Solar Roof Shingles
Solar roofing shingles are in actuality made to look like regular roofing materials but provide the added and significant function of generating solar energy which can be used by the house or building. Solar shingles are part of the technology of photovoltaic systems as it generates electricity on the spot which can be stored or plugged into the main electric grid.
Solar shingles are an emerging fashion but at the moment they are far too expensive for the common man and their manufacturing is monopolized by SunTegra, Atlantis Energy, and Dow. The size of the shingle is the main mode of differentiation between the products of these companies although newer designs are larger shingles with more weather-proofing power so they require less upkeep.
Process of Installation
There is a lot of evidence to suggest that solar roof shingles are much easier to install than solar paneling which was a popular form of harnessing solar energy a few years ago. These newer shingles though provide ventilation and protect the inside of the house from high temperatures as well as ultraviolet rays seeping through. Generally a roofing cloth is laid down upon which these shingles are stapled much like how regular asphalt roofing is done.
In some cases a solar roof may be opted for which uses large solar shingles without underlying material. The cells in these shingles are usually made from monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicone. Home builders find it easier to install these shingles since they go on lie regular asphalt or tile and there is no need to build rafters or a base for paneling.
Solar roof shingles perform the function of roofing shingles as well as an alternative form of producing electricity. This saves money for the homeowner in the long run. Since they are also sturdier than standard roofing shingles this means the roof needs to be repaired or replaced much less frequently.
Difference Between Solar Panels And Solar Roof Shingles
The first most significant difference is one of appearance. Solar panels are denser and heavier and take longer to install. They may also not have what is known as curb-side appeal which is why homeowners have passed on them for years. Solar roof shingles however have different finishes which the architect can really work into the design for a modernist and minimalist touch. The shingles also blend into the roof since they are light and resemble regular shingles.
Solar shingles can be installed on all kinds of roofs such as straight or tilting and so on without hassle. On the other hand doing paneling on such structures can be very time consuming. Solar shingles have come a long way to deserve their popularity while solar panels have been used in fields and buildings for many years now. Before the year 2008 these shingles had a 10% conversion efficiency rate but it made a jump in 2008 to nearly 20% and has been growing ever since. The conversion efficiency rate measures how much UV rays can successfully be converted into electricity.