Sustainability Problem

Energy & Pollution: About 67% of electricity generated in the U.S. is from fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and petroleum.)  Photovoltaic solar panels provide a renewable energy source option in ending our dependence on finite fossil fuels, but traditional panels have a heavy a profile that can dissuade homeowners from installing them.

Technology Summary

Article – Solar Shingles: What are they? https://pureenergies.com/us/how-solar-works/solar-shingles/

• Designed to look like ordinary asphalt shingles
• Protects the roof; as durable and flexible as regular shingles
• Lightweight and easy to install
• Cost effective when compared to traditional panels that rest on the roof
• Can be installed at start of project or during regular roof replacement/maintenance.

Organizational Stakeholders

Potential Stakeholders include:

• Architects/Engineers/Contractors
• Product Companies/Manufacturers
• Property Owners/Product End-users
• Utility Companies

Deployment

The next three stages in deploying this technology could be:

• Assess drawbacks and fine-tune product for use
• Forge partnerships with institutions to demonstrate technology to the public.
• Provide financing and incentives to property owners/builders to integrate product into construction practices and retrofitting of properties.

See also:

https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.cfm?id=427&t=3 Electricity Generation by Energy Source

http://cleantechnica.com/2015/02/08/solar-shingles-renewable-energy-solution-curb-appeal/

Solar Shingle Cost Considerations

http://www.metrotile.co.uk/blog/the-benefits-of-building-integrated-photovoltaics/ Benefits of Building Integrated Photovoltaics

http://pureenergies.com/us/how-solar-works/types-of-solar-panels/ Types of Solar Panels