PROJECT REPORT

ON
SOLAR TILE

Submitted to:

ABOUT THE INDUSTRY

Solar energy is the cleanest, most abundant, renewable energy source available.
And the U.S. has some of the richest solar resources shining across the nation.
Today's technology allows us to capture this power in several ways giving the
public and commercial entities flexible ways to employ both the heat and light of
the sun.
The greatest challenge the U.S. solar market faces is scaling up production and
distribution of solar energy technology to drive the price down to be on par with
traditional fossil fuel sources.
Solar energy can be produced on a distributed basis, called distributed generation,
with equipment located on rooftops or on ground-mounted fixtures close to where
the energy is used. Large-scale concentrating solar power systems can also produce
energy at a central power plant.
There are four ways we harness solar energy: photo voltaic (converting light to
electricity), heating and cooling systems (solar thermal), concentrating solar power
(utility scale), and lighting. Active solar energy systems employ devices that
convert the sun's heat or light to another form of energy we use. Passive solar
refers to special siting, design or building materials that take advantage of the sun's
position and availability to provide direct heating or lighting. Passive solar also
considers the need for shading devices to protect buildings from excessive heat
from the sun.

Solar energy is all about harnessing the power of the sun to produce energy. The
sun rains enough solar energy on the Earth in one day to power the entire energy
needs of the world for one year. Solar energy is considered a renewable energy
source because it will exist for as long as our sun does, estimated to be another 4.5
billion years. Solar energy is also considered a clean energy because it does not
produce pollutants or byproducts harmful to the environment.

Solar energy was the first energy source used by mankind. Of course, the use was
limited to drying things and heating caused by direct contact, but it was a use. In
modern times, solar energy has been a power source since the early 1950s, but was
not widespread due to technological issues which rendered it an ineffective and
expensive energy source. With technology advancements, solar energy is moving
to the forefront as a potential alternative to fossil fuels.

The future is indeed bright for solar energy as new solar nanotechnology is close to
creating solar platforms that boggle the mind. For instance, a few companies are
trying to create solar quantum dots, which will be mixed in the paint you use for
your home. Yes, you will actually paint on solar energy panels that will power
your home
Currently, solar energy is produced primarily through the use of solar cells, also
known as photovoltaic cells. The process works by placing the cells in direct
sunlight. Sun hits the cells causing a chemical reaction that creates an electric
current. The current is then turned into electricity. The problem with these cells,
however, is they are only about 15 percent efficient.

Solar energy is typically classified in two ways, passive solar and active solar.
Both approaches produce solar energy, but in very different ways

Passive solar is exactly what it sounds like. It does not involve panel systems or
other moving mechanisms to produce solar energy. Instead, passive solar involves
planning a structure in such a way as to capture the power of the sun with
windows, tanks and so on. These systems can be used to heat homes, water and so
on.

Active solar energy systems typically involve some form of solar panels. The
panels are oriented to maximize exposure to the sun. Depending on the system, the
panels will then either directly convert sunlight to electricity, which is then
transformed from direct current electricity to alternate current electricity and stored
in batteries or fed into the grid system of the local utility. Active systems are more
expensive and complex.

Solar energy has numerous advantages over other energy platforms. It is produces
no pollution, requires little maintenance and comes with significant financial
incentives in the form of tax deductions, tax credits and rebates from manufactures.
In a majority of states, solar energy can also be sold back to utilities per a concept
known as net metering. This reduces the need for batteries and significantly cuts
utility bills.

Unfortunately, solar energy has some disadvantages as well. The initial cost of
purchase and installation can be expensive. Second, areas with limited sunlight are
problematic. Third, solar energy obviously can’t be produced at night. Despite
these disadvantages, solar energy is a booming energy platform.

The largest producers of solar energy in the world are Germany, Japan and the
United States. California has recently introduces a solar initiative devoting over
three billion dollars to promoting solar energy use by residents in the state. As this
overview demonstrates, the solar energy platform is coming on strong.
Industry review in india

The political and environmental aspects have given a boost to the solar energy
industry, as its demand has surged in the last few years worldwide.

"Globally, 2007 installations are around 3 GW and in 2010 it is predicted to be

more than double. India right now has a very small percent of this but is likely to
go up significantly as the central government is introducing new policies", says
Jagadish Buddhavarapu, Vice President, Business Development, Solar
Semiconductor Inc.

Solar power generation is done through various technologies. Crystalline Silicon

wafers is one of them and is considered as the best because of its better efficiency
rate than the thin film PV cells and CIGS etc.

Mr. K Vasudeva Rao, Executive Director, XL Telecom & Energy Limited says,
"generation of power from solar differs, based on the technology and Crystalline
Silicon is giving about 16% efficiency at the production level, while at laboratory
stage it is about 24%, similarly is in the case of thin film, it is about 7% in the
field, while at lab it is much better".

"While thin film has been in the market for several decades, the efficiency in the
production level has not reached a stage where it is a viable alternative in the
emerging solar farms usage for various reasons", Mr. Rao adds.

"Crystalline market share currently is over 90% and thin film is about 6-7% but
will grow in the future", says Mr. Buddhavarapu. And, "in the crystalline PV, the
trend is to go to thinner wafers and cells, so less Silicon is used and another trend
is to employ metallurgical grade Silicon for wafer manufacture", he adds.

But generating cost of solar power is much higher than the other renewable sources
of energy like wind and biomass.

Mr. Rao says, "Cost of generating the solar energy is higher because of the
availability of the Crystalline Silicon is low".

"Technology innovations and scale are rapidly lowering the cost to be competitive
with conventional energy", says Mr. Buddhavarapu.

With the rising consumption of solar energy, its market is also increasing
worldwide. India is also gaining ground at global level.
"It (India) is already becoming a bigger player, now, Japan is the largest generator
of solar energy, a lot of other industries are coming up in India, In the next 2-3
years India will be exporting the solar energy panels to Europe, as it is a bigger
market and a lot of subsidies are provided

Solar energy offers enormous potential for a tropical country like India where
around 45% of households, mainly rural ones, do not have access to electricity,
says a new research report “Indian Solar Energy Market Outlook 2012” from a
leading research company RNCOS.

India receives solar energy equivalent to more than 5,000 Trillion kWh per year,
which is far more than its total annual energy consumption. The country’s
geographical location, large population and government support are also assisting
it to become one of the most rapidly emerging solar energy markets in the world.
Consequently, the country is becoming a favorite investment destination for both
local as well as global players.

Demand for solar products has been rising rapidly over the recent years, especially
in rural areas, and is expected to continue growing substantially during our forecast
period (2009-2012). The total number of solar lanterns in India is projected to
grow at a CAGR of about 40% between 2009 and 2012.

“Indian Solar Energy Market Outlook 2012” provides a rational analysis and
extensive research on the solar power industry in India. It thoroughly examines the
current industry trends which are adding to the growth of solar power market of the
country. The report highlights the emerging segments of solar power industry and
their market potential to serve the enormous population of the country. It will help
clients to understand the market dynamics and get an insight of the current and
future outlook of solar power market in India.

Besides giving projections on various energy indicators, the report also gives
forecast on various segments of the solar power industry based on feasible solar
industry environment in India. These include:

- Solar Street Lighting System

- Solar Home Lighting System
- Solar Lantern
- Solar Photovoltaic Pumps
- Solar Water Heating System 
- Solar Cookers
The forecast given in this report is not based on a complex economic model, but is
intended as a rough guide to the direction in which the market is likely to move.
This forecast is based on correlations between past market growth, growth of base
drivers and possible impact of recession in the economy.

The report also includes detailed information about the key players in the solar
power industry of India including BHEL, BEL, CEL, TATA BP Solar India
Limited, Moser Baer India Limited, Applied Materials, Inc, and Solar Signet.

INDUSTRY STATUS

According to the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), by the end of 2008,
there were over 60 000 distributed solar electric systems interconnected across the
United States. SEPA estimates that grid-tied PV installations are conservatively
expected to exceed 100 000 by 2010 and 250 000 by 2015. Other analyses classify
about 100 companies as active PV cell and module manufacturers
in North America. Of these companies, 72 are seen as start-ups that are bringing
innovative technologies to market. Venture capitalists invested almost 1 600
MUSD in solar companies in the third quarter of 2008 alone, compared to more
than the 1 050 MUSD total venture capital investment in 2007. Companies
developing thin-film modules using CIGS or CdTe received some of the largest
rounds of investments. Solo Power and AVA Solar each raised more than 100
MUSD this year, while Solyndra reported raising more than 219 MUSD USD from
23 investors. Nanosolar took in 300 MUSD in investments.

MARKET DEVELOPMENT

According to preliminary estimates, total U.S. PV capacity (grid-tied and off-grid

included) increased by 330 MW in 2008, for a total of 1 106 MW PV installed
capacity at the close of 2008. California accounted for nearly 66 % of all PV
installations in the country, but other top states for installations included Arizona,
Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, and New Jersey.
The United States provided more than 7 % of PV module shipments
worldwide from early estimates, or nearly 376 MW. Nearly 54 % of this total was
in the form of thin-film modules. (EPV Solar, First Solar Global Solar, and United
Solar). On the demand side, the U.S. consumed an estimated 7 % of the global
demand for module products, or 313 MW.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
The stronger dollar could hurt exports of U.S. products, and the economic slump
has caused some companies to reduce their sales forecasts. There are some
concerns of module oversupply, demand uncertainty, and falling prices and, hence,
industry profits. PV module prices are expected to fall up to 12 %. Related prices
for silicon and thin-film materials are expected to fall up to 30 %. On the positive
Side, the Federal ITC was extended, the cap on the amount of ITC allowed for
residential installations was removed, and utilities are now allowed to benefit from
the ITC. With increased production, transmission construction, and incentives, PV
is poised to become a contributor to economic recovery in 2009 and beyond.

ABPUT THE PRODUCT

The Solé Power Tile system is the first building-integrated photovoltaic roofing
product designed to blend in with curved roof tiles commonly found in the Pacific
Each tile is 37.4in wide and 18in long, there's generally a 3in overlap leaving 15in
of tile exposed to sunlight. A 30 tile per 100 sq ft installation will weigh 240lbs
and generate 860 Kw/h per annum (assuming 5.8 peak sun hours). According to
SRS Energy: "triple-junction amorphous silicon thin-film technology incorporated
within the Solé Power Tile" is manufactured by United Solar Ovonic and "allows
the system to produce an estimated 8-20% more energy than incumbent crystalline
silicon panels of the same rated power."
Any power generated by the system which is not used by the building (or stored in
batteries if that option is chosen) is fed into the grid. Utility companies then give a
credit for the amount of energy generated meaning financial benefits can be
enjoyed from day one. Each system is monitored to provide feedback so that
checks can be made against any credits made.

The Solé Power Tile™ exemplifies our commitment to sustainability without

compromising aesthetics. SRS Energy products deliver the economical benefits of
solar technology with unmatched curb appeal. The Solé Power Tile™ integrates
with US Tile’s clay tile to maintain the depth and aesthetics of a sophisticated
roofline while infused with cutting-edge electricity generating technology. Our
partnership with US Tile makes your solar upgrade easy by integrating it into a
straightforward roof purchase.

Monitored to ensure efficiency

Although SRS Energy claims that those who choose to install the Solé Power Tile
system should enjoy many years of trouble-free rooftop energy creation before a
tile needs to be replaced, both SRS Energy and US Tile monitor the system to
ensure that it's working efficiently. It's set up so that if one tile should fail, a total
system failure doesn't occur and the rest of the tiles continue to generate charge as
if nothing had happened.
If a tile does fail or it reaches the end of its expected operational life, the
thermoplastic polymers used in its construction can be safely recycled. You might
wonder why the solar tiles do not color match the clay tiles. Unfortunately blue is
currently the only color available due to the limits of the solar technology used in
the tile. Other color options may become available in the future as advances in the
field are made.

HOW IT WORKS

Solar energy is a renewable alternative to power plants that burn fossil fuels, finite
resources that contribute to pollution, global warming, as well as the reliance on
imports for our energy security. Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight into
electricity, powering everything from lamps to air conditioners in a residential or
commercial building.

In PV systems, direct current (DC) electricity is produced. Appliances and

machinery, however, operate on alternating current (AC). The DC energy produced
by the panels is fed into an inverter that converts the DC power into AC power,
which then feeds into the main electrical panel that powers a home or business.
Any excess generation is fed back into the utility grid. Over a year, as a utility
customer, your electricity bill is reduced by the energy you produce.
ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ROOF TILES

1. Aesthetics - solar tiles are virtually invisible, as part of your roof.

2. No extra planning - no need to alter roof lines, colour or pitch. Solar tiles
and slates sit flush with conventional roof tiles.
3. Reliability - The average lifetime of Solar Roof Tiles is in excess of 20
years. There are no moving parts to the system and very little maintenance is
necessary. Solar Roof Tiles usually have a self locking fixing system that
allows the glass laminate to be easily removed for inspection, cleaning or
replacement.
4. Standard installation - tiles and slates fit with conventional roofing
practice without the need to adjust battens. One solar tile takes the place of
four standard tiles.
5. No specialist skills - depending on the type of system that you purchase, all
the roofing work can be carried out by the roofing contractor allowing
electrical and plumbing work to follow build programme.
6. The savings of a householder also gets a terrific boost, since the electric
power generated is often well in excess of what is required.
7. More importantly, there are no pollutants or poisonous greenhouse gases
emitted due to the usage of these roof tiles. Hence, the latter are
environment-friendly as well. The solar power roof tiles derive their energy
from the sun. 
8. Solar power roof tiles, if installed, provide a great way to generate electricity
in a completely eco-friendly way. 
9. They also prevent the wastage of power, and keep electricity bills down too. 
10. . The operating costs of these solar power roof tiles is almost zero
11.Solar roof products have all the wanted benefits like lightweight, ease,
durability and no need for heavy drilling into the roofs.
ABOUT SOLE POWER

Ask around to homeowners who have looked into capturing solar energy on their
roof, and they will likely tell you there are several problems with the standard solar
panel. The cost to install can be prohibitive, making it far from a smart investment
for many houses. The solar panels are bulky and heavy--it's basically a glass box
suspended six inches above your roof. Plus most solar panels are made from
materials like glass, silicon wafers and aluminum that are not always sustainable to
produce or easy to recycle. And, to be honest--because this is your home we're
talking about, and you do care--they're just so darn ugly.

AN ELEGANT IDEA
Peter Bressler, principal of Bresslergroup--the Philadelphia-based design firm that
has executed over 1500 product design projects for clients as diverse as Black and
Decker, Motorola, Becton Dickinson and Honeywell--had lived through the gas
crisis in the late '70s (and near enough to Three Mile Island) to become personally
concerned about energy in the mid-1990's. "Environmental issues were really
entering the public consciousness," he remembers. "The need for alternative energy
generation options was clear." One day Bressler was coming home from a business
trip, flying low over miles and miles of rooftops. "I thought why all of these roofs
not generating electricity are?"

A concept illustration showing the Solé idea compared to traditional panels.

Bressler came up with an idea to take the massive solar panel and condense it into
a modular system that could actually be used more like a design element:
Integrated into the building, rather than an afterthought. The tile would mimic the
shape of the traditional curved "barrel tile" made from terra-cotta, which is already
found on most Spanish-influenced roofs in regions where solar power would be
most efficient. It was a game-changing idea. But neither the technology to make it
affordable nor the market demand existed to make it a viable product and the
concept sat idle for several years.
THE MARKET WARMS
Fast forward to 2005, when a "perfect storm" of new photovoltaic materials and
rising public awareness allowed funds to be raised and Bresslergroup was hired
by SRS Energy as the designers of the first curved building-integrated photovoltaic
(BIPV) roofing product,Solé Power Tile. Instead of the rigid silicon crystalline
wafers, Bresslergroup created a polymeric material that allowed them to make the
curve of the tile. For the panels themselves, they used an extremely flexible triple-
junction non-crystalline amorphous silicon cells made by Michigan-based UNI-
SOLAR, known as a "thin film" technology.
"They're the first company to make a cost-effective, lightweight solar technology
that's ideal for the roofing space," says Abby Nessa Feinstein, director of
marketing for SRS Energy. "The amount of energy and light that it can absorb
from the sun is competitive with the traditional solar panels we see in the market,
and in cloudy conditions and high-heat, it can actually do better." Not only are the
Solé tiles far cheaper to produce, the solar technology employed uses 99% less
material than a traditional silicon wafer. And the curve in the tile allows air to
freely circulate below it, preventing overheating. The ability to easily disassemble
the thin film at the end of its lifespan make for easy recycling.
SWOT ANALYSIS OF SOLAR ENERGY INDUSTRY

Strengths
 Source of energy is never ending
 Totally pollution free
 Can be utilized for all purpose
 Can be utilized in any form of energy
 Scope of decentralization
 Easy to operate
 Minimum working expenditure
 Saves fossil fuel deposits
 Economically self sufficient
 Less hazardous

Weakness
 Problem of storage
 Not available on cloudy and eclipse day
 Quantum varies according to season or weather
 Initial investment is high
 Need subsidy
 Spares not easily available
 Creates problem for urban planning since higher building interrupts lower
solar system
 Not yet taken on priority list

Opportunity
 Scope of utilizing magnetic energy from solar wind
 By bringing down the price, it can be boon even in lower income group
 Chance of hazard is less
 Scope for decentralization
 Chance for adverting exploitation of energy consumers
 Totally pollution free
 Vast opportunity for expansion in many use
 Threat
 Threat from oil lobby
 Threat from coal lobby
 Opposition from different forces due to subsidy
 Lack of knowledge of common consumers
 Fluctuation due to season or weather may discourage consumers
 MAJOR PLAYERS IN THE SOLAR ENERGY SECTOR IN
RESPECT OF SOLAR TILES

The three main companies that are commercially producing these roof tiles
panels at present are:
1. Sharp
At Sharp Electronics Corporation, a U.S. subsidiary of Osaka-based Sharp
Corporation - a company known worldwide for its unique one-of-a-kind
electronic products and solutions, our challenge is to create a balance
between work time and personal time, with products that can benefit
people's lives at work, at home, and everywhere in between. Sharp consumer
electronics can enhance your enjoyment, add to your comfort and open new
perspectives. Sharp business products can boost your productivity and
reduce costs. Sharp products are designed to help individuals, families, and
corporate teams connect effortlessly, communicate clearly, and unleash
creativity like never before. Sharp is dedicated to improving people's lives
through the use of advanced technology and a commitment to innovation,
quality, value, and design.
We are proud of our accomplishments and eagerly await the future.  We
invite you to find out more about us by browsing through our Company
Profile where you will learn about our Business Creed & Business
Philosphy, our business operations in North America and how to contact
them, the value we place upon Corporate Social Responsibility, and the
numerous awards won by our innovative products. 

Most residential solar modules are installed on your roof. These systems include a
rack with solar modules that attach to it. The OnEnergy™ system is Sharp's
custom solution that's designed to meet your electricity requirements and the
specifications of your roof.
The OnEnergy system replaces the bulky look of traditional roof mounts with a
unique, low-profile rack designed to blend beautifully with a home's roofline.
 The low-profile racking system creates a seamless appearance that integrates
well with several different roof types.
 Sharp offers a variety of modules that optimize energy production and allow
Sharp-certified installers to create a custom solution for your home. There's even
an exclusive triangle-shaped module for hip roofs and angled roofs.
 The OnEnergy system can be installed on asphalt-shingle, flat-concrete tile
and even curved high-profile (Spanish) tile roofs without compromising the
inregrity of the roof.
 The OnEnergy system is also UL-listed as a complete system and can be
easily retrofitted on existing roofs or installed during new home construction.
A System That's Right At Home
High-Power Monocrystalline Residential Solar Modules 
While the OnEnergy system sets the standard for solar aesthetics, the new
monocrystalline residential module offers high power and flexible installation for
nearly any kind of roof.
Ground-Mounted Solar Modules 
Most ground mounts feature angled modules on steel supports anchored in
concrete footings. These systems are ideal for large arrays on estate properties. 

2. KONARKA TECHNOLOGIES
Konarka is recognized throughout the world as a leader in OPV
(organic photovoltaic) technology – a 3rd generation solar technology
that is rapidly emerging to compete with silicon based 1st and 2nd
generation solar technologies. The company holds over 350 patents
and filings covering every aspect of our proprietary chemistry and
processes.  Our current research efforts are exploring exciting new
OPV chemistries as well as advances to our existing technology that
will produce greater power output at a lower cost. 

At the heart of Konarka’s technology is a photo-reactive polymer

material invented by Konarka co-founder and Nobel Prize winner, Dr.
Alan Heeger.  This proprietary material can be printed or coated
inexpensively onto flexible substrates using roll-to-roll
manufacturing, similar to the way newspaper is printed on large rolls
of paper.  The resulting Power Plastic can then be manufactured into a
wide range of end-use products.
 3. United solar ovonic

UNI-SOLAR, a product innovation of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.

(ECD) (NASDAQ: ENER), is the leader in building integrated rooftop
photovoltaics, one of the fastest growing segments of the solar power
industry.  ECD's UNI-SOLAR® brand products are unique because of their
flexibility, light weight, ease of installation, durability, and real-world
energy production.

UNI-SOLAR laminates are incorporated into a variety of commercial roofing

materials through strategic partnerships with a world-wide network of
roofing material manufacturers.  In select markets, UNI-SOLAR laminates
are also available through specialty wholesale distributors and their network
of installers.

NI-SOLAR provides innovative photovoltaic laminates to roofing material

manufacturers and solar system integrators. UNI-SOLAR laminates integrate
easily with membrane, mod-bit, and metal roofing to create ideal solutions
for commercial, government, military, and education rooftops.
EMPLOYEMENT OPPERTUNITIES IN SOLAR ENERGY
SECTOR

Industry estimates indicate continued strong growth in solar energy jobs

worldwide. Most of the new jobs will come in marketing and installation of solar
photovoltaic and thermal systems, which means they will be located close to end
market users of solar systems, thereby being highly beneficial to local economies.

The German solar industry is expected to create 4,000 new jobs in 2004 alone. By
the end of 2003, around 12,000 people were employed in the solar industry in
Germany. This is growth from just 1,500 in 1998. UVS, the German Industry
Association anticipates 100,000 jobs will be created over the long term. This is
supported by growth in industry revenue in Germany from just 80 million euros in
1998 to reach one billion euros in 2004.

A 1996 European Commission report showed that even the slowest growth rate for
solar PV would result in over 150,000 European jobs globally by 2010, and a
continuation of existing growth rates would result in 453,000 solar jobs. In the late
1990’s, the Austrian Federal Minister for the Environment publicly announced the
results of a study that predicted 30,000-80,000 new jobs would be created in
Austria alone in the photovoltaic sector by 2010. In 2001, the European
Photovoltaic Industry Association predicted “solar energy is on the brink of a
boom. The industry is already worth $1 billion annually. By the time the
generation born today reaches adulthood in 2020, solar energy could easily provide
energy to over a billion people globally and provide 2.3 million full-time jobs.”

World solar photovoltaic market installations soared to 574 Megawatts in 2003,

representing growth of 34% over 2002. The star performer among the top three
country markets was Germany showing 76% growth. In combination, the Japanese,
German and United States markets accounted for 75% of the world market. The
major driver of world market growth was the strong grid-connect sector, up 57% to
account for 77% of the market. In 2003, Japan's market installed 219 Megawatts,
Germany 145 Megawatts Other countries in Europe, outside Germany, recorded a
very healthy 109% growth rate in 2003.

The US market has increased from just 18 Megawatts of PV installations in 1999

to 66 Megawatts by 2003. California represents about 80% of the US market and
that is where most of the US jobs have been created. However, emerging States
like New Jersey suggest a wide geographical spread is in the future.

Our projection of world markets leads to a cumulative installed capacity in 2010 of

1.6GWp in the USA and 9.5GWp worldwide, which compares with official targets
(EPIA 2010) of 2.14GWp and 11.34GWp respectively.

Utilizing production ratios, which agree with the historical data and are consistent
with other projections (e.g. EPIA 2001), and allowing for improvements in
productivity over the period and an increased use of labor in the developing world.
Indirect jobs have been simply estimated to be twice direct jobs in line with earlier
estimates.
Distributors and Integrators may also employ service, material and equipment
suppliers, though on a much smaller scale than the OEMs and BOS manufacturers.
For those of you wishing to make a career in the solar electric industry, the
important thing to remember is that there are jobs in every sector leading up to the
End Users, although their nature earning capacity may differ markedly.
EVOLUTION OF SOLAR TILES

Converting to solar energy means covering a roof in unsightly solar panels. Not
necessarily: Philadelphia company SRS Energy has developed the Solé Power
Tile, a roof tile designed to sustainably convert sunlight into electricity without
compromising aesthetics. The dark blue tiles, manufactured by SRS Energy, are
jointly branded and distributed by US Tileand specifically designed to be
compatible with the clay roof tiles manufactured by US Tile. Customers who
purchase clay tiles will be given the option to upgrade a section of their roof to
Solé Power Tiles. When installed, the system can offset a large proportion of a
homeowner's energy costs—not to mention cleaning their carbon conscience. The
tiles are available in select West Coast markets this autumn, with a nationwide
rollout planned for spring 2010.

SRS Energy says that the Solé tiles, made from a high-performance polymer often
used in car bumpers, are lightweight, unbreakable and recyclable. Flexible solar
technology by United Solar Ovonic is embedded inside each tile, allowing them to
function independently of each other. Meanwhile, the performance of the system as
a whole is monitored remotely by SRS Energy and US Tile. The director of
engineering at SRS Energy is J.D. Albert, who also developed the electronic ink
technology used in Amazon Kindle and the Sony Reader.
What's so attractive about the Solé Power Tile system he and his team have
produced is that it makes it easy for consumers to make a green choice, without
having to settle for a product they find unappealing. With more tile styles and
colours in the pipeline, SRS Energy could soon be enjoying a big chunk of eco-
bounty, as will any other company that can remove the disincentives from
sustainable technology.
   This is a major shift from the flat panels. 
Here's a prediction.  Next we will have thin solar film on our windows that not
only reduce the sun's heat coming in but also generate electricity.  Then solar cars. 
Look at all the exposed metal - the hoods, the roof, the trunk and even the panelled
doors...someone will come through with this soon.   Getting off our addiction to oil
dependency may not be as difficult or as slow as we think.  Wow...a true win, win. 
What an exciting innovative time we are living in. Go Solar!

CHALLENGES FACED FOR IMPLEMENTING SOLAR TILES

Solar power is actually one of the cleanest methods of energy production known.
Because solar panels simply convert the energy of the sun into energy mankind can
use, there are no harmful byproducts or threats to the environment.

One major concern is the cost of solar power.

1. Solar panels (accumulators) are not cheap

2. They are constructed from fragile materials (semiconductors, glass, etc.), they
must constantly be maintained and often replaced.

3.since each photovoltaic panel has only about a 40% efficiency, single solar
panels are not sufficient power producers. However, this problem has been offset
by the gathering together of many large panels acting in accord to produce energy.
Although this setup takes up much more space, it does generate much more power.

4. Solar energy is an alternative to conventional energy technologies, but other

forms of energy can many times seem more practical to use. The most important
disadvantage about solar energy is that the access on a short-term basis can be
uncertain. The total incoming radiation normally doesn’t vary much from year to
year, but it is not easy to predict on a day-to-day basis.

5. Solar panels are that they depend on sunlight for power and people want power
at night and in bad weather. 
RETURN ON INVESTMENT

We simply cannot imagine the sheer power of our Sun, because we are not used to
deal with such a large quantities in our regular life.
What we all should know about our Sun is: Every single hour, our planet Earth
receives enough solar energy from our Sun, in the form of heat-radiation, that we
could cover absolutely all our energy needs, if we wanted to.
As a human race, we haven't encountered any other energy source, which could be
so optimally placed, constant in its nature and distributed all over the planet in
quantities, which are large enough to satisfy absolutely all our power needs. It
provide return on various factors:

1.It help in producing free electricity for home- The size of any regular roof
surface is large enough to cover all your electricity needs for your household. This
photovoltaic devices are capable of producing renewable power for years to come.
They are created as long term device to harness solar power. Long term means,
that they could produce electricity for 25, 30, 40 or even more years. You install
them once and you can really forget about them. They are totally silent devices,
which work for you by producing power and lowering your monthly energy bill.

2. Add a 10% Price Premium to your Solar Powered House

If your house has already solar power system as renewable energy source
implemented, that represents a substantial price premium to the value of your
property. Every day, people are getting more concerned about environment,
because global warming and climate changes have become a substantial part of our
life.
Buildings, which follow Eco sustainable design and use renewable energy sources,
have much more competitive and stronger position on the resale housing
market.Current situation on the property markets worldwide is quite bad,
considering the house prices, which are in a constant decline now, after many years
of high growth. From this perspective, it is sometimes of crucial importance, if the
house includes also solar power system.
Implementation of roof power tile adds about 10% to the value of your house,
immediately. Well, that is a very nice price premium and there is additional
advantage of constant income by producing your own electricity. PLUS, another
advantage in the form of Total Power Independence of your household, which
could, in the case of real emergency, save many lives.

3. Buy once, harvest Endless Solar Power for ever

Your investment in solar power shingles is a Single Investment, which means that
you pay installation cost, once, and you are going to produce free electricity for the
whole life span of your roof.
It is like an investment of your money in safe government bonds, which are
earning safe interests for its owner. One difference between government bonds and
your solar power system is the fact that energy prices are constantly rising, while
government's bond's interest rates are constantly falling.

4. Freedom of Your own Electricity

Being totally electricity self sustainable and independent in modern world is a very
rare, but very useful commodity. We simply cannot imagine a modern life without
a constant power at home. TV set, Hi-Fi, computers, iPods, mobile phones, all
different home appliances, especially lighting, fridge and freezer.
It is really very wise decision to be totally independent, considering electricity
supply.
It is also a matter of Personal and Family Security and Safety to possess an
independent - own source of electricity, because we simply cannot survive without
electric power for many days. There is no modern life without a fridge/freezer,
other cooking and bathroom appliances and of course computers, phones, Internet,
TV, etc.
So solar power is expensive?
No
Solar power installation could add about 4% to overall cost of your house.
However, it immediately 'gives you back' the price premium of about 10%, which
is an increased value of your property, after making it energy efficient and
renewable. So, if you are a price cautious home owner and you always look for the
best return of your investment, that is about 6% gain in the very start.
You also get another immediate gain by lowering your monthly electricity bill and
that is going to last for another 25,30, 40 or more years!
Solar Power System in your house behaves as a constant, silent, but persistent
Money Maker for its owner.
ACCEPTANCE OF VENTURE CAPITALIST

Energy Venture Capital and Angel Investors List

Firm Focus Web site

Angels with Attitude See Soundpoint Ventures  

@Ventures (part of
2 clean tech investments; tech focus www.ventures.com
CMGI)

Battery Ventures 2 energy investments; tech focus www.battery.com

BASF Venture Capital 1 energy investment; materials, sciences www.basf.de

BDC Venture Capital 5 energy investments; life sciences, technology www.bdc.ca

New firm expects to make some alt energy

Blackwolf Partners blackwolfventures.com
investments

Braemar Energy
18 energy investments (4 current) www.braemarenergy.com
Ventures

Chrysalix Energy
7 energy investments; fuel cells www.chrysalix.com
Management

Draper Fisher Jurvetson 3 energy investments; tech focus; CalCEF partner www.dfj.com/

Easenergy (part of EDF) Makes non-cash energy investments www.easenergy.com/

EnerTech Capital 20 energy investments; clean tech www.enertechcapital.com

Expansion Capital
1 energy investment; clean tech www.expansioncapital.com
Partners

Firelake Capital
3 energy investments; energy & water focus www.firelakecapital.com
Management
 Manages state-owned New Mexico Co-
Fort Washington www.fortwashington.com
Investment Partners

Frazier Technology www.fraziertechnology.co

1 energy investment (Neah Power)
Ventures m

Hydro-Quebec
21 energy investments www.hqcapitech.com
CapiTech

Inverness Capital
1 energy investment; industrial www.invernesscap.com
Partners

Mohr Davidow 3 energy investments; materials, internet; life

www.mdv.com
Ventures sciences, semiconductors

NGEN Partners 4 energy investments; materials, infotech www.ngenpartners.com

Nth Power 20 energy investments; CalCEF partner www.nthpower.com

OPG Ventures (Ontario) 10 energy investments www.opg.com

Odyssey Venture
1 energy investment; software www.2odyssey.com
Partners

Pangaea Ventures cleantech pangaeaventures.com

RBC Technology
science, biotech www.rbcroyalbank.com
Ventures

RockPort Capital
4 energy investments; materials www.rockportcap.com
Partners

Rustic Canyon Ventures software www.rusticcanyon.com

SJF Ventures 1 energy investment; cleantech www.sjfund.com

Sound Point Ventures 4 energy investments; sustainability soundpointventures.com

Taproot Ventures industrial, materials www.taprootventures.com

Technology Partners 4 energy investments; life sciences, infotech technologypartners.com

VantagePoint Venture IT & healthcare; CalCEF partner www.vpvp.com

Partners

Yaletown Venture
software, materials www.yaletown.com
Partners

manufacturing, life sciences, interested in

Yellowstone Capital yellowstonecapital.com
alternative energy

Zero Stage Capital 1 energy investment; infotech, life sciences www.zerostage.com

In the first three quarters of this year, U.S. venture-capital firms funneled $67.7
million into the solar-energy sector, up from $31.4 million for all of 2004,
according to the National Venture Capital Association, an Arlington, Va., trade
group.

That's more than 30 times the amount invested 10 years ago and presents more
evidence that record-high energy prices have incited a monumental push for
cheaper forms of energy.

The NVCA says solar investments for the first three quarters of 2005 represented
more than a third of the $194.6 million invested by venture-capital firms in the
entire U.S. energy industry.

The article also reports revenues for solar energy sales have grown 50% in the last
year. However, a venture capitalist quoted in the article says few solar start-ups are
near to getting new products to market and most start-ups are basically doing
science projects hoping for a breakthrough. So while the higher oil and natural gas
prices have stimulated demand for solar equipment no big price breakthroughs
resulting from technological advances are in sight.

It is expected that the price of oil to stay high enough in future years to maintain
higher levels of investments in alternative energy technologies. But one can only
guess when investments will finally pay off with price competitive alternatives to
fossil fuels.

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN SOLAR ENERGY SECTOR

Research and development by companies and research labs are continually
discovering new techniques and materials that improve efficiencies and cut the cost
of capturing solar energy. The industry seeks to commercialize the most promising
technology to improve delivery of solar power generation for homes, business and
government. Examples include applying different materials for thin-film PV
applications, solar cooling systems, incorporating PV into building materials for
roofing, windows and even painted surfaces.
Other areas being aggressively pursued are storage systems (thermal and
electrical); solar hybrid lighting; improved manufacturing techniques;
nanotechnology; low-cost semiconductor alternatives to polysilicon; and
improving concentrating solar power systems.