These systems integrate the solar electric roofing panel or shingle with the necessary combiner boxes, inverter and wiring to convert sunlight into electricity and distribute it directly to the building. The array is used in combination with conventional roofing products to provide a cost effective, attractive, and functional solar roofing solution.
Dovetail Solar & Wind is factory trained and certified to configure, customize and install complete Uni-Solar systems. Dovetail is your knowledgeable one stop source for all your solar needs complete with the information, skills, and products to give you the best system possible. Costs for thin film solar systems start at $5.30/watt, which can often deliver savings when compared to framed modules!
Each Uni-Solar module utilizes United Solar's proprietary Triple Junction silicon solar cells. These cells are made in a roll to roll deposition process on a continuous roll of stainless steel sheet metal. The result is a unique, flexible, light-weight cell. Bypass diodes are connected across each cell, allowing the modules to produce power even when partially shaded. Furthermore, these modules are exceptionally durable.
This photovoltaic laminate module is designed to work with standing seam metal roofing. It combines the appeal of a structural roofing product with the solar electric capabilities of photovoltaics. It enhances a standard standing seam metal roof with a power system that is durable, beautiful and best of all, functional. Integrated with flat pan, 16” wide (minimum) metal roofing systems, the “Peel & stick” adhesive backing to the solar panel is capable of withstanding 160 mph wind loads.
The modules are exceptionally durable. They can be walked on. They are warranted for 20 years. They are encapsulated in UV stabilized polymers. A thin, coated Galvalume steel backing plate provides stiffness. The polymer encapsulation includes EVA and fluoropolymer Tefzel®, a DuPont Film.
This residential installation utilizes a combination of 18 ft. and 9 ft. Uni-Solar laminate modules to cover the south facing roof. The owner selected a blue standings seam metal roof for a pleasing appearance.
Dovetail also has experience implementing the new Solyndra cylindrical thin film modules. Headquartered in Fremont, California, Solyndra designs and manufactures photovoltaic systems, comprised of panels and mounts, for the commercial rooftop market. This technology is designed to provide an optimum solar solution for white reflective membrane roofs ("cool roofs") typically found on modern commercial buildings. This system utilizes an integral self-ballasting design that requires no roof penetrations to secure the modules. Using proprietary cylindrical tubes and thin film technology, Solyndra’s light weight, non-penetrating systems are designed to provide simple and easy installations and the lowest cost of electricity for typical low slope commercial rooftops. The picture below shows a 33.5 kW solar photovoltaic system on the roof of the Brazee Street Studios in Cincinnati, OH.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This product has been recently discontinued by the manufacturer, and is no longer available for purchase. We have left this information on our website so that you can see what type of product was available, and to provide you some idea of what a future generation product may look like.
UNI-SOLAR used to offer solar shingles that looked and installed similar to ordinary composite shingles, but allowed your roof to evolve from mere protection from weather, to a source of solar electric power. These shingles have been honored with the Popular Science Grand Award, "Best of What's New," and with Discover magazine's "Technological Innovation Award."
Solar Shingles are architecturally pleasing systems that do not distract from the natural lines of the home. Solar shingles are structurally and aesthetically integrated roofing elements capable of withstanding 80 mph wind loads. No additional racking or support structures are needed. Lightweight shingles are easy to handle and can be placed directly on fire-resistant roofing underlayment by direct nailing to wood decks (sub roof). No back-ventilation of the solar shingles is necessary.
Solar shingles were more expensive to install than typical PV panels, but the extra cost was sometimes considered a small price to pay for the aesthetic benefits. Also, the solar shingles offset the cost of traditional shingles for that section of the roof.