Solar Roofing Shingles?
Here at Cooler Planet, we focus on a list of area-specific solar installers that we know are reputable, with enough training and experience under their proverbial belts to deliver solar energy systems that will last for years and perform as described. But we also like to keep abreast of innovative technology. Today’s pipe dream may be tomorrow’s energy paradigm, so we search out new and interesting solar technologies struggling for a place in the market.
One of these is Redwood Renewables, a California company that is repurposing waste rubber into integrated solar roofing products that both reduce landfill waste and provide homeowners with solar electricity.
Not only do these “coolroof” roofing tiles enable electricity production, but – according to managing director Tom Faust – they deliver at $5 per watt installed. This compares favorably to conventional solar, which currently costs between $7 and $10 per watt installed.
The shingles are reportedly made by laminating solar cells directly on the surface of a recycled polymer substrate, which adds product strength and a potential 30-year product lifetime. The manufacturing process is, according to Faust, not only less costly than traditional silicone solar panels, but less costly than other integrated roofing materials as well.
With two patents in place, and another pending, the company reports a $20-million purchase order from a roofing wholesaler, though Faust declined to provide a name or documentation. The company is also looking for venture capital, which means it is still clearly in the startup phase.
Nonetheless, keep an eye on Redwood. In the meantime, turn to Cooler Planet for technologies that work right now if you are thinking of installing solar electricity to light your home and save the planet.
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