08-06-2008, 06:21 AM
I looked into the Unisolar laminates last year. Now I can't remember why I didn't choose them. I know that my major criteria were:
* weight of each unit ( can i install, adjust myself & remove/secure by myself for hurricanes or bad storms)
* production tolerance
* performance in HEAT and salt air/corrosive conditions
* limited roof area to mount panels
I *think* I avoided the Unisolar laminates because I have limited roof area. For the 136W laminate , I'd need 16" by 18 feet (3348 sq inches of roof area). My roof was only 9' long so I stuck with 130W conventional panels that only take up 1456 sq inches (56"x26").
I'm keeping my eye on NanoSolar in CA. They're doing amazing stuff. Can't wait for their products to hit the market for us residential joes.
Home Power Magazine that did a yearly review/comparison chart of all major panels in Oct/Nov 2007, issue 121. It also explained what all that confusing stuff means when you're reading panel specs. I never would have made a correct decision on my system or panels without that article (plus awesome advice from PunaWebbers). I got an online PDF version for not much money from the Home Power Web Site.
* weight of each unit ( can i install, adjust myself & remove/secure by myself for hurricanes or bad storms)
* production tolerance
* performance in HEAT and salt air/corrosive conditions
* limited roof area to mount panels
I *think* I avoided the Unisolar laminates because I have limited roof area. For the 136W laminate , I'd need 16" by 18 feet (3348 sq inches of roof area). My roof was only 9' long so I stuck with 130W conventional panels that only take up 1456 sq inches (56"x26").
I'm keeping my eye on NanoSolar in CA. They're doing amazing stuff. Can't wait for their products to hit the market for us residential joes.
Home Power Magazine that did a yearly review/comparison chart of all major panels in Oct/Nov 2007, issue 121. It also explained what all that confusing stuff means when you're reading panel specs. I never would have made a correct decision on my system or panels without that article (plus awesome advice from PunaWebbers). I got an online PDF version for not much money from the Home Power Web Site.
* I'd rather fail at happiness than succeed at misery *