This is my problem with GREEN ideas... everyone is only considering some of the impact. I am worried that it will be an idea like this that will CAUSE more damage to our environment. How toxic is the paint, how does it impact the metal being recycled, what solvents are used in the paint, the list goes on and on.

Don't get me wrong, I am not against being environmentally conscious, but we have to be careful how we do it.

ColdAsIce

The ROI is a measure of "greenness" by itself. It represents all the time, energy, and materials that went into the product. If the ROI doesn't break even over the expected lifespan of the product, the product isn't "green". IOW, you put more into it than you get out of it. Since traditional silicon solar panels have a life expectancy around 30 years, this guy's 25 year payback is just barely acceptable. I would bet, though, that he's getting the 25 year payback as a result of rebates and the actual price would have negative ROI.

"Metal roofing would be smart, but it's loud. And not cheap per sqft. And needs to be kept clean (dirt, bird droppings,...) to keep maximum efficiency."

Metal roofs are common in my area of Florida. They aren't loud if you have a reasonably insulated attic and while they aren't cheap per square foot, they are price competitive over time and have the bonus of providing clean rainwater. Oil-based roofs like tar shingles are cheap, have roughly 15% of metal's lifespan, and provide oily rainwater that isn't suitable for vegetable gardens, drinking, or most gray-water uses.

"But I doubt we are onto the ultimate solution: Cheap, plentiful, clean and useful energy."

Maybe we are, but probably not yet. On the other hand, if a $400 gallon of paint (a guess) can provide $10/mo of useable electricity, it will pay for itself in less than 4 years. Maybe people paint it onto metal sheds and it provides light inside the shed saving the owner money and not using 20 feet of 12g copper wiring.

There will be no single solution to the energy issue--no ultimate solution. When fossil fuels are gone, they won't be replaced by one thing.

shawn_dude

I could see tons of public storages doing this. This will be very useful for um idk maybe public buses. Yes i know wall paint shouldn't be used on a bus but they'll still probably come out with a version that could be used on different types of places.
I mean buses are parked in the sun, ride around under the sun all day, and yeah i think it'd be useful.
Lets see this tech. come out sooner or efficient though because if its worth it im sure some people wouldn't mind building a steel shack or maybe roof for their pool area or something of the sort (you should get what i mean) and have some solar power goodness in your house.

SneakerFiend

Just a general rant for all y'alls... =)

ThriftyTechie

Just a general rant for all y'alls. =)

ThriftyTechie

The high cost of solar panels isn't simply an obstacle to our idealism and our desire for clean, renewable energy. The high cost of solar panels as of now EXPLAINS why the use of solar doesn't quite make sense yet.

- Think about what goes into and comes out of solar panel manufacturing.
One of the major problems of photovoltaic cell manufacturing is that there is a lot of waste - some of it quite nasty.

- Since panels are inherently inefficient (large, large panels generate small, small power), think of the transportation costs.

These are some of the things to consider when thinking about the 'cost' of solar energy. It isn't just $$$. It's the fact that as things stand right now, The payback period of photovoltaic cells, I suspect is quite high. In other words, the amount of green house gasses and other pollutants generated in the manufacture and transport of these things is relatively large compared to the energy that the cells generate. Thus the cells have to sit baking in the sun for years generating power just to offset the environmental, labor and resource cost of making them work.

ThriftyTechie

ThriftyTechie

Kiteaton

FredicvsMaximvs

I love how folks who want to go green but cry at the negative "ROI".

I think anyone who is considering spending thousands to help the environment is clearly not making a decision solely based on ROI. You have to consider the point at which the technology pays for itself because, unlike an iPhone or automobile, solar energy will eventually pay for itself. This sort of renewable energy project is not going to be a status symbol like the iPhone or Prius, so the only real return on investment is a lower energy bill, and peace of mind.

The tough part for a cheapskate like me is finding the money to do it.

Monty

Sorry, but you need to have a 2-D house, facing South, to get optimum solar juice. Or, a moving home. Or a parabolic home shape (highly doubtful and useless).

Metal roofing would be smart, but it's loud. And not cheap per sqft. And needs to be kept clean (dirt, bird droppings,...) to keep maximum efficiency.

Now, maybe this can help the old "metal shack-shanty" and storage containers. Hey and even tractor-trailers can charge! But I doubt we are onto the ultimate solution: Cheap, plentiful, clean and useful energy.

SigmundTheSeaMonster

ANoel

I really do think the key to "going green" (I do so hate that phrase but I have yet to find a good replacement) is things like this - a lot of little things you put together.

tyskkvinna

flyboy

Murph1908

wjousts

If affordable this would be great for governments in the developing world to help bring their people into the modern era lots of homes in the developing world have metal roofs or is that metal not suited for this?

Kamenwati

phantam

cyborgtroy

Samifumi

flyboy

Darrone

Pre-fab metal buildings/houses are the new hotness replacing trailers outside town around here. If this works on them, you could really have a nice setup out in the country.

jetexas

Monty

lilaliendog