Comments on: IB SolarWise – Integrated Solar PV flat roofing systems

By: Jim

Jim — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:47:49 +0000

There are other similar products out there. BIPV CoolPly

By: joe

joe — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 07:18:44 +0000

I am not against solar power but your information is “marketing” pretending to be “technical”. There is no economical analyis here that user needs to know.
What are the disadvantages of this system. You seem to be saying its perfect solution to everything including the “common cold”. If this is a technical product (like car) it has some disadvantages.
Address the following.
Consider 3kw system. It costs $30k to install. Small household that spends $1k per year on electric power. What is the maintenance cost of the system. can you buy a service. How much is that service cost. Does that service cost stay constant over the next 30 years. With the above numbers that I gave even if teh maintenance cost is 0$, it takes me to recoup the cost in 30 years. What is the failure rate of the panels. Do the panel failure mode is independent by each cell, that is to say, if a cell fails, do the others continue to work. Is it possible for the cell to short out entire panel and therefore forcing costly replacement. How much does it cost to replace the whole panel.

By: John

John — Wed, 19 May 2010 14:07:30 +0000

Not to be negative, but why does the solar industry, even with newer technologies at substantially reduced costs, price it self so high? It is only when you check eBay that you see the huge markup in panels or laminates that are exactly the same.

My area wants to go green, but we refuse to pay prices that promote such incredible greed. We are not against a modest profit, but all this talk about helping save the earth seems to be crap when you realize that most systems are priced way beyond the general public.

Thin film is much cheaper to produce than conventional solar cells … less than $1 a watt, and yet even small flex panels are so expensive. I used to be a solar advocate but I’ve since changed my mind. It’s not worth it.

By: Art Toy

Art Toy — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:46:15 +0000

We have a client in Michigan with a leaking flat membrane roof. The client is interested in replacing the membrane roofing material with your product. Is there a local Michigan source for your PVC solar electric membrane product? What training is requried to install this solar photovoltaic roofing material?
Thanks, Art Toy, Principal, Four Elements Energy, Inc., Lawrence, Michigan.

By: Ken

Ken — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:57:09 +0000

Should the need arise, what”s the process for removing Uni-Solar panels if they are applied to the roof? Is there some sort of a solvent involved for the glue / tar? Can the panels be laid back down again afterwards?

Thx,

Ken

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:11:21 +0000

Hi, I think your product is wonderful and is really one of the best that I have come across lately. Unfortunately your website has many spelling and grammar mistakes in it, which makes your firm look un-professional.

One example is: ” This frequently asked questions section is designed to cover the topics that you are most interested in, and always as us about.” You mean – ASK US ABOUT.

I hope that you take the criticism in a positive way and sort out the errors.

By: Leo

Leo — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:16:49 +0000

Hi Guillermo

as far as IB roof installation goes, we have videos that cover nearly all aspects of installation – check out our YouTube video chanel here: http://www.YouTube.com/coolflatroof

However, I strongly recommend practicing before you start installing these for your clients. You will also need to purchase Liester’s hot air welding equipment to install these.

To start, you need to contact IB roofs about setting you up as a certified contractor and going through installation training. Go to http://www.ibroof.com or call them 800-426-1626.

They will also help you with solar pv system design and installation.

Good luck

By: Leo

Leo — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:06:45 +0000

Hi Jerry

The first versions of IB solarwise used solar pv panels made by open energy. IB used them for a very short time because they soon discovered some issues with them and quickly switched to proven Unisar thin film panels. Solarwise with open energy modules was in a very limited production, but they did make a promtional video with them. Those are the panels on the roof of IB headquarters.

I hope this clears up the confusion.

By: Guillermo Martinez

Guillermo Martinez — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:21:19 +0000

Hello I’m interested in learning the installation process of this roofing and solar panel system. I’m in New Orleans and I have never seen this product used before. Can you refer me to a certification school or does your co. have courses on the installation. After watching the videos, this roofing system seems to be the easiest roofing installation I have ever seen. I have never considered doing roofing installations until now. I usually will sub out the roofing jobs but this stuff seams very easy and when you finish it truly is water proof. Can you send me some info because it looks like its the way to go for the future especially with the solar panels. I think it would be ideal for our region because in the summer its gets really hot here and with the solar panels people can save on energy.

By: Leo

Leo — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:56:37 +0000

Hi Jerry,

IB SolarWise system is not tied to just UniSolar – it as a way to integrate any solar PV system into the roof, or in case when regular solar panels ans mounting racks are used, to make sure that everything is watertight. For example, if mounting posts are attached to the roof mechanically, a pre-fabbed post flashing will be welded around it to prevent any leaks.

As for what you seen in pictures, those are the original solar panels that IB used 3 years ago. They were made by Open Energy, but I heard they were faulty, hence IB switched to tried and true UniSolar flexible PV modules adhered to the membrane.