Among the most cited reasons that homeowners are wary of installing solar panels on their rooftops are their appearance. Traditional photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are large, rectangular, blue-colored devices that some say decrease home values (one of the main complaints of homeowners associations that prohibit or restrict solar arrays).
While the claim of lowered home values is untrue – its just the opposite, in fact – the appearance of solar panel systems can be improved with solar shingles. Instead of their bulkier counterparts, new low-profile solar panels can literally blend into your roofing materials. Also called building integrated photovoltaics, solar power shingles are designed to resemble roofing tiles so that your power generating materials blend right in.
The leader in this new solar technology is Dow Chemical. For years, we have been hearing about their solar shingles that would soon be available for homeowners. The promises are finally coming true.
Recently, CNET reported that Dow is now marketing its solar shingles, allowing homeowners to more easily install residential solar panels that have a sleek, unobtrusive appearance. Solar cells created with Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) are printed onto a steel foil backing.
Colorado was chosen as the testing ground for the new technology, with Dow selling solar shingles in January 2012. Following the initial roll-out in Colorado, the company will move to California, and then Texas. Eventually, you will be able to find the low-profile solar panels in 12 states over the next 18 months.
