<p>Researchers from the Fraunhofer <br />Institute install novel, flexible solar panels with an adhesive backing and quick-connect cables. Ordinarily, <br />installing and connecting a new array of rooftop solar panels takes days, weeks, or even months because the hardware <br /><br /></p>.<p>is complex and various permits are <br />needed. On a frigid day in Charlestown, Massachusetts, researchers completed the process in about an hour!<br /><br />Homeowners can install the system themselves, by gluing it to a rooftop. The permitting is handled by a combination of electronic sensors and software that <br /><br />communicates with local jurisdictions and utilities. Installation and permit-related expenses currently account for more than half of the overall cost of a new solar power setup. <br /><br />“By simplifying the system so that it’s like installing an appliance, we <br />envision that the soft cost will be virtually eliminated,” says Christian Hoepfner, <br />director of the Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems, which <br />developed the system. Doing so would lower the cost of a typical residential <br />solar installation from $22,000 to as <br />little as $7,500, he says.<br /><br />Solar power can be dangerous if not <br />installed properly. Heavy components may be blown off a roof if not secured properly, and solar panels can produce potentially deadly voltages if not properly grounded, and every wire protected. The Fraunhofer system uses light, flexible solar panels <br />encased in durable plastics. The panels can be securely attached to a shingled roof via an adhesive backing that anchors the panels even in winds up to 110 miles per hour. The solar panels use electrical <br /><br />equipment, developed by the startup <br />VoltServer, that breaks DC power into <br />discrete, addressed packets, something like the data packets sent over the Internet. If one of these packets fails to reach its destination—for example, if someone were to touch a damaged wire, the current is instantly cut off, preventing injury—a <br />feat demonstrated by a brave EnerVolt <br /><br />employee at the Charlestown demon-<br />stration when he purposely touched an exposed wire on the new solar installation. The whole system is connected to the grid via a plug similar those used for fast-<br />charging electric cars, which can handle high voltages safely. Once plugged in, the system performs several tests to ensure it’s safe. <br /><br />Hoepfner says the software probably does the job more consistently than <br />inspectors would. Test information would be sent to the local utility for approval over the Web. While all the hardware exists now, and will go on sale soon, the <br /><br />automated permitting still needs work. Fraunhofer had pre-approved the system with the authorities, who’d had inspected the process ahead of time. Commercial-<br />isation will require developing new <br /><br />standards for solar power systems. Homes will also need pre-installed outlets <br />designed for solar panels, similar to the high voltage dryer connections in new homes. <br />For now, installing the outlet will require a trained electrician, though it can be done in just a couple of minutes via a device that can be quickly attached to a meter. <br /><br />Meanwhile, testing is ongoing to make sure the adhesive will keep the solar panels anchored in very hot weather. <br /><br />Kevin Bullis<br />The New York Times</p>
<p>Researchers from the Fraunhofer <br />Institute install novel, flexible solar panels with an adhesive backing and quick-connect cables. Ordinarily, <br />installing and connecting a new array of rooftop solar panels takes days, weeks, or even months because the hardware <br /><br /></p>.<p>is complex and various permits are <br />needed. On a frigid day in Charlestown, Massachusetts, researchers completed the process in about an hour!<br /><br />Homeowners can install the system themselves, by gluing it to a rooftop. The permitting is handled by a combination of electronic sensors and software that <br /><br />communicates with local jurisdictions and utilities. Installation and permit-related expenses currently account for more than half of the overall cost of a new solar power setup. <br /><br />“By simplifying the system so that it’s like installing an appliance, we <br />envision that the soft cost will be virtually eliminated,” says Christian Hoepfner, <br />director of the Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems, which <br />developed the system. Doing so would lower the cost of a typical residential <br />solar installation from $22,000 to as <br />little as $7,500, he says.<br /><br />Solar power can be dangerous if not <br />installed properly. Heavy components may be blown off a roof if not secured properly, and solar panels can produce potentially deadly voltages if not properly grounded, and every wire protected. The Fraunhofer system uses light, flexible solar panels <br />encased in durable plastics. The panels can be securely attached to a shingled roof via an adhesive backing that anchors the panels even in winds up to 110 miles per hour. The solar panels use electrical <br /><br />equipment, developed by the startup <br />VoltServer, that breaks DC power into <br />discrete, addressed packets, something like the data packets sent over the Internet. If one of these packets fails to reach its destination—for example, if someone were to touch a damaged wire, the current is instantly cut off, preventing injury—a <br />feat demonstrated by a brave EnerVolt <br /><br />employee at the Charlestown demon-<br />stration when he purposely touched an exposed wire on the new solar installation. The whole system is connected to the grid via a plug similar those used for fast-<br />charging electric cars, which can handle high voltages safely. Once plugged in, the system performs several tests to ensure it’s safe. <br /><br />Hoepfner says the software probably does the job more consistently than <br />inspectors would. Test information would be sent to the local utility for approval over the Web. While all the hardware exists now, and will go on sale soon, the <br /><br />automated permitting still needs work. Fraunhofer had pre-approved the system with the authorities, who’d had inspected the process ahead of time. Commercial-<br />isation will require developing new <br /><br />standards for solar power systems. Homes will also need pre-installed outlets <br />designed for solar panels, similar to the high voltage dryer connections in new homes. <br />For now, installing the outlet will require a trained electrician, though it can be done in just a couple of minutes via a device that can be quickly attached to a meter. <br /><br />Meanwhile, testing is ongoing to make sure the adhesive will keep the solar panels anchored in very hot weather. <br /><br />Kevin Bullis<br />The New York Times</p>
