Los Angeles - Home builders switch on the 'invisible' solar panels

[jpak]

http://www.europaconcorsi.com/db/rec/inbox.php?id=11285

Now that solar panels aren't the ugly ducklings of architecture, home developers are touting solar energy as the latest feature in new homes.

Twelve developers in California have kicked off plans in recent weeks to integrate solar tiles from PowerLight into hundreds of new homes over the next few years. PowerLight's SunTile solar tiles are integrated into the roof, making them far less obtrusive than conventional solar panels, which are perched in a frame that sits atop a roof.

One of those California developers, Grupe Homes, has begun to sell homes equipped with PowerLight's SunTiles in its Carsten Crossings development in Rocklin, Calif. In less than three months, the company has sold 23 of the 30 green homes it has offered for sale. Those homes also include energy-efficient water heaters and heating systems.

'There is a lot of showing off. They invite their friends over and say 'Look at my house,'' said Grupe executive Mark Fischer. 'One competitor tried to steal one of our buyers away by offering $30,000 off a home.'

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[JohnWxy]

1. Amorphous Silicon Alloy Photovoltaics-

Some info on flexible solar panels by ECD Ovonics. These solar panels can absorb solar energy on cloudy days or in lower intensity times like mornings or later afternoon - even on rainy days! They look just like regular roofing tiles.


http://www.ovonic.com/res/2_2_thin_film/resource_reports.htm