alternative fuel sources.

According to Inside Ireland, The new "smart roof" will incorporate low cost photo voltaic (PV) - or solar - cells and lithium batteries that will in turn be used to power on board devices in cars.

The 3million euro project also involves other european companies.

Read more about the deal and how Fiat see the "smart roof" working in production models by clicking here.

photo credit: hugo90

After the Party

At the time of writing this, Glastonbury looms on the weekend horizon - lets hope the rain stays away this year - to do battle with the World Cup (particularly England's game on Sunday) and of course Wimbledon reaches the half way stage.

But what happens after the 'party'? Once everyone's gone home, back to their usual everyday lives, what grabs our attention - what fills our days?

I think it's a bit like that with Solar Energy and the recent feed-in tariffs announced.

There was a lot of build up and I mean a lot of comment and anticipation, there was the launch date and then.... well not much it seems. At least not in my neighbourhood.

The web seems not only full of stories of solar installation companies being busy, but also of reports of homeowners being given false information by unscrupulous installers and shoddy installations.

But I don't see a lot of evidence of massive installations on my travels around Derbyshire. In fact I don't think I've seen one more house with solar panels on it than before April.

So what's stopping people or are they really not aware of what a good installation can offer them?

The Government announced last week that it's planning to scrap a load of 'under-performing' websites after reviewing current web activity and realising they'd spent over £94 million on 46 websites with an additional cost of £32 million in staffing costs for 2009-2010 alone.

One website they could do with keeping, or at least improving is one on advising homeowners on green energy and spelling out exactly how much a solar system could cost, and how long it will take a homeowner to recoup their investment after feed-in tariffs and installation grants have been taken into account.

This, to me anyway, seems to be the biggest hurdle to mass take up by homeowners of solar energy. We all know it's good, we just don't know how much it's going to cost us.

One cost you can get for yourself is a quote on an installation - photovoltaic or hot water solar system - from Solar Panel Quoter.co.uk. A free online resource that afterwards, if you choose to, can put you in touch with reputable local solar panel installers near you.

photo credit: infrogmation

But the sun never shines at Glastonbury

Spotted on This is Bristol was this story about Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis renewable energy effort.

In what will become Britain's biggest privately owned solar farm, the project will see more than 1,100 panels, weighing 22.5 tons, installed on a specially re-inforced barn roof.

He expects the system to pay for itself in 6 years, through the feed-in tariffs as well as reducing his own energy bills.

In a recent call for all outdoor festivals to become greener, you may be interested to know that the Festival organisers have already bought all the used chip shop oil they can which will be used to power the onsite generators.

It's a fascinating story and illustrates what you can achieve with solar energy if you've got a roof big enough.

Click here to read the full article now.

photo credit: foxypar4

U.S ranks fourth in solar electric capacity

MSNBC.com reports that despite the Gulf oil disaster, solar power remains a largely untapped power source in the United States.

Incredible when you think of the wide open and sunny spaces, the USA actually ranks fourth in solar electric capacity behind Germany, Italy and Japan with solar energy accounting for less than 1% of the countries energy use.

I'm sure that figure will change given the huge generating potential and the number of states that are actively encouraging he use of solar energy through various schemes and as MSNBC reports, a $787 billion stimulus bill that Congress passed.

For example, a 30 percent manufacturing tax credit has already seen 58 new solar energy equipment production plants open - Click here to read MSNBC's full article.

Exciting times ahead in the USA - lets hope it stimulates the UK as well.

photo credit: tinyfroglet

Using solar power to treat water

EP Online reports how using solar energy for water treatment amounts to more than just a drop in the proverbial ocean.

The report's based on an American study - the figures discussed are huge!

So what potential for the UK?

I'll quote this passage and leave you to read the rest in your own time...

"American Water set a goal to lower its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per volume of water produced by 16 percent by the year 2017. Considering that we treat, pump and deliver 1 billion gallons of water a day, the goal is significant."

"The system, which supplements 20 percent of the peak usage power needed to run the plant, reduces energy usage by 817,000 kilowatt-hours of AC a year. This prevents 1,875 pounds of nitrogen oxide, 3,927 pounds of sulfur dioxide and 1,115,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the air. According to EPA and the U.S. Climate Technology Cooperation, this savings in carbon dioxide pollution is equivalent to planting 125 acres of tree seedlings or preserving 5.6 acres of land from deforestation."

Click here to read more. You see, when you set your mind to it, so much can be achieved with renewable energy.

Whilst using a rainwater collection system conserves water and saves drinking water for drinking use, (rainwater collection systems can be used to flush toilets with etc), the water still has to be treated at the other end. However, by using untreated water in the first place, that is saving energy and resources.

photo credit: alan cleaver

Is your British Gas fixed price tariff about to end?

Word on Twitter last week was that up to half a million Homeowners who signed up to a 5 year fixed price plan from British Gas are in for a shock as their plans come to an end.

According to an article by Sophie Griffiths, those homeowners who signed up in 2005 have been saving an estimated £472 a year.

So if you're suddenly facing a massive rise in your home heating and energy costs, then there are a few options you may consider.

Either look at a new fixed price agreement - whilst you'll be paying more than you are used to, you'll still be able to make annual savings on your gas and electricity bills.

Alternatively (or in conjunction with), you might consider making use of last months feed-in tariffs for renewable energy production for your home. Photovoltaic (electricity generating) solar panels can be setup so that any surplus generated is 'sold' back to the national grid.

If you are considering any form of renewable energy installation, then it's important to look very carefully at your present energy usage and see where you can make savings - from low energy light bulbs to turning down thermostats, fitting double glazing or increasing insulation in your loft and walls will all help and there are still grants available for such schemes.

If you'd like to find out more about the costs involved in fitting a solar panel system to your home or get an instant online quote for double glazing, then head over to Home Improvement Quotes .co.uk and get your instant online quotes without the need for a salesman to call.

photo credit: stevendepolo

When the clocks went forward

It's the same every time the clocks go forward for British Summertime here in the UK.

The same arguments over whether we should keep to one time or another get repeated and yet, nothing ever changes - I suspect because it makes even less sense when you get that glorious extra hour in bed in October. Bliss!

However, although I didn't hear any arguments - for, against or otherwise, a question did cross my mind. Is there any benefit to how we use renewable energy in the 'extra hour' daylight settings?

Let me expand on that a bit - What I mean is the hours in which we use energy - hot water for showering, electricity for light etc - does our natural use pattern favour energy generated in the sunnier hours?

Just curious to know - aren't you?

photo credit: judepics

Rising energy costs rather than credits fuel solar energy interest

Despite a luke-warm reception to the recently announced Feed-in Tariffs by homeowners, it's crossed my mind that rising traditional fuel costs like gas and electricity may be 'fuelling' demand for solar panel installation rather than the promise of credits for generating your own energy.

What do you think?

Starting a week of hopefully topical solar and renewable energy issues which you're all invited to take part in via the comments below.

photo credit: ricardo martin

Hanging baskets powered by Solar Energy - Quirky!

Spotted last week over at Solar Knowledge - the quirkiest use of solar power yet.

A solar powered hanging basket rotator.

Now before you collapse in fits of giggles, It does actually make sense. By evenly distributing all sides of the basket to the sun, the makers claim you'll benefit from a healthier basket.

This could be especially 'fruitful' if you're growing herbs or even salads in your basket - higher yield means less spent at the shops. Home produce ultimately impacts on the carbon footprint of buying such things.

I'm indebted to Solar Knowledge for bringing this little gadget (which costs around £18) to our attention. Click here to read more.

photo credit: emmamccleary

Where has everybody gone?

Where has everybody gone?

I must confess as an industry outsider that I'd been getting pretty excited about the coming of the Feed-in tariffs announcement last week and what that would mean by way of savings for homeowners who installed solar panels etc on their property.

I looked forward to seeing how much more quickly the payback period would be with the tariffs and I looked forward to seeing installation companies busily competing for the flood of orders with the usual enticing discounts.

So what's gone wrong? I don't see any of the above happening at all.

Firstly, there's been a lot of online comments made about how unexciting the announced tariffs actually were, with many industry folks lamenting that they're simply not going to attract homeowners to take up the typical installation costs.

Secondly, there doesn't seem to have been a lot of positive press about the merits of such a scheme at all. Perhaps the Government are waiting for the sun to shine?

It may be that the UK is a different market-place to the other european countries that have run similar tariff schemes with great success. Perhaps it takes more to get us British excited?

Whilst many were obviously hoping for bigger and better figures with regards what the tariffs are going to mean for your pocket, the truth of the matter is that, whilst this is still early days for the announcement, I don't see neighbours rushing out to join the scheme.

In fact - outside of the solar energy blogging and tweeting spheres, I haven't heard anyone else mention it at all. When I've introduced the subject into everyday conversations, I'm regarded with the same blank look as if I'm an eco-warrior (which I'm not).

There's obviously a shortage of public awareness - but who should address it? The Government, the Solar industry or even the power generators?

I await my leaflet through the door. I just hope it doesn't get lost like my swine flu leaflet.

photo credit: mrs logic