Sunslates? [RE-wrenches]

[wstahle at slonet.org]

Richard,

Thanks for the reply.   I talked to Joe at Atlantis Solar ,the manufacturer this morning
and needless to say he had good news.  I pointed out the newness of the application and he
indicated it was about three years here in the states, but longer (?) in Europe where slate
roofs are quite common.

There had been problems with junction boxes cracking but that has been resolved within the
molding process he said.

He talked about PV dealers being standoffish with their systems prefering instead to sell
what they already know.  I pointed out the lack of a history on roofs at that point.

As far as developmental tech goes,  that is what you PV elders have been selling and
wrassling with for years.  Now it is time for PV roofing to pay it's dues.  It is just
another industrial learning curve sort of thing.  Though I plan to avoid learning the hard
way with someones roof and money.  I  favor reliability and performance over experimenting
and profit.

I will give Lee and Mary a call soon to get the scoop on their experience.

Thanks again,    Wallace Stahle,   Future Electric



Richard Perez, Home Power magazine wrote:

> Hello Wallace and the Wrench Group
>
> We put up a new cabin here last year. We asked the distributor of the
> UniSolar PV roofing (Solar Utility Inc out of Culver City, CA) for a
> quote on PV roofing for this cabin. The price was about 25% higher
> than the most expensive PV module. Our enthusiasm for this project
> ended when Solar Utility Inc burned us for their over $3K ad bill....
>
> Considering issues of longevity, warranty, and price, I really can't
> recommend PV roofing over modules. Make sure that your customer knows
> that they are buying into a developmental technology.
>
> I know that Lee and Mary at Solar Plexus are selling the PV roofing.
> Contact them for info regarding performance and install problems.
>
> Richard
>
> >Howdy REnches,
> >
> >I am going to be talking to a friend this week who needs some roofing
> >done and is interested in a PV roof.
> >
> >I've handled the Sunslate tiles and posess a cutsheet,  but have little
> >info on reliability and output over time.  I did hear that the
> >interconnects can be problematic but that may be dated info.
> >
> >I suggested a system with longer output warranty, but his interest in
> >aesthetics is strong.
> >
> >Any recomendations on brand or techniques?  Any known problems or
> >sucesses?
> >
> >In other words is it advisable?
> >
> >Thanks for any input,  Wallace Stahle
>
> ------------------------------------
> Richard Perez
> Home Power
> PO Box 520, Ashland, OR 97520  USA
> Tele: 530-475-3179
> FAX: 530-475-0836
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> mailto:richard.perez at homepower.com
> Web: http://www.homepower.com
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