Another in a long line of solar panel innovations is Peel-and-Stick technology. A construction company, Lumeta, has developed the panels, with an adhesive backing, to facilitate speedy installation. And speedy it is – about twice as fast to install as conventional tilt-up panels.

The panels are lighter and easier to install but have one drawback. Because they adhere directly to the roof, they lose the benefit of achieving the optimal angle toward the sun. This costs the panels about 5% of their possible efficiency. Nonetheless, with energy costs at record highs and still rising, the demand for solar panel technology is at ever-increasing levels and the advent of such dramatic installation savings is producing demand for the peel-and-stick panels. With a peak power production of 380 Watts (on a typical installation), Lumeta has accumulated over 500 kW worth of projects.

The panels are as yet unavailable for residential use, focusing on flat roof, commercial systems. However, Lumeta does offer building-integrated, terra-cotta solar ‘S’ tiles for homeowners with tile roofs.

To view a fast-motion video of peel-and-stick panels being installed in just 34 minutes, you can visit the LA Times website.

Posted on July 3rd in Solar Products by Dan.