Roofing

Roofing materials -
either make money, or are worth money.

If we were to try to incorporate solar into our roof ~
I would want something like this...
http://www.certainteed.com/products/roofing/solar/341624

Where it is not mounted on brackets... but the solar IS the roofing materials.

There is a hitch....
(of course)
as I have mentioned before,...
this is an old neighborhood with a number of trees...and we don't have control of the entire tree line to the south.
That being said...
MOST of the trees that are blocking our solar access...
are Norway Maples.
Norway Maples grow up to 98 feet tall and live up to 250 years of age. They tend to get heavily damaged in storms.
Trees.. function as a colony. If we remove all of the trees on our property ...that are capable of casting a winter shadow on our house, this will leave the Maples to the South of us exposed to some strong harsh Nor-Easter winds.
The trees that line his driveway are just stunning with a beautiful canopy.
The cooling effect this canopy has in the summer is just stunning as it creates a breeze in the area.

Taking down all of our trees,
in the hopes of using the solar we can get...
and hurting the trees around his drive way...
Just seems like evil.

Maybe solar isn't the way to go!
In which case, I want a metal roof.
It can last for 50 years. When you take it off you can sell it for scrap.
Maybe in 50 years ~ the neighbors trees will be dead?

I still think that building the house with passive solar in mind is still the way to go, even if we don't get as much of a benefit due to neighbor's trees.

IF Solar could work,
I would like to see the solar convert to electric energy.
Limited battery storage. A few hours of power stored maybe?
With "meter running backwards" capacity as well.

two things I would like to learn more about:
heat pumps
heat exchangers

What follows is copied from the web site (listed above) about roofing made of solar panels.






"Apollo II Solar Roofing - Radiant energy...Brilliant Looks In our highest producing solar shingle.
System Benefits
Apollo II Solar Roofing System is the pinnacle of energy production, using monocrystalline silicon solar cells to capture and convert more solar energy per square foot than any other CertainTeed solution.

Features and Benefits
Apollo II Solar Roofing is the versatile solution for maximum power and flexibility in installation directly on new or existing roofs.


Efficiency: 14 high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells per module for a power rating of 54 watts per module.
Low profile: The slim profile provides a clean integrated look that a rack mounted system cannot match.
Lightweight: No need for structural reinforcements or analysis. Each module weighs only 12 pounds or about as many pounds per square foot as a typical asphalt shingle.
Load rating: Modules are rated to 250 pounds per square foot.
Wind resistance rating: Apollo II roofing systems achieve a 110 mph wind resistance rating.
Water handling: Water channels and raised fastener locations further improve the integrity of Apollo II as a roofing system.
Wire management: Open space under the modules allows for easy wire/installation and eliminates the possibility of wires being pinched between the module and the roof deck.
Aesthetics: Black (frame) on black (cells) on black (backsheet) provides a greater aesthetic and visually blends with the surrounding roof.


Benefits In Your Bill...and In Your World
Apollo II makes you master of the sun with a system that harnesses more energy per square foot than any other, significantly decreasing your home's draw on the grid and reducing carbon emissions.

With its maximum output potential, Apollo II can generate most or all of the electricity your home uses during the day. And if you don't use all the electricity your roof makes, the excess power flows back through your meter into the power grid, causing your electric bill to go down even further.

That makes Apollo II Solar Roofing one of the most environmentally conscious things you can do with your home for a beautiful, ecologically-sound future.