BP Solar Closes Thin Film Operations [RE-wrenches]

[matthew tritt]

If a new building or re-model is in the picture, and metal roofing is being
considered for the job, installing PVL after careful consideration of
skylights, vent-stacks and other roof obstructions, is an extremely
cost-effective, attractive and elegant method of including PV in the job.
I've never heard of any of the sealing, thermal expansion or insulating
issues you mention, nor have I heard any complaints or comments (other than
positive ones) from any of the roofers involved in our projects.

PVL certainly is not as efficient per sq. ft. compared to crystalline
panels, so I always recommend "conventional" systems for smaller buildings,
and/or those with limited Southern exposure. The over-all installed cost per
Watt is certainly on a par with glazed modules, time on the roof is almost
negligible,
there are no problems with fasteners, module inter-connects, roof
penetration leaks and roofers install the modules for you. A very nice
solution for any job where all the pre-requisites are in order.

Matt
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff Yago" <jryago at earthlink.net>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 10:52 AM
Subject: RE: BP Solar Closes Thin Film Operations [RE-wrenches]


> We have tried for  several years to justify thin film modules on many past
> projects and they are just not competitive or "fit" for residential
> applications due to much larger roof area required.  I am also not sure
the
> building integrated thin film modules save all that much "roofing cost"
due
> to the higher difficulty for sealing, thermal expansion problems, and
> insulating issues.
>
> The only area where I feel thin film may have a good chance to be
> competitive is very large arrays in very hot climates mounted on a large
> flat commercial roof or across acres of sand.  This is where they should
> concentrate their marketing.
>
> Jeff Yago
>
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