Pennsylvania solar?

20 years ago

My civil engineer student son tells me there's a new solar product that you roll out like roofing - it replaces your shingles. The individual cells are small enough that it's flexible, and it's less expensive than the big panels I've always assumed were unavoidable. He said a recent issue of MEN featured the product, so I'm going to check it out.

The lowered cost makes the idea a lot more feasible than it used to be. I have a south-facing house, barn and garage with no tree shade except for a small corner of the house.

But I'm not in sunny California, I'm in south central PA. The only working solar I'm aware of is the roadside signs PennDOT has, powered by solar panels. I don't now anyone using it for a residence.

We'd hook into the grid as opposed to charging batteries if we went ahead with it. Anyone have experience with solar in zone 6? My current roof has about two years until it needs work, and that's my timetable for a decision.

katie

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Comments (4)

garden_gal_fl (z10)
20 years ago
Katie, I was interested in your post since my daughter and SIL are about to start building a home on forty acres we gave them last year. They are planning on solar power as well as other ideas to leave as small a 'footprint' as possible on their land. I went to the MEN's website and found info I believe is what your son may have been talking about. Very interesting! I sent a link to my SIL also.

Darlene

Here is a link that might be useful: solar
susiemw
19 years ago
Did anyone save the article from Men Magazine?? The link no longer works.If not, I'll try the library.

My garage was just demolished by a tree and I will have to rebuild and love the idea of solar panels etc on the garage roof.
Thanks!

Susan
{{gwi:886130}}

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:886130}}
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barb_ny5
19 years ago
Hi Katie. We live on the NY/PA border south of Binghamton and have used solar exclusively for the past 3yrs. There are many options these days in the solar field. Our area does not get a lot of winter sun, but enough to suffice our needs, which are simple. I suggest you check out Home Power Magazine.com for a wide assortment of applications. Also Backwoods Solar.com may provide you with further info. Good luck. Barb
josie_z6b
18 years ago
I do not know the details because I am not yet a homeowner, but Philadelphia's power company is REQUIRED to let you sell back electricity and there are grants involved from the city/state. It does work here.

I would love to do it someday.