First Solar Roof in Washington State

The first solar electric roof in Washington state has been installed in the Lake Chelan valley. A Uni-Solar building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) array has been installed on the new log home of Jim and Sara Thomas on Lake Chelan's north shore, 3 miles above 25 Mile Creek.

The system uses twenty 16 inch wide, 16 foot long, flexible photovoltaic (PV) panels to produce electricity. The panels are glued to flat, standing seam, metal roofing. The roof is then conventionally installed. Using the roof and metal roofing as the mounting structure reduces the overall cost of the system, while providing an aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive appearance.

The patented Uni-Solar triple junction amorphous silicon manufacturing process produces thin, lightweight, flexible PV panels that perform comparably with more expensive single crystalline PV panels.

The Thomas' home is miles from utility lines, accessible only by boat, and the 2 kilowatt array provides all the electricity for their home. A wood stove will provide space heating. Propane will be used for cooking and refrigeration. Other renewalbe energy sources being considered are a wind turbine, solar water heating, and portable solar oven.

The BIPV system was designed and installed by Jim and Sara Thomas to utilize Uni-Solar amorphous technology. Consultation and assistance was provided by Randy Brooks of Brooks Solar, Inc., Chelan. Guests are welcome. To arrange a visit or obtain information about Uni-Solar products, contact Brooks Solar, Inc., 509-682-9646, info@BrooksSolar.com.