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If You’ve Avoided Rooftop Solar Tech, You May Have Just Run Out of Excuses
Energy’s Timberline Solar debuted at CES 2022 and now proves it’s not vaporware. Follow @briancooley on Twitter: Subscribe to CNET: Like us on Facebook: Follow us on Twitter: Follow us on Instagram: Follow us on TikTok:
themcfaceman
April 15, 2022 at 1:42 pm
wow this would ease all the concerns I currently have with solar. I didn’t know exactly how regular solar could affect the roof but I knew it had to have a big effect on the life of it. Well, now I know you can cause leaks or crack the rafters. Hope the cost comes down on these guys
John Salazar
April 15, 2022 at 1:45 pm
That dude was standing on a solar panel! Manufacturers of panels say never to do thst.
Emd=mc^2
April 15, 2022 at 1:49 pm
A few points and questions…
When he says it’s walkable, that’s great! But for how long? When the sun has been baking for years and years, they will likely dry out and be more likely to crack. Also, they look really slippery. If they’re wet, I doubt it’ll be safe to walk on without a harness, if at all, but I double it’ll be safe enough to walk on when dry.
Also, how do you service them? If it’s like traditionally rack panels, then you’ll still need walking paths, which knocks out their claim that it doesn’t. That also ties back into the point about their slipperiness. If they’re like a slip and slide to clean, you’ll have a lot of people falling off rooftops.
Also, the watts/sq-ft, the temperature coefficiency, and the long-term output decline are terrible. If the prices are “competitive” with a quality panel, then this makes less sense than already senseless current rack systems because current rack systems are tens of thousands of dollars, and they both still need to be cleaned.
Also, I think they’re still unsightly. Even though the panels are now flush, the wires and covers are not, and none of it matches the rest of the roof. To me, it looks like somebody had a roof leak and set down a tarp.
Emd=mc^2
April 15, 2022 at 2:56 pm
@Orionishi I can also see the shine, which means it’s not textured enough. I truly doubt you have much experience walking on different types of roofs. It’s very dangerous work, and walking on these slippery things will only makes things much worse.
Orionishi
April 15, 2022 at 3:11 pm
@Emd=mc^2 I’ve walked on plenty of roofs. I truly doubt the shingle company didn’t consider these things. Like, really?
Emd=mc^2
April 15, 2022 at 3:16 pm
@Orionishi You claim it, but I doubt. Anyone who has been on a roof would likely doubt it as well. Even a regular tiled roof is slippery, and the less texture the more slippery it is.
Just to be clear, slippery doesn’t mean impossible to walk on, it just means more expensive to walk on because you have to PAY someone to harness up and walk on it, which means MORE MONEY every time someone gets up there.
jctai100
April 15, 2022 at 4:16 pm
How many times are you walkin on your roof? Yea it’s not perfect, it’s version 1.0 but a step in the right direction
Emd=mc^2
April 15, 2022 at 4:42 pm
@jctai100 Read my comments! You have to cIean them regularIy , as often as they build up dirt.
One of the things my company does is services paneIs, and even after a week, they get covered in dust, pollen and bird droppings. CIeaning them costs hundreds of doIIars per service. I actuaIIy tell people it’s not worth the service, because they spend more money paying some guy to cIean them than they would on power from the grid.
ReaIIy, no soIar system makes sense. Even current technology doesn’t have a payoff. With this technoIogy, it only makes less sense because now they are harder to service, and they will very likeIy degrade faster and collect less over their life.
HonestIy, solar is fooIish.
John Salazar
April 15, 2022 at 1:52 pm
The only company to make a solar shingle and survive is Tesla. Tesla isn’t going away so I would be more likely to trust thst they will be here in 10 years to provide parts and solar.
Secondly, flexible panels do not have the same life expectancy, nor do they produce the same power as regular panels. Lastly, solar panels #1 enemy is heat. By placing this directly on your roof there is no air gap for ventilation, the entire premise behind this product is flawed.
Within 5 years we will see problems arise with this product.
Evan Bahoric
April 15, 2022 at 1:54 pm
Brian Cooley is such a good reporter, I honestly don’t even care what the subject matter is…I will watch/read it. Bang on, as always!
KLL
April 15, 2022 at 10:10 pm
Same!
Mike Kefer
April 15, 2022 at 2:01 pm
Great first step in to this space, I look forward to future iterations that are both better looking, better performing and cheaper. One question I had is cleaning, I’ve heard that typical solar panels need to be cleaned yearly to retain optimal energy generation – is this true (could be a myth, I don’t live in a solar heavy area)? And would that apply to this product? A truly durable, reliable, maintenance free product like this would sell extremely well at say a 20-40% premium over traditional shingles. I would suggest trying to integrate traces in to the shingles themselves that would stack on top of each other as an attempt to eliminate most of the wires – maybe it could even be designed where a roofing nail would provide the method of connection between shingles (either directly or simply puncturing and securing connection “pads” together).
Emd=mc^2
April 15, 2022 at 2:16 pm
It’s a myth that it only needs to be cleaned yearly. In reality, it should be cleaned far, far more often, as often as they get dusty, or covered and leaves, mildew or snow. With some people, that could be weekly, which is just silly. A simple thin lay of dusty is enough to reduce the efficiency by 40% or more. And cleaning is not simple. It should be done correctly with deionized water and someone who knows what they’re doing, which can be very expensive. So, think about that. If your choice to spend hundreds if not thousands a year on cleaning, or to have the panels only work at 60% of their rated collection, then what good is spending $35,000 on a solar panel set?
Smarter Than You
April 15, 2022 at 2:54 pm
I can speak to this as I own a very large solar company.
If youve got a dusty environment with little rain or trees overhead id recommend cleaning at least once a year. As far as this product, its not great and uses the same garbage string inverter setup that tesla and solar edge have. Since these panels are not compatible with enphase inverters I will never consider offering them
ItsAlive111
April 15, 2022 at 2:10 pm
This product works better for people that have a 10-20 year or older roof that needs to be replaced (before solar panels are to be installed). If this is cheaper than replacing roof and installing solar, then it got a fighting chance!
Smarter Than You
April 15, 2022 at 2:51 pm
Its not cheaper its the same
flubb831
April 15, 2022 at 2:14 pm
Is not having a house an excuse
DylValentine
April 15, 2022 at 2:17 pm
My excuse is I don’t own a home…
ABC EFG
April 15, 2022 at 2:43 pm
I think they just nail it.😊
Smarter Than You
April 15, 2022 at 2:45 pm
As the owner of a very large solar company id proceed with a heaping amount of caution here. String inverters are also nowhere near as good as IQ8 microinverters from enphase
Mr. Marc G.
April 15, 2022 at 2:53 pm
I’ve seen firefighters say solar panels often make fighting fires more difficult and dangerous.
Marvin Gershowitz
April 15, 2022 at 2:55 pm
*This company might go broke,* _because PERSONAL Property in America is DECLINING faster than PUTINs Invasion of UKRAINE._
Love the idea though!
Code Napoléon
April 15, 2022 at 2:58 pm
Take my money! Oh wait, I’m broke
Democrats Suck
April 15, 2022 at 3:03 pm
Sounds like a hassle especially when you have to change out your shingles.
Donald RockJr
April 15, 2022 at 3:12 pm
Is this hurricane proof for Floridians????🤔🤔🤔
Boomerino Kripperino
April 15, 2022 at 3:15 pm
I like that company spokesperson. He looks at home at some finance racket but instead he is here working on adoption of an important technology. My man.
TomCook1993
April 15, 2022 at 4:27 pm
see tesla? was that so hard??
Drill Wave gh
April 15, 2022 at 5:52 pm
The future looks fascinating 🤩
Robbo From Cronulla
April 15, 2022 at 7:40 pm
I love when redundant technology becomes dundant. Oh, and it’s wafer thin. S**t it’s Mr Creosote!
Christian Williams
April 15, 2022 at 7:46 pm
Because of the economic crisis and the rate of unemployment, now is the best time to invest and make money 💯
Friday Emeka
April 15, 2022 at 8:10 pm
I’m really happy with my first Investment with Mr Mark gave me the assurance that has made me invest without the fear of losing , i got four of my friends involved with him already
Ebi Daniel
April 15, 2022 at 8:14 pm
Ever since I met Mr Mark for the first time at a conference in Manchester i invested £25,000 and traded in one month making close to £143,670
mark swiss
April 15, 2022 at 8:17 pm
Alot of success stories, he’s must be honest and trustworthy for people to talk this good about him.
C Dix
April 15, 2022 at 8:33 pm
Great for Californians. 😎 I have 2 feet of snow at times for 4 months on my roof. 🥶
Denis Haxhnikaj
April 15, 2022 at 10:03 pm
As an Architect, I aprove.
MrGoffy238
April 15, 2022 at 10:36 pm
This is a sponsored video and yet not labeled as one
Tom Gilfoyle
April 15, 2022 at 11:54 pm
Same cost as a shingle roof AND a solar array? I assume the costs will come down.
Sri Bharat Madireddy
April 16, 2022 at 1:52 pm
Version 1.0. Concept is great. Give this company couple of years and they might do product updates in 2.0 to bring costs down and efficiency up.
Text me on telegram@CNET_Giveaway
April 16, 2022 at 6:49 pm
Thanks for watching 🔝🔝
And commenting
Send a direct message right away 🆙🆙 you just won a gift🎁.
Xavier Ritch
April 16, 2022 at 2:07 pm
id still go tesla solar, but great to see others pop up in the space and offer quality options
CF Win
April 16, 2022 at 2:12 pm
Will they keep producing electricity for the 20 or 30 years normal shingles last?
NirvanaFan5000
April 16, 2022 at 8:06 pm
based on the video, it will but will lose around half its power output by that time.
saquist
April 16, 2022 at 3:02 pm
@4:35 They cut off the conversation about the Central micro inverter. There is a reason why!
Be warned with only a single micro inverter for the whole roof it will only take 10% of shade on ANY individual Solar Shingle to shut down every solar shingle because they are wired in series like Christmas tree lights.
That means trees, cloud cover another house…all you need is 10% of your roof shaded to get ZERO power
Rotormatic
April 16, 2022 at 7:18 pm
Not really because of “bypass diodes”.
All solar panels nowadays have a simple 600V “bypass diode” in their terminal box. It is soldered across the panel’s terminals in reverse-bias to the current flow. The diode provides a lower impedance alternative pathway for the electric current of the other non-shaded panels to “by pass” the shaded panel(s) whose impedance has increased greatly due to shading.
At worse, a partially shaded panel will take out just the panel itself and not the entire string. These diodes cost pennies at volume and could even be installed onto very old panels for the same effect.
Some larger solar panels have bypass diodes installed across the rows or cells within the panel itself during its manufacture. This provides bypassing of a panel’s internal rows or cells allowing the panel itself to continue providing some power in partial shading conditions.
Corvarc
April 16, 2022 at 3:10 pm
When is this coming to Canada?
H Murchison
April 16, 2022 at 3:11 pm
Water leakage isn’t an issue with today’s racking systems and flash feet. I noticed the .55 degradation after 25 years that’s not even in the ballpark. String Inverter technology …not class leading. No. Dollar/watt breakdowns every video I see on this is vague with no numbers. I guarantee solar sales aren’t made without a real world breakdown of how much watts of production are being produced for the cost. This could be a solid product for a niche clientele. There was also no mentioned of cell efficiency. We’re about 2 years from the release of tandem PV technology which will drive panel efficiency to the upper 20s. More efficiency equals choice of more power gen or less panels.
Lawrence Moore
April 16, 2022 at 3:12 pm
Will insurance pay for the roofing share of the cost if you are replacing a roof due to tree damage?
Steve Urbach
April 16, 2022 at 3:59 pm
Cooley, you have done it again!!!!
Kevin Grijalva
April 16, 2022 at 4:06 pm
This guy sounds like Cave Johnson from Portal
Ryan Plumley
April 16, 2022 at 4:11 pm
I need to ask my roofer what he knows about Bernoulli.
As far as future solar, this has to be the answer!
ThinkTooMuch (b)
April 16, 2022 at 4:45 pm
This is great. Thanks! But it would be more comprehensive if it covered recycling as well.
Shawn M
April 16, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Great idea for a product that should only improve. I do wonder about the cost but solar is always a major investment. I have no doubt they can eventually achieve cost parity with normal panels. I think the others will be copying them because if these last they’re the obvious choice
Liquid Music Entertainment
April 16, 2022 at 5:12 pm
My biggest question isn’t if it’s “weather/wet” proof… How about how good is it in frozen rain, 20 degrees below zero, and heavy snow? That’s where I can help make a decision with Midwest use
jeremy barrett
April 16, 2022 at 6:04 pm
What’s the solution for tile roofs?
Doomy_Doomy
April 16, 2022 at 6:35 pm
The thing about this a lot of cities will not approve solar cause they wanna charge their tax payers an arm and a leg on their electricity bill or will fine you for using solar. Jerry rig covers this and helps keep it realistic. In my city we are banned from using solar so no hopes in my city.
Text me on telegram@CNET_Giveaway
April 16, 2022 at 6:45 pm
Thanks for watching 🔝🔝
And commenting
Send a direct message right away 🆙🆙 you just won a gift🎁
jerry kurata
April 16, 2022 at 6:57 pm
That is bad. We have a Solarroof and batteries and they pretty much eliminated our power bill. Saves us well over $4,000/yr.
Stormfire962 #IMASTARCITIZEN
April 16, 2022 at 6:40 pm
It’s an interesting design idea and concept and it looks like it has some winds for certain places.
But I also need to address some concerns that I have and everyone should think about these concerns since it is important since this must be a huge investment.
A warranty of 25 years in my opinion is bad and needs to be readjusted considerably. Since in the past many companies who have offered long warranties generally at some point in time don’t adhere to those warranties overtime.
Another thing that has me concerned is that this company is selling this product but doesn’t comfortably talk about energy output compared to dollars in investment and the relationship back to it. What I mean by that is if I’m gonna spend say $50,000 for a roof to generate so much power will I see that $50,000 back in my pocket in a reasonable amount of time frame. If I don’t then it’s not a worthwhile investment.
Yes this product looks great on the roof which might be fine for some people but let’s be realistic here. Looks aren’t everything since what will happen let’s see if I live in a snow covered region area and snow piles up on my roof and doesn’t melt where this system resides. Then that would mean the system isn’t generating any electricity and whatever storage system I have may not be capable enough to support and maintaining a back ups power supply that I might need and then I’ll have to start drawing off the grid again. Because from what I understand that some of the old style systems of solar collection actually heats up the panel just enough so that when the snow hits it it melts does keep in the panels basically clear. Which raises deep concerns about these so-called flat panels which when the snow hits it does it smelt or does it allow the cake up on top of it. also have they ever tested the performance of these panel sections in relationship to snow and ice hitting the top of the roof and what would happen if it gets underneath it. They don’t seem to have this performance data and that has me concerned.
So in concluding there’s a lot more to look into before making an investment like this into this new type of technology. Now I am not saying that is something not to look into, but, it’s something you should look into carefully before deciding to jump in onto it.
Also from what I understand when it comes to solar powered systems. The panels themselves that reside on the roof or just one tiny step to the entire system itself. What everybody needs to look into is the other portion of a solar system set up and that is the storage capacity, who’s doing the storage set up, and how much they cost in relationship to this new technology. Because you need to weigh those two issues since let’s see the system that you put on the roof it’s gonna cost you $50,000 and the storage system which is the heart of the system to supply the power to the house also cost close to $50,000 then it’s not a worthwhile investment at all.
Peter Stern
April 16, 2022 at 7:08 pm
How dare you clutter my home with this crap.
NirvanaFan5000
April 16, 2022 at 8:04 pm
love the concept, but it seems like regular solar panels are better in pretty much every way except they are a bit less good looking. hope they improve the output and longevity, which would make this more appealing. also, would love to know how difficult or easy it is for these to be recycled.
NirvanaFan5000
April 16, 2022 at 8:10 pm
I will say that this could save a lot on construction costs since traditional panels require more expertise to install and there’s a shortage of such installers. so it could mean less expensive and having it completed months earlier.
Edward Louie
April 16, 2022 at 9:26 pm
Stepping on the panels doesn’t seem like a good idea, that commonly causes micro crack damage to the PV.
Mike G
April 16, 2022 at 9:36 pm
I wonder why roofers don’t offer to install for free and then get the electricity generated until it is paid for?
Ben Barany
April 16, 2022 at 9:39 pm
Haven’t seen a video of yours in a while. The sliver hair looks good on you Brian
Robert Richardson
April 16, 2022 at 10:16 pm
Proven worthless here. With near total clouds 6 months a year the only solar house in the neighborhood removed them years ago. They don’t work period.
Alan Womack
April 16, 2022 at 10:35 pm
What’s up with the funky camera? Kind of hard to concentrate on what’s being said or shown with all that distortion and movement.
Robindahoodz
April 16, 2022 at 10:45 pm
DO NOT GET THIS!
You will get ARC faults when those cells go bad!
The system will stop producing because of that!
Theres also a SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER risk of burning down your house if one of those cells burn up so close to the flat surface of the wood on the roof!
I am a solar technician. I have seen these things happen on string inverted systems and solar panels so many times!
Harmonic Waves
April 17, 2022 at 12:43 am
I would DIY my roof with those panels….something I wouldn’t do with asphalt shingles….
Chris Brisson
April 17, 2022 at 3:40 am
I’m sure you could fry an egg on one of those solar shingles in the hot sun. Does this turn your house into a George Forman grill?
whatever 12
April 17, 2022 at 5:00 am
Look good but after 30 years i need to replace a roof rather than just some panel
E. v. K.
April 17, 2022 at 6:35 am
Now the Efficiency has to go up
JUR O
April 17, 2022 at 9:58 am
I live in hitlers third reich so I don’t “own” a house in my country or my sons
XzTS
April 17, 2022 at 10:09 am
I can’t wait to see this product featured on TOH & AskTOH
Tristen Hernandez
April 17, 2022 at 12:11 pm
Tesla needs to buy this company or partner with them separately probably makes more sense
Troy Swan
April 17, 2022 at 2:16 pm
Do you sell in Australia yet
Brian M
April 17, 2022 at 2:55 pm
So at 14w per foot on an average size home your looking at a product that will produce 1/3 of a homes power needs. It would take 30 years to break even and your probably having to replace after 24 years…
Jamie Fitzpatrick
April 17, 2022 at 6:25 pm
How long before they can get this in Canada. Love the idea.
wasup fool
April 17, 2022 at 7:58 pm
They must have an idea of cost per square foot
VEGANSAM
April 18, 2022 at 2:25 am
How is it that this amazing technology does NOT have waaaaaaay more views?!
flottenheimer
April 18, 2022 at 2:28 am
Tesla should buy this company, speed up production and drive down costs. ASAP.
Allen H
April 18, 2022 at 3:15 am
Ran out of excuses ? The cost of a new roof AND a rack mount system ? DUHHH
Sean Sullivan
April 18, 2022 at 3:23 am
What’s the price? He literally avoided the question
Blake Edmondson
April 18, 2022 at 3:27 am
A version of this for RV’s would be great.
Chris Banana
April 18, 2022 at 3:30 am
I am confused, why did he act like a single inverter is better than microinverters….
you WANT microinverters! One panel goes on that system and you will be making no power. A cloud covers one panel, you will be 10% less power across everything.
VEGANSAM
April 18, 2022 at 4:32 am
Can this be used for the ENTIRE roof?
Level Up
April 18, 2022 at 5:25 am
This is amazing technology, I live in Canada, so there isnt much solar energy here, however if the panels are cheap enough I would love to get something like this installed. Imagine if they got so cheap, that every surface of the roof was equipped with these, that would be amazing!
Super Liegebeest
April 18, 2022 at 5:51 am
Why not glue the panels on to a rubber canvas like pondliner, u can cut that to size for any roof. And that lasts same 30 years. Can be underwater (like 2inch or so for better cooling. )
Jay Tate
April 18, 2022 at 7:49 am
With inflation its not cost effective any longer since rebates are so minimal now. Im glad i got my 7.5 kw system when i did.
Davis Designs
April 18, 2022 at 12:42 pm
How long would it last with regards to UV exposure?
DontBanMeBroDontBanMe!
April 18, 2022 at 1:44 pm
Would he SHUT UP and let the guy talk? There were numerous times he was going to give information, only to be cut off by this clown, who likes to talk too much.
MobiusPrime 2035
April 18, 2022 at 6:21 pm
okay so now that this idea exists, can we then put a perfermated pipe at the top of the roof to trickles cold water down to coll them. then collecting it in a tank and pumping it back up. this can clean and cool them and maybe offer some warmish water for the house. And if any embers falls on the roof during fire season then it will take care of that too.
BroCharles
April 18, 2022 at 7:39 pm
Great design
Mathewmartialart
April 18, 2022 at 7:40 pm
good god, the stabilizer used on this footage is making me feel sea sick
drjaye1962
April 18, 2022 at 8:50 pm
Wow …peace
JoeStoppinghem
April 18, 2022 at 9:31 pm
What about the folks who just put up 20 year roof?
About 2 years old.
Damn Surfer
April 19, 2022 at 12:55 am
It’s a “nonrefundable” tax credit, meaning you won’t get more back than the amount you owe in taxes. If it was refundable i would be all over, it.
Russell Fine Arts
April 19, 2022 at 1:15 am
Nice commercial for GAF. Would like to see the energy production after 1 year, my guess, standard Panasonic solar panels will far out produce.
The Middleman
April 19, 2022 at 1:29 am
So we’re going to avoid the environmental problems in the manufacturing of solar panels?