Tesla’s not the only one installing solar roofs — another startup … – ZME Science

Forward Labs solar roof looks like a metal roof. Credit: Forward Labs.

Earlier this month, Tesla started taking the first $1,000 deposits for its much heralded solar roofs sleek and fashionable roof tiles that double as solar panels. The marketing was so good that Tesla is already sold out on solar roof tiles until well into 2018, according to Electrek. But Tesla isnt the only company in this business. A newcomer called Forward Labspromises to deliver much of the same energy output at Tesla at almost half the cost and installation time.

While Teslas roof will set you back about $22/square foot ($220/square meter), a Forward Labs roof comes in at less than $12 per square foot ($120 / square meter) for the sections that include PV ($3.25 per watt) and $8.50 per square foot of the non-PV areas. These were designed by a team led by Zach Taylor, who comes from a constructions background particularlyon the composition and installation of roofing systems. According to Taylor, his company designed solar roofs to be as inexpensive as possible by using standard construction materials which are easy to install and replace.

Credit: Forward.

Whereas Teslas solar roof is made from individual shingles, Forward Labs metal roof is made up of one large, layered piece which itself consists of five layers:

The top layer made of tempered glass which protects the whole system from the elements snow, hail, etc.

Optical chromatic cloaking gives the roof its visible colorwhile absorbing very little usable light.

Monocrystalline solar cells cheap and readily available.

Rollformed galvanized metal panelswhich serve as the base of the roof.

The racking system which like Teslas roof is concealed.

Right now, 8 colors are available but given the chromatic layer, any color is technically possible. Installation takes only a couple of days or half as much as Tesla, according to Taylor.

Aesthetically, it doesnt look like much it resembles a typical metal roof. But that can be a good thing if youre looking topass a Home Owners Associations muster. Its also worth knowing the entire roof benefits from the 30 percent federal Investment Tax Credit.

Credit: Forward Labs.

Although the entire roof doesnt produce power, its treated as part of the system, just as mounting is part of a standard solar array and included as part of the 30 percent credit. Tesla has led on this interpretation, and were planning on being under the same final definition, Taylor, the companys CEO, told GreenTechMedia.

But were more focused on what consumers want, and were finding that consumers are very interested in solar roofing, whether or not the construction industry is open to that, he said. Were looking at a 7- to 8-year return on investment and faster installation time 2 to 3 days rather than 5 to 7 days and, in my opinion, and a better looking roof.

Im trying not to make too many comparisons directly to Tesla, Taylor added. But I can say that we do have the most cost-effective roof in the market with the highest rate of return on investment and thats what homeowners have been seeking.

Those are some very bold claims. It remains to be seen if Taylor and colleagues are worth the hype after all, Tesla is also very bombastic with pre-product claims but nearly always delivers, and plenty more.

The firm has started taking preorders for its solar roofing system for installation in the San Francisco Bay Area. Taylor says the first preorders will be installed this year even though he told customers its on for 2018. Wed like to underpromise and overdeliver, he said.

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Tesla's not the only one installing solar roofs -- another startup ... - ZME Science