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Cheap, Interlocking Solar Panels for Roof Construction

by Ira Sorkin | 9:00 am January 15th, 2011 | 10 Comments »
Categories: Clean Tech, Green Building, Green Living, Solar
Tags: , , , , , , ,

I envision solar panels that would overlap and interlock to be used as roofing tiles. They would interconnect using integrated connectors instead of wires or cables. These tiles would be made in standard sizes and shapes for easy removal and replacement. Standardization would also bring down the price per unit.

This can also be used for carports, shaded outside areas for parks and restaurants and in parking areas where electric vehicles could be recharged at work or in shopping malls. Battery storage would be used when the sun is not available. Inverters would be used for alternating current applications.

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10 Responses to “Cheap, Interlocking Solar Panels for Roof Construction”


  1. On January 20th, 2011 at 10:41 pm arshad qayyum Said:

    we must bring the cost of penal/per wat production, this infinite energy source will remain difficult to promote.


  2. On February 2nd, 2011 at 5:10 pm Stephen Bryant Mosher Said:

    It is abundantly evident that virtually all surfaces under the sun are solar collectors. So, it simply comes down to what elements we choose to develop to selectively collect energy usable to humans. All roofs for buildings, all road surfaces for any number of transportation purposes, all vehicular surfaces for powering vehicles, etc. As long as we do not adversely affect our atmosphere by draining too much energy from it, we ought to be developing all surfaces for these and a multitude of other purposes, Why not?


  3. On February 2nd, 2011 at 5:43 pm Carrie Winans Said:

    Hey Stephen,
    I’m in agreement with you, solar panels do sound like a really simple plan. However, what most people don’t initially realize is how costly solar panels actually are. They are an item that is scarcely demanded, therefore the price needs to stay way up in order for the companies producing them to make a profit. What is needed is for Congress to place solar panels on the roof of every new building constructed. As the supply becomes more in demand, the companies will find easier and cheaper ways of manufacturing them and the price will become more regulated. SunRun has had some great ideas about how to drive down the price of solar panelling: http://www.sunrunhome.com/


  4. On April 14th, 2011 at 11:49 am Vellito Estrada Said:

    In the event of a company, resident, etc. in the need for a new roof should an argument on making the move to solar power shingles be wise? If so what would the possible price difference be?

    As much as i concure with these ideas should we not make this more accesible to public ears on how viable this idea can and would be.


  5. On April 24th, 2011 at 12:52 am Ira Sorkin Said:

    Vellito: I agree completely. This needs to be publicized. I have no idea of how to do it. Maybe someone out there has the expertise to get it done.

    Yes, the up-front cost of solar is at this time prohibitive. I wouldn’t look to the government to be subsidizing this in the near term…They have way too many irons in the fire as it is. If we could somehow make it more attractive for some of the major corporations to fund the spread of solar on industrial and private buildings, that might get the ball rolling and help reduce cost-per-unit.

    Strphen: Although interlocking roofing panels would be nice for people who need to re-do their roofs, it is not the be-all and end-all. I understand that some companies are working on printed and plastic-layered flexible solar arrays. I have even heard that a spray-on form of solar is being tested. Even a method of coating objects in a vacuum chamber…The size of the object to be coated is only limited by the size of the chamber. I never cease to be amazed by the power of the human imagination.


  6. On June 27th, 2011 at 5:28 pm Joseph Hart Said:

    Greetings. I am a California Realtor with income property. I would be interested in installing solar panels on my properties. The interlocking solar panels look interesting.

    Would you please send me more information on the installation process and availability in my area, Long Beach, Calif.

    Thank you,

    Joseph Hart


  7. On December 26th, 2011 at 3:51 am RaviKanth Said:

    Hi,
    Friends myself ravikanth i am running a school in hyderabad india with very low fees but the expenses for electricity is more their can any one help us to get solar-electricity .


  8. On December 26th, 2011 at 10:17 pm Ira Said:

    The best I can suggest about getting information on such things
    is to do what I did…do a search for solar roof or variations on this.
    Also, check your phone directory for solar listings.

    A good way to start is to check the tags at the top of this page.
    Good hunting and good luck to all.


  9. On December 26th, 2011 at 10:39 pm Ira Said:

    Did some searches. Here are some of them.

    https://www.google.com/search?q=solar+roof

    https://www.google.com/search?q=solar+roof+panels

    https://www.google.com/search?q=solar+roof+tiles

    https://www.google.com/search?q=solar+roofing


  10. On December 26th, 2011 at 10:41 pm Ira Said:

    For our friend in India:

    https://www.google.com/search?q=solar+roofing+india

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