Rooftop solar panel installation is often a time-consuming and complicated process, but Armageddon Energy's new prefab panels are practically roof-ready when they come out of the box.
A solar "clover"--enough to provide 400 watts of power--is made up of three 10 to 12 pound silicon hexagonal panels, a triangular frame and a micro-inverter. The panels can be easily connected with a series of uncomplicated tab and slots. Then all that's left is for a professional, or mechanically-inclined homeowner, to secure the clovers to the roof, angle them towards the sun, and plug them into the home power system. According to Armageddon, the process only takes a few minutes.
Armageddon's solar panels are significantly lighter than traditional 40-pound silicon-panels, mainly because the solar cells are coated in Teflon instead of glass. At $6 per watt, the panels produce power cheaply, too--that's $1 per watt less than conventional systems.
Armageddon recently completed solar panel prototypes and is currently working on a beta round. The company expects commercial production to begin in about a year. But by the time Armageddon's panels make it to market, they'll have some competition in the prefab arena. Veranda Solar is working on a panel design that requires only a screwdriver and a standard home outlet. Can IKEA-branded DIY panels be far behind?
[Via Greentech Media]
Related Stories: | Topics:Innovation, Technology, Ethonomics, armageddon energy, solar, panels, IKEA, plug and play, power, rooftop, Science and Technology, Technology, Energy Technology, Alternative Energy Technology, Inter IKEA Systems BV |
Email
Digg
StumbleUpon
Facebook
Buzz Up!
LinkedIn
Recent Comments | 7 Total
May 14, 2009 at 6:07pm by Unca Lou
Six bucks a watt is NOT cheaper... average is about $4.50... some lower.
May 15, 2009 at 9:46am by J. L.
Yay unsubstantiated claims about products a company can't actually build! Now that's progress. Check out their website for a great shot of their logo and absolutely no information.
May 23, 2009 at 1:30pm by Ty Tessier
I would be interested in knowing how much it cost to buy these panels... Some solutions exist today that cost so cheap to built ourselves. I guess that big corporation will try to find a way to monetize the "free" energy... Check what I've found... Looks cheap and easy to build: www.CleanEnergyHouse.com
September 17, 2009 at 7:16am by Keith Russel
I think even if solar panel installation can be time consuming but its one of the good things people can do reduce dependence on conventional energy and also there are DIY solar night lamps that charge themselves during the day and will automatically turn on when night fall.
I really like such products they are great. Also solar lamps are a great way of home improvement. Cheers !!!
Keith,
Home Automation
September 22, 2009 at 3:15pm by Elaine os
Great informative article, thanks for sharing it is good to see some perspective in prices, home improvement is always a difficult thing so its a good idea to shop around, for more information on home improvement and contractors check out Home Improvement. Thanks
October 23, 2009 at 7:28am by hairem casteks
These tips help us in home remodeling or house building by some House Painters. Estimating costs to remodel can be a part art and part science. Our home remodeling page offers do-it-yourself remodeler tips to help keep your home renovation projects on time and within budget. We also have advice to help with your house, kitchen, bathroom, finding a contractor and other home remodeling and renovation solutions.
November 20, 2009 at 5:01am by dsfgty rtyt
How this solar panels from Armageddon energy lead to home improvement?
flooring