We're in need of a roof replacement, so it seems like the perfect time to put solar up there too. I've seen systems where, instead of heavy panels that have to be mounted on the roof, you put down a flexible sheet of PV cells with adhesive backing, so your solar panels are like giant laminate stickers. Sure, it's not as effective as traditional panels, but it looks like a cheap and easy solution, especially for metal roofs.
The common term for that type of solar is "thin film" - it's flexible, often adhesive backed, and designed for that type of use.
Problem is, I can't find a lot of information online. One manufacturer (Unisolar) doesn't list the laminate on their website, although their product shows up on Amazon. Another manufacturer (MiaSole) doesn't sell direct and their California dealer doesn't list them on their website at all. I find people talking about PV laminate in general, but I can't find a lot of details about installing it, making it work, or even how well it works at all.
The efficiency is poor, the additional thermal load into the roof (vs elevated panels, which shade the roof and rather significantly reduce thermal flux) are annoying, and the longevity is questionable. They may perform better in cloudy conditions, though I think normal panels are getting better there.
Has anyone done it for their house? Is there any place I can go to get more details?
Search for thin film and you'll get plenty of data. I'll simply say that it's not a common system, and I believe there are solid technical reasons why.
Why dont you get the solar roof from Solar City?
It looks like a regular roof. Please do watch Elon Musk's video on the same page.
Well, if someone is considering a metal roof, probably because their house isn't laid out for shingles, and may or may not have the attic space needed for doing something like that.
And, more importantly, because "Gee whizz wowie!" factor is not, normally, a good reason to go with something.
How much does the roof cost? Dunno, Elon won't say. He'll offer some handwaving comparisons to really expensive roofing, though!
How much power does it generate per unit area? Dunno, Elon won't say.
How do you install it, how do they hook together, and what does the whole system look like? Dunno either!
Given the massive number of "blank spots" in the data sheet (which is to say, basically all of them, except what it looks like), how on earth can you actually recommend someone look at that nonsense?
I can give you data on regular panels and mounting. I can tell you how they interface. I can give you a system cost for such a thing.
Solar Roof? Oh... yeah. "Dunno!"
