Here’s a really nicely executed concept hitting the research airwaves. Sebastian Braat, an Australian designer working on his graduate thesis, came up with a combination solar electric solar thermal roof tile that not only has up to 18% efficiency, but also is adaptable and looks really sleek.
You can more than power an average sized family home with only 200 tiles. That allows for more placement options to suit your situation, and there are plans to develop a variety of different styles. Mr. Braat concerns himself with “easing the power burden our housing estates are rapidly creating” in innovative and informative ways.
No word yet on cost, but file this one away in your “near future” pile.
sharon said,
July 14, 2008 @ 1:31 pm
Well! Sounds great! Available in California yet? If so, how much? Best
SLC
solarious said,
July 23, 2008 @ 10:47 am
Hi Sharon - Yes, these are a great integration of form and function! Here’s the contact info for a company in California that installs these tiles. I’m pretty sure they’re done on a contract estimate basis rather than a set price per tile. If you decide to install some, let me know how they work!
Integrated Power Corporation
504 Redwood Blvd. Suite 230
Novato, CA 94947
Phone (415) 884-5555
Fax (415) 884-5557
and here is the web page link to the tiles: http://www.ipowercorp.com/our_products.htm
and here’s another California based company that installs the tiles:
Premier Power - 1-877-939-0400
http://www.premierpower.com/solar_energy_residential/roof_solar_tile.php
call them for a consultation on price and to fit your needs.