With all the incredible innovative advancements achieved over the past decade in solar technology, solar roofing is now more affordable than ever. This is thanks to solar shingles, which are a new roofing material that saves energy and reduces electricity costs for property owners. Continue reading to learn more about solar shingles, and where to get trusted roof installation advice for your home or building.
The Advent of Solar-Powered Roofing
In the past, most people would imagine big, blue, incandescent panels on the top of a house or building when thinking about solar power. But in today’s world, that is not the only option for home-based solar power anymore. On the other hand, that technology has been the inspiration for the dawn of a new and improved type of solar power known as solar shingles.
Solar roof shingles are basically photovoltaic cells that have been specifically designed to look like asphalt roof shingles. Their advent was a result of improvements made in the field of thin-film photovoltaics. Homeowners are pulled toward this technology for many reasons, as solar shingles provide a long list of benefits.
Benefits of Solar-Powered Roof Shingles
Solar shingles are flexible and lightweight, making them easy to install. When it comes to integrating them with customary asphalt shingles, the incorporation is virtually seamless; you can hardly tell the difference between one shingle and another, especially on roofing systems that are dark in color. In fact, they tend to look better on darker rooftops.
Not only are solar roof shingles aesthetically pleasing compared to the old, bulky solar-powered technology, they are also economically beneficial. They can save homeowners money on energy costs by increasing their home’s energy efficiency. Homeowners may even be eligible for certain solar tax credits.
Installation
In most cases, solar shingles are applied with an existing power grid to ensure that your home is powered even when there is no sun. In the fortunate case that you generate more power than you actually use, you might have the option of selling it back to the power company. Although solar shingles are known for their ease of installation, they can only be installed by qualified roofing contractors who are licensed and experienced in the industry.
In addition to a licensed roofing company, you will also need an electrician to hook everything up to your electrical system for you. Generally, you can expect them to install an “inverter,” which will convert the generated electrical current to standard AC power.
Talk to a Pro
Solar-powered roofing systems are costly upfront, but can render homeowners a lifetime of savings. Since it is a big investment, it is important to fully weigh your options before making a final purchasing decision. Talk to a local and trusted roofing contractor for professional advice and recommendations you can trust.