Thin Film Solar Shingles offer Solution to Global Warming

Online, March 6, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Solar Panels, or Photovoltaic Systems, are solar cells that capture light energy from the sun and convert it directly into electricity. Attaching photovoltaic cells to roofing materials has become simpler with the innovation of thin film PV roofing systems used to replace flat roofing materials or shingles in roofing systems.

The onset of the Zero-Net Energy Commercial Building Initiative is part of an effort to reduce the strain of commercial buildings on energy resources. Solar shingles and Building-integrated photovoltaics are increasingly being incorporated in new construction. Home owners have also become more interested with solar energy as prices have dropped and styles have become more adaptable. New thin film PV roofing systems bypass the attachment of photovoltaics to the roof by doubling as roofing materials. Coupled with keen building construction and green design solar shingles offer a way to utilize the space of your roof to produce free energy.

New research is creating more attractive and affordable ways to produce cells with high-efficiency. Flexible solar cell roof shingles offer residential home owners the opportunity to install PV systems that bend and curve to blend with roof tiles. Manufacturing techniques are currently in development that use a special ink to print semiconductors. With a low manufacturing cost thin film CIGs, solar shingles, aim to overtake their silicone predecessor by offering efficiency, low cost, and longevity.

The burning of fossil fuels and petroleum have largely contributed to a rising level of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Early in the 20th century scientist discovered and, less than one year ago, the EPA formally declared CO2 as a dangerous pollutant because it absorbs and emits thermal infrared radiation causing the Earth's overall temperature to be higher. The world's energy demand is growing by 2.3% every year. New taxes hope to reduce our use of fossil fuels by making renewable energy more competitive.

Studies suggest that we are currently at a point where the maximum rate of global petroleum extraction has been reached, contributing to the belief that prices for oil will continue to rise as to will our need for a widely available renewable energy resource. Scientific research has also shown that our Sun potentially delivers 400 trillion trillion watts, of solar energy, in 1 second. Tapping into this renewable energy resource, recently released thin film photovoltaic systems can offset a homes energy bill cost from 40%-80%. The potential for a zero net energy home offers a solution to accompany the new regulations on vehicles. Currently solar energy amounts for less than 0.9% of energy with fossil fuels totaling 86%. DOW has projected the solar shingle sales will generate $11 billion of revenue in 2020.