Powerful roofs around the corner!
It really is exciting to learn that Dow Chemical Co. has developed a solar roof shingle designed to be woven into a roofing system that uses standard asphalt shingles. Apparently, the easy-to-install shingle comprises a low-cost, thin-film photovoltaic cell that captures solar energy.
There is no doubt in my mind that our homes will soon be able to do far more for us than simply provide shelter; they will be called upon to collect rainwater and generate heat and electricity, and respond automatically to changes in occupancy levels and environmental conditions. The key for the buiding industry will be to take these innovations on board and incorporate them in to new and existing buildings in a way that will not require residents to change their behaviours dramatically or be techno geeks.
Selling and building with smart and green building products has been my priviledge over the years and while doing so I have often had cause to say ‘the future is bright’ when it comes to smart, green homes. The arrival on the market of a commercially viable roofing shingle that generates power certainly reinforces my belief that we are all in for some exciting and positive changes in the way we build and live in our homes.
Alastair Moore lives in Vancouver and is an environmental consultant and co-founder of GreenWorks Building Supply.