Replies

1. 
   Jon_Lawrence | May 12, 2016 02:03pm | #1

   I don't have any experience with them, but I crunched a few numbers. A Mitsubishi full size panel is 17.7sf and it generates 265 watts max or 14.98 watts/sf. The Dow PV shingles are 10.15 watts/sf. As for weight, they are 4.8lbs/sf vs 2.36lbs/sf for the Mitsubishi.

2. GBA Editor
   Andy Engel | May 12, 2016 02:27pm | #2

   Thanks, Jonathan. That's a significant difference in efficiency, but I'm not sure how much that matters in this case. The project would be in a historic district, and traditional PV panels aren't likely to fly.

3. 
   Jon_Lawrence | May 12, 2016 02:46pm | #3

   Panels might be a tough sell with those folks.

4. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | May 13, 2016 06:18am | #4

   Andy,
   If there is a local historical commission involved, and these PV shingles are the only way to get a PV system approved, then they make sense. Otherwise, I can't think of any reason to choose them, since they probably cost more, and provide less electrical output per square foot, than conventional PV modules.

5. GBA Editor
   Andy Engel | May 13, 2016 07:44am | #5

   Thanks, Martin. That's my take as well. I love sacrificing the 21st century on the altar of the 18th...