As resources become scarcer, the need for alternative energy sources has become a necessity. One of the most popular options is solar. Progressive homeowners concerned about the environment – and perhaps escalating energy costs – are installing solar roof shingles.
What are Solar Roof Shingles?
Solar roof shingles are a thin film of photovoltaic cells constructed to look like regular roof shingles. They are dark-blue, dark-purple and/or black in color. For pitched roofs, solar panels come as individual tiles or small shingles. For flat roofs, solar roof shingles are constructed as large, continuous sheets.
How Solar Roof Shingles Provide Energy
Homes that have solar roof shingles get energy in a couple of ways:
- Power Grid: They can be part of an electric power grid
- Fly Solo: What we mean by this is that they can be off the energy grid, deriving their energy wholly and completely from the sun on their own
Are Solar Roof Shingles Right for Your Home?
Following are some key questions to answer to help you decide if solar roof shingles are right for your home.
- Climate: As in, how much sun your home receives each day. If you live in rainy Seattle, for example, this may not be a good option for you. However if you’re in sunny Florida, California or Nevada, it can be a great investment.
- Your Family’s Energy Consumption: This will help you decide how much of your roof you need to have covered with solar roof shingles, which brings us to the next point . . .
- Cost: You don’t have to cover the entire roof. You can cover only a portion of it and still get incredible energy savings.
There are many other factors to consider when it comes to solar roof shingles. Consult a professional roofing contractor to find out about this amazing, earth-friendly option as an energy source.
