[MineralMan]

The cost per watt has consistently gone down. If this technology works, it will go down some more.

Solar isn't any sort of do-all and be-all, but it's already in use where it makes sense. I expect it to be used in more applications as time goes by. I've always been interested in the idea of a roofing material that doubled as a solar electrical panel. Who knows.

If these guys can make this work, good for them.

[realpatriot]

Photovoltaic roofpanels

[AmericaUnited]

Combine this new solar technology with the new developments in nanotechnology and batteries, and I think this could be very exciting.

[edwin hubble]

"I've always been interested in the idea of a roofing material that doubled as a solar electrical panel."

Currently about $12 per Watt installed ($12,000 per 100 sq ft.), but that price includes a 25 year roof.

Looks like slate. http://www.atlantisenergy.org/sunslates2.html

[palmer]

The cost per watt has consistently gone down.

Not lately. It takes energy to make solar cells and that energy is expensive.

[SauronOfMordor]

In some retirement communities (like my mother-in-law's in Florida), some residents use electric golf carts to get around on interior (private) roads and to get to the shopping strip.

A cheap solar panel on the roof of an infrequently-used electric vehicle makes a lot of sense.