Solar Shingles

Solar shingles are photovoltaic cells that are manufactured to look like traditional asphalt shingles. Many homeowners find this technology to be far more attractive than traditional, bulky solar cells. Although most consumers are still evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of solar power, the amount of people who have installed this technology on their homes is increasing steadily. Other homeowners, not willing to make a complete investment, are still using solar power to decrease global warming by purchasing products such as solar power roof vents and attic fans to defer some of their energy footprint.

Eliminate bulky solar panels by using solar shingles.

Rather than having one large panel, solar shingles work by connecting multiple smaller panels together. A single shingle may not produce much power, about 50 to 200 watts is standard, but linked with other shingles this technology is capable of powering an entire house. A technician is required to install and wire all of the individual shingles together. While some solar shingles are approximately the same size and shape as a traditional shingle, other manufacturers make systems that are much larger in size, but appear to be the smaller shingles. This reduces installation costs for the homeowner.

The solar shingles, also called building integrated photovoltaics, generate electricity when the semiconductor layer is exposed to sun. Most solar shingles use crystalline silicon because it is the most economically feasible material to use. The semiconductor is attached to a clear layer of the shingle and can be backed with many types of materials, including material, slate, or even asphalt.

Solar shingles were first conceived as a means to power solar water heaters in California and Florida. However, aesthetic concerns associated with larger shingles quickly caused solar shingles to gain popularity for other uses.

Solar shingles remain practically maintenance free after they are installed. Regular cleaning according to the manufacturers recommendations is all that is required in most cases. This lack of maintenance requirements is due to the fact that solar cells have few moving, mechanical parts that can break.

Once installed and attached to the house's power grid, a solar powered home should function like any other residence. Due to concerns about cloudy days and to keep costs low, many homeowners prefer to stay on the main power grid as well to provide a back up. Staying on the power grid has an added bonus as well: most states allow homeowners to sell the solar shingles' energy back to their local power company. Not only does this eliminate the need for storing electricity in the residence, but can also earn a homeowner money during summer months.

The largest drawback to solar cells is their high cost. Although homeowners will often recoup their initial investment in ten years, many people move too frequently to realize this advantage. Even people who plan on staying in their homes for over a decade may find it difficult to justify the cost of purchase and installation, which can easily exceed five figures. Although some tax credits and rebates are available from both state and federal sources, many homeowners will still find the cost an insurmountable obstacle.

Whether or not solar cells are a reasonable addition to your home also depends on the area of the country in which you live. Areas of California and Arizona have conditions that are perfect for solar cell installation: areas such as the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast do not. Some homeowners, however, are willing to accept decreased productivity if the area in which they live has a high cost of energy.

For those homeowners that want to invest in solar energy, but can't justify the cost of solar shingles, there are several options available. Many electrical companies offer solar power at a slightly higher cost to the consumer. Smaller products, such as lights, attic fans, and roof vents also make use of solar technology and are affordable for many homeowners. By purchasing these products solar energy is supported without making a dent in your pocketbook.

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