Solar Roofing – Harnessing Energy and Style
Solar roofing systems provide an environmentally-friendly energy solution, tapping into the sun’s energy to produce electricity and lower your electric bill, potentially earning back money through selling any excess power back to the grid.
Most people are familiar with solar panels, but an alternative form of roofing known as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) has emerged that more closely resembles traditional shingles.
Solar Shingles
Solar shingles are an innovative roofing option that appear similar to regular shingles at first glance, yet contain photovoltaic cells for energy generation. Solar shingles fall into a category known as building-integrated photovoltaics or BIPDs.
Their sleek aesthetic can blend in perfectly with existing roofing materials and offer a more aesthetically pleasing solution than standard solar panels. Their ability to mimic traditional roofs may especially appeal if your HOA requires certain restrictions regarding home exterior aesthetics.
Solar shingles from companies such as Tesla, CertainTeed, and Luma can be purchased and installed similar to regular roof shingles – using nails directly on your rooftop. Their ability to generate electricity comes from absorbing sunlight and converting it directly current (DC) power that can then be used in appliances or returned back into the grid. You may be able to upgrade them with more advanced technology as time progresses depending on which manufacturer makes them. Furthermore, they come with warranties such as product warranty protection as well as wind and weatherization protection as well as power output performance guarantees.
Solar Panels
Solar panels harness electricity via the photovoltaic effect, where sunlight strikes semi-conductors like silicon to release an electron that then flows along an AC current path that powers appliances such as appliances, telecoms equipment, RTUs, SCADA systems, oil/gas flow monitoring systems and more.
A solar panel’s main components are its protective back sheet and frame, with solar cells resting atop. A tempered glass cover protects these solar cells against dirt build-up that reduces efficiency; and its durable aluminum frame adds structural support.
Solar panels typically sit atop roofs and are visible to passersby, but there are other options to improve aesthetic. A skirt may help conceal the racking system for improved appearance without impacting energy production; however, this option may cost more and decrease performance by trapping heat and restricting cooling breezes.
Solar Tiles
Many solar shingles are designed to blend seamlessly into traditional roofs, making the switch easier for homeowners. Solar shingles also contain photovoltaic solar cells which convert solar energy into electricity for home power use; any excess can then be fed back into local energy grids for other consumers’ consumption.
Forward’s Solar Shingles offer an elegant solution designed for partial building integration, featuring a metal standing seam roofing system to give any home an appealing appearance. They can easily be installed onto either an existing or newly built roof, with 10-year product warranties and 25-year power output warranties offered as protections against future costs.
Timberline Solar by GAF Energy provides an easy installation with an impressive return on investment. These shingles look and feel similar to regular shingles and can be attached as easily.
Solar Roofs
Solar shingles could be your solution to lower energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and boost resale value of your home. They feature the look of traditional roofing materials while harnessing energy efficiently – ideal if your existing roof requires repairs.
CertainTeed’s Metal Solar Roof provides an economical yet sustainable option that provides clean energy with three limited warranties to give you peace of mind: 25 years for manufacturing defects, power output warranty of 25 years and lifetime roof performance warranty of 25 years.
Luma produces solar shingles with an appealing luxury aesthetic and high efficiency (21%) that can withstand Category 5 hurricanes. They’re easy to maintain and can even be upgraded in the future as technology improves. Furthermore, their system works seamlessly with Powerwall home batteries that store solar energy so you can use it during an outage or night time outage.
