Are Solar Shingles The Right Option For a Roof Replacement?
Solar shingles (building-integrated photovoltaics) work similarly to traditional solar panels, but they look more like your roof tiles. They are embedded in a new roof or replaced when you’re re-roofing. Although monocrystalline silicon is available, most shingle brands use copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) cells. They may enable you to reduce your electricity costs.
Energy Efficient
Solar shingles have many advantages over traditional, bulky solar panels. Not only are they sleeker and more attractive, but they also can save you money on electricity bills. Depending on the amount of sunshine available in the building’s particular location and the current cost of utilities, they can produce up to 100 percent of the building’s energy requirements. Plus, if you have more energy than your home uses, excess power can be sold back to the electric grid, giving you credit on your next utility bill. You can even benefit from state and federal tax rebates on installing solar shingles.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Solar shingles are a relatively new form of renewable energy technology that looks more like traditional roof tiles than standard solar panels. It makes them a good option for people who want to save money on their electricity costs while maintaining the aesthetic of their home’s rooftop. Solar roof shingles are usually made from CIGS cells or monocrystalline silicon. They have a low profile and blend with other roofing materials to create a uniform appearance. Some companies even offer a hybrid system that incorporates both traditional roofing and solar shingles to maximize the use of your roof’s productive surface area.
Versatile
You can use solar shingles to replace your roof without making any major structural changes. They look like regular shingles from a distance, but they contain photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity. The most common type of solar shingle is made from copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). It has an efficiency rate of about 10% to 12%. Another option is monocrystalline silicon, which is also used to make computer chips and has a slightly higher efficiency rate. Both types of shingles have lower power outputs than conventional panels. However, solar shingles can be placed in locations shaded by direct sunlight, so they’re a great choice for homes with limited sunshine. They can also be used with a solar panel system for maximum energy output.
Long-Lasting
Solar shingles are built to last longer than traditional shingle types. They’re also designed to work well in various weather conditions, including hail and snow. Additionally, they come with a 25-year product warranty. Change to solar shingles if you’re replacing your roof for energy efficiency and environmental benefits. However, before making the switch, check to see if your current mounting hardware will work for solar shingles. While they’re more efficient than panels, solar shingles have their drawbacks. For one, they can’t be moved to capture more sunlight than panels can. They also don’t produce as much power as monocrystalline silicon solar panels. However, if there is extra electricity, it is transmitted to the grid, and you earn a credit on your utility account.
Good Investment
While solar shingles and tiles may cost more upfront than traditional solar panels, they’re still a good investment. They can eventually lower your energy costs and even enable you to make money by returning any unused energy to the grid. Plus, they can help you take advantage of solar tax incentives and rebates that can offset upfront costs. Some manufacturers produce solar shingles with impact ratings exceeding the highest industry standards, which means they’re durable enough to withstand strong weather conditions. Plus, many of them come with warranties that last for 30 years or more. Still, talking with a roofer and solar panel installer is important before you decide to replace your roof with solar shingles. You’ll want to ensure your new roofing materials accommodate the solar panel brackets.
