Stealth Survival Solar Shingle Breakthrough
The innovation going on right now in clean energy is pretty exciting. It seems like every day someone sends me something about a new technology or groundbreaking discovery in the area of solar power.
One of the things that has always intrigued me and seemed like an obvious solution was solar shingles. Since solar usually covers the roof anyway, it seems natural that we would start making them out of material that would actually BECOME the roof.
Fortunately that dream is quickly becoming a reality. Dow Powerhouse solar shingles are now available in about 5 states and will be rolling out to more soon. These shingles could change everything in solar, here’s why:
They offer an easy way to replace the roof material on your home and generate free power. Since most solar installers would suggest your roof be close to new anyway before you install a solar power system, this offers a dual solution.
They come with a variety of warranties. The roof coverage and weather warranty spans 20 years and the solar output warranty goes as far as 20 years as well.
Installation, which must be done by a professional, is not as invasive as normal solar panels. Regular solar panels require roof bolts and penetration of the waterproof layers. Solar shingles simply sit on top of the roof membrane and interlock with themselves to keep water out. They also have a sticky surface on the backside to prevent wind damage.
The shingles offer good flexibility for budget and size constraints. The system can be sized for various sized and shaped roofs.
They’ve got the backing of one of the largest and strongest companies in the world. So many of the issues of the last decade in the solar industry had to do with solar companies crashing and burning and leaving customers and installers high and dry. But Dow is a large, powerful company that has been around for centuries and probably isn’t going anywhere. Plus their history of innovation gives me confidence that this is a quality product.
Of course there are some downsides too. Not everyone has a good south-facing roof, which is best for any solar power system. Also the solar shingles generally need to be installed with a new asphalt shingle roof. Tile, slate, and existing roofs won’t work with the Powerhouse system. Dow says that they will soon be able to adapt to existing asphalt shingle roofs.
The other thing to consider is that this system is pretty new. Dow has tested the system extensively in hail and poor weather conditions and is confident the system will hold up. But it might be wise to let a few systems get installed and the bugs worked out.
This is great progress though, and should be a terrific option for homeowners now and in the future. Stay tuned, this could be a game changer!
http://client.dow.com/dowpowerhouse
Dow has stopped production of the solar shingles
DOES ANYONE REMEMBER SOLYNDRA? THAT WAS OUR PRESIDENT’S PROJECT THAT FLOPPED AND COST TAXPAYERS MILLIONS. THERE WERE THOSE LIKE NANCY PELOSI’S SON THAT BENEFITED THOUGH.
Very Interesting, as a theoretical physicist, storing solar energy, (electrical at least is a challenge) is it possible to generate enough energy to make a difference, with regard to using larger appliances, probably not yet, but that could change soon. We are still in the dark ages when it comes to solar, producing almost nothing in terms of power, however the key here is not in how can you continue the current lifestyle you live, that is not the idea, the truth is how to survive and how to then thrive.
information please, thanks
Frank I have already bought a 1500 generator from you but would like one that would run a well which is 200 ft down and needs a 220 . Also do you have a 3300 solar generator that would run a refrigerator ?
I don’t have anything like what you need in a portable generator. Have you considered a bank of solar panels and batteries?
You don’t give much information as for the Fold Out
Solar Panels, Lithium Batteries.
Any contacts for either.
You information isn’t a whole lot of HELP???
That’s because I still haven’t got the info ready yet, Donna. My plan is to have everything set by the 4th of July and I’ll send ya’ll an email. I’m working on it!
We live in the mountains have wonderful south and west exposure but we have metal roof.
As said before in comments wouldn’t do us any Good, as snow would be a BIG HINDRANCE.
wE’LL WAIT.
Chimney cleaners have to walk on my roof. I assume shingle solar would be in the way
Howdy Folks,
I suggest everyone do their own research to find what best fits their needs and for best pricing. Deal with someone that’s been around awhile. I have about 2 grand tied up in a 3,300w solar generator and am very pleased with it. I didn’t get it to get off the grid, but to handle power outages. Around here, someone can break wind and we’ll lose power for a couple of minutes. Heavy wind, rain, etc. and we lose power for hours to days.
I agree with some of you about the sales pitches many are now using. Some of them outright insult your intelligence.
May your day be blessed,
Bull
Matthew 24, Proverbs 27:12, I Timothy 5:8
I have been a roofing contractor since 1974, 30 years age I said this would be a good Idea, solar shingles
Solar shingles won’t last as long as roof slates. My slates have lasted 103 years.
That means they have asbestos in them. Hope you never have to replace them.
asbestos has been outlawed for use for decades. they make fold up panels that will match the color of your roof. you just have to use shigle nails to hold down the corners and sides.
da slates are made from !!!! slate it a rock
I have slate on my roof which has served well for over 200 years. I can assure you there is NO asbestos in SLATE! I wonder what sort of roofing material you were trying to refer to.
Go to http://dowpowerhouse.com to find information about the shingles. They seem to be pricey to me, but it looks like the savings outweighs the cost. Search online for solar power to see what’s available in your area.
I can’t install enough to run my A?C
ITs now closed down and no futher production of these shingles
I’m really getting tired of these scare tactic video. Specially the one’s that say watch it now before it gets taken off the web. Then a month later it’s applied to another web site or e mail.
This e mail was about solar shingles. I click on the link and I get nothing. O a link to food storage. Where’s the solar shingles ?
Plus I’m tired of video’s that I can’t pause. I’m wondering if all of this is just to scare people into buying stuff they don’t need.
The solar generator, that hasn’t been explained very well. What do I need? How many back up batteries, solar panels converters… well ?
you got it. thats all what people are doing. trying to make a buck. solar generators. I paid with a120 watt fold out panel and the correct length of cord to go into the house, with a 50 amp hour litium ion battery. they last much longer under a load than lead acid, or agm types. it’s a 1000 watts, 2000 watt peak. the battery will hold a full charge in storage for over a year. Humlesss Sentinal generator.
I agree on the lithium ion battery. In fact (shhhhh, it’s still secret) I’m working on putting together a setup like yours with a fold out panel and battery to add to the product line around here. I should be getting a prototype sent to me in the next couple of weeks. Fingers crossed that it meets my strict standards.
Frank…….Thank you so much for all your great ideas!! I am very happy to say that I’m collecting rainwater now! and still trying to work out all the bugs on a hydroponic vegetable system with some river trout that we recently caught on a fishing trip in the mountains of Virginia.
no doubt a pause would be nice
All the “videos” i’ve seen can be paused by putting the curser on the screen and either hitting the space bar or the left button on your mouse!
WOW did you ever “hit the nail on the head”. The world is coming to an end, You must buy from us now, We won’t tell you how long this stupid infomercial is. Just hurry up and buy buy buy at an exorbitant price! Oh by the way we won’t give you any real information
that you truly need.
yeah, I sent them a email in August, September and now it’s October. I have yet to get the info I asked for. I am hoping I will get it soon
I am very disappointed in this article
It did not provide information as to where to buy the solar shingles
anyone got information on a good deal for these please email me
What a fantastic product. My south-facing roof has a stand of trees some 50 feet away. And, I don’t need a new roof yet but would be very interested to hear how the system is holding up after a few systems get installed, as you say. Keep me posted.
can you send me some more info about shingles
These would be a good testbed item for reshingling the roof of the garage. With a few batteries, a charge controller, and an inverter system in place, even when the power went out, at the very least, your lights and garage door opener would still work.
That, and you can avoid firemen refusing to enter your home and watching it burn, as with conventional solar installations, there’s a LOT of extra weight on your roof, but very few people also reinforce their roof trusses before installing the panels. Put another way…your saving money on power costs should not “guarantee” the total loss of everything you own!
Interesting comment. I will check with the fire department.
Good call on additional weight on the roof. Another item is the toxicity. Get a fire and all that plastic solar cells puts out toxic fumes that firemen will keep some distance from. Then there are the Haz Mat teams needed for the clean up. Another problem is that solar panels are “often” the source of roof fires. (Not sure of how “often” is defined here.) Firemen would normally vent an attic fire by chopping a hole in the roof but you can’t turn the power off in a solar array.
Here is an interesting exert: “Studies in the U.S. show that the true cost for the average home is 35 cents per kilowatt hour, and 25 cents per kWh in the desert (for solar energy). Electricity can be generated from nuclear plants at 1.3 cents/kWh, if plant construction time is reduced to a reasonable 5 years or less. Uranium fuel is so energy dense, that the main cost of nuclear power is in the plant construction. Knowing this, the Green Nazis in the U.S.A. fought for punitive regulations which dragged out construction times to 10 years or longer. They thus ran up amortization costs at high compound interest rates to high levels, making it appear cheaper, in the short run, for a utility to build coal or gas-fired plants.
This is from http://globalrumblings.blogspot.com/2010/09/rooftop-solar-panels-are-dangerous-to.html
What price range are we talking low to high guesstimate? How many have been installed nationwide to date?
I love this ideal.
We will be replacing our south facing roof shingles within the next 2-3 years. We live in a snow belt area and would really like to learn more about this new technology and be kept informed about its development. Thank you.
What are the states the shingles are available ? It sounds like a great idea.
I’ve heard of solar shingles for years and found them fairly expensive and not very efficient on their out put of power. There is a newly developed panel coming out with a 60-80% efficiency rating. T be honest I thought it was already out since I read about it last year. “I guess they cannot work out the price yet..” I did save the artical and still have it buried here somewhere in my home files. If it’s not out buy next year I will start calling the company and find out more /when. I want the most bang for my worthless dollars before this country goes bust. I figure this will not happen until after 2016 [new election/democrats “socialists” get booted from power] Then it will hurt but if I know Americans? We’ll rebuild and take the corruption out of big Gov.and give it back to the local” Like the Constitution and we started with. “If we don’t just shoot all the politicians first for being so corrupt/greedy/anti US” We really need to take back our country..Put it the way it was in the beginning/don’t get me started on abortion….
I am really interested however my roof is new so I can’t put another roof on my house. I would like some one to give me an estement. I am 72yrs and have to be careful because I am on a fixed income. Thank You Millie
I live in DFW and hail damage is my biggest concern. Is the a Dow shingle distributor I can talk to in my area?
Hello, Yall I opened a email from you about 2 weeks ago and i hit on another site about hot water and got a trojan horse virus in my ‘Desk Top Computer” it wiped it out before I coule shut it down so now I wanted you to know that cause I took a chance today using my laptop. I dont make alot on retirement, its 1197.00 a month so you can see i am wanting to try all I can to save money and all. Well have a good day and keep an eye out for those sites you send with bad s— attached. Later Noel Glenn Windsor, out of Orlando, Fl, also with the loss of all retirement funds and savings I will become part of the homeless veterans of America on the 24th of this month,October, 2013 so you see why I took a chance on this information while I could afford the amount. Thanks again.
The front of my home faces the east and the sun shines on the home from sunrise to dusk. The front of the house gets so hot that the decorative stained glass fractured and split. I am now replacing my front and rear entrance doors.. My question is, will a solar solution be viable for me? I live in the Bucks County area of Pennsylvania
The website for this product is amazing. I just used it to see these shingles on my roof. Currently I have panels on my roof but in the 25 years since they were installed our electricity needs have increased. They don’t meet all our needs.
See your home with a Powerhouse roof here: http://www.dowpowerhouse.com/reinvent/
Be great to invest into the main company too.
Frank
i would like some more intell about this new system. Where can i find it (retailer)
it looks like it would be a kick butt system.
Steve Thomas
It seems like a exciting new way, I am always interested.
Peace of mind may be the big pay off
how do i contact them for price? and what states they service
Ever hear of search engines?
How effiecent are the solar roof panels? How are they connected to each other?
what states are they available now.
What a great idea
As many have pointed out, this is a horrible investment. The payback takes at least 1 – 2 decades. In the meantime, cheaper and more efficient technologies will appear. I’m not buying until the payback period drops to 3 or 4 years. Also, if you live where there is frequent snow in the winter, these things won’t produce any wattage at all during the winter heating season, when you need it the most. Right now, conservation and insulation are your best bet. My monthly (all-electric) bill is $75.00 per month. Admittedly, it is a small, new house with only two people living in it. But any solar solution that costs thousands of dollars makes no sense to me. I will be dead before there is a payback.
Frank,
I want to install this, where can I buy a cheaper materials? Thanks
Thank you. I just baught a new roof. I was planning to install it the way you previously instructed.
Replaced roof in 2012, can these panels go on top of shingles or does shingles need to be replaced? Are they approved for use in Florida?
I am interested in a solar system, but cost is a huge factor. How much would it cost, approximately, to have enough energy to run some lights, refrig. and a deep well pump during a power outage?
Thanks for your assistance.
Why are you reluctant to publish a link or web site where we can get more information? You have been accused of this repeatedly on these tidbits of info you send out.
Hi I’d like to get your help I’m living right now in OXFORD NC and I need to know where can I find the panels
sounds good I have to replace my Roof anyway how expancive is this new Technologe? I live in Colorado and have Sun all Day.
yesthatfor me
For those seeking INFO,,type in DowPowerHouseSolar Shinges,,click on”search”,,limited states INRE ‘outlets
Thank you for the information.. If anyone has other suppliers or system knowledge, please post.
What about plans to develop a similar system to install over rubber roofed RVs?
I’ve been reading that it’s twice the cost of regular solar panels…for the life of me, I can’t understand why solar is still so expensive after 30+ years on the market…
I want to find out more concerning solar shingles from Dow. How do I contact them?
Willis
how will this work with metal roofs and what is the thickness of the panels can they be fastened
down by the use of a C–canal on the bottom and a z-strip on top and ends this way the water will travel under the panels by 3/4″ and keep them off the roof . i am located in the SW Washington close to Portland Ore.
I am interested in this in the nearish future, gotta save for it but I need new shingles anyway!
GREAT , I WAS WONDERING WHEN I NEED A NEW ROOF, I WOULD HAVE TO REMOVE THE SOLAR PANELS! CAN’T WAIT UNTIL THEY ARE AVAILABLE.
INTERESTING
Thanks Frank for the info I don’t have a place as of yet but will and it would be nice to know how much it costs, what ange they need to be at, and how many do you need to power a 3000 sq ft home?
We need the next Nikola Tesla’s to rise again. He was most famous for his attempt to provide everyone in the world with free energy using conductivity. Problem is, any one who uses the word “free” would mysteriously disappear and never to be seen again.
been thinking how to do this for a while now… [camouflage ] in order to hide from HOA’s
I really do enjoy your updates.
Fantastic resource. Keep me posted. I have a south facing roof that needs replacing.
Do not have money to do it yet. But, this would be ideal to get me off the grid and do
roof replacement. Thanks
Am interested in an installation, Colfax, California
Frank this is so positive. I recently purchased a home in orange CA. will this system work on a foam roof? if.not do you have any ideas also my house has.dual heating/air systems how effective would a Solaris systems fair
looking forward to being less dependent on our government. .
For all that I like the idea behind solar, wind, or geothermal energy, I find I must highlight the problem surrounding STORING the energy. Whenever I look for deep cycle batteries, I can find either batteries aimed at cars or marine uses, but nothing that’s genuinely cost-effective for home power. I don’t think it realistic to spend over $200 per battery if we wish for inexpensive energy to power our homes.
I think alternative energy will not advance much in routine use until this problem has been solved more effectively.
Perhaps a forklift battery might meet your needs. They last up to 10 years and while they cost bucks initially, they’re fairly rugged and keep going longer than others. Individual cells that fail can be repaired/replaced by a competent battery shop without having to scrap the whole battery.
THIS WILL BE GREAT IN DEFEATING KIDS WITH BB GUNS AND NEIGHBORS THAT ARE JEALOUS.
My solar panels are 25 this year. Wind has been the only threat to them.
How is the cost?
How does this work with all metal roofs? Can you explane this for me?
Can i find people in my area that are using off the grit products? I would like to know what they have done, if they would do things different today, and what it has actualy cost to install their systems. I cannot find a source of solar componants with out buying a kit or assembled panels.
Should there be people i can talk to and see their results i live in Orem, Utah area code 84058. Thank you for making this information avialable. Barry E. Brown
Thank YOU;; Very Interested PLEASE keep me Up Dated
Jerry
Ditto Wes Scott!
John
Frank:
Why are you reluctant to publish a link or web site where we can get more information? You have been accused of this repeatedly on these tidbits of info you send out. You are not doing your job that we are paying for when you fail to follow through with the links.
Solar Shingles are not new and the UNISOLAR product was a failure for several reasons.
I think this is fantastic. When you put on a new roof this would be more economical. You would save in the long run.
Beam me up Scotty!!
What a solution for expanding my existing solar panels on my off grid remote cabin. Large section of roof is Southerly facing. Hope to hear more about this soon..particularly regarding snow issues..
I am more worried about the cost as from what is going on today, cost keeps going up on anything that seems to help people in any way. I hope someone can come to a point that helping seniors to be number one due to money anymore.
Great idea
Gee, this is promising since i’m planning cabin in the hills. need to know size, output for each size, and preferred angle, and azmith of installation for this area.
please send me more info as it is available
wes scott
Gee, this is promising since i’m planning cabin in the hills. need to know size, output for each size, and preferred angle, and azmith
Thanks for the info.
Hi I`m interested in solar power and this system looks like something I would like to check out if you have any websites or more information email it to me thank you
Like this alternative. Unfortunately we have a tile roof. Hopefully soon there will be a solution.
Great ! I’will be watching all the new progress that Dow is making.
Sounds great, now if Dow could manufacture this in an affordable way so the average family could benefit count me in. Good job
We are in the process of starting a GREEN company in the Carolinas and this is one of the products we have investigated. First, sun angles change all year long so southern exposure is very important. Adjustable arrays are preferable. Second, roof pitches can be detrimental if not severe enough. I like these, especially coming from respected Dow. You should tell your followers to check out the videos on youtube.
Hooray! I remember when this idea was developed by a student at MIT a few years ago. Glad that a strong company adopted his work.
I’ve always said I’d wait for this product to hit the market before putting in solar. Will be interesting to see how they work around the roof pitch and angle to the sun for maximum solar collection.
Thanks for sharing!
The limited research that I’ve done on septic tank methane collection indicates that it is not currently cost effective, but I love hearing your ideas on ways to generate energy!!
Currently drawing plans for installing new roof on garage, about 750sq.ft. but will hold off if there is a time-line on this new product, solar powered shingles. We have great sun here in the desert, Las Vegas, and would love to be a test-site for solar shingles. I too am disgusted with Nevada Power and the Public Utilities Commission. We also have a septic tank and welcome technology on capturing gas!!!!!
Would also like to see info on natural gas production for the DIY among us. Can’t be too difficult to capture gas from septic tank and composter.
Well it is nice to know that someone shares the same Idea as I do. I thought I was the only one with that idea considering my Unkle owns a roofing buisness that got me thinking of Solar Panel shingels. But that leaves my Mega invention open. Which I will not reveal but tell you that you would only need one to power a house through out the night with I single Battery.
What a great ideal.