What are solar roofing shingles?
Solar roofing shingles are made with a mix of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert light into electricity, and various architectural materials. These solar units are usually installed in one of two ways: either by replacing or layering atop existing asphalt roofs; or with the use of scaffolding during new construction.
The two most common materials for solar roofing shingles are polymer and glass. Polymer solar shingles have been on the market for more than one decade since they are lightweight, require minimal installation, and are an inexpensive option compared to glass. Glass-based solar shingles also require little to no installation, but they are more expensive than polymer-based ones.
Benefits of installing solar roofing shingles
They are made to look and feel like normal roof shingles.
If you have ever looked at normal roofing shingles, then you probably noticed that they are made up of a number of individual shingle-sized solar panels. Any time there is a lot of sun, these tiles convert that sunlight into electricity. The process is the same in the case of solar shingles, with each individual tile being coated with photovoltaic cells, which will gradually degrade over time. Their durability is partly due to their compact design and U-shaped design, which minimizes the loss of energy when they inevitably degrade over time.
They are made to last
If you take a closer look at solar shingles, you will see that they are made of durable polyethylene plastic which is able to withstand heavy amounts of wear and tear. The polyethylene plastic used in these tiles also has the same UV resistance as common roofing shingles, which means that it will be available for years without fading or peeling. Instead of immediately increasing your utility bills when the sunniest time of year rolls around again, solar shingles will help you save money over time.
Their durability makes them unique and blend in with traditional roofs
One benefit of installing solar panels is that they do not require much maintenance once installed. They will last for decades before showing signs of wear and tear, which is one of the biggest benefits that we highlighted earlier. Because of their durability and long lifespan, solar roofing shingles are an intriguing choice for those who want solar panels but do not want them to stick out like a sore thumb. If you are worried about installing photovoltaic cells on your home’s roof because it will ruin the aesthetic appeal of your home, then you should consider using this new type of solar panel instead.
They are easier to install than traditional solar panels
Because they are made to look and feel like normal roofing shingles, solar shingles are much easier to install than conventional photovoltaic cells. Unlike traditional solar panels, some of which are stuck onto the roof with magnets, these sturdier tiles can be secured with a resin that adheres to the roof’s surface. This means you will not have to deal with any tension-based installation methods like those found on other types of solar panels.
They are a lot easier and more affordable to install than other solar panels
Hidden behind their sturdier exterior, these tiles are durable and easy to install. In fact, each individual tile is designed with a U-shaped design which allows you to connect up to three of them together in order to form one big solar panel. This design allows you to combine a lot of roof space without sacrificing a lot of energy. It is almost as if the developers behind these tiles specifically designed them to be more affordable and easier to install than other solar panels.
They are available in different styles
If you want to make your home even more stylish, then you can opt for different color styles when installing solar shingles on your roof. Some of the most popular colors are copper, black, slate, and silver which are designed to blend in with traditional houses. As you can tell by now, solar shingles offer a number of benefits that cannot be found elsewhere.
Solar Roof Shingles vs Solar Roof Panels
Longevity
Solar cell structure is designed to provide durability for solar shingles and solar panels. Manufacturers design both to have an average lifespan of between 25 to 30 years. Even if the solar cell structure technology is relatively new compared to asphalt shingles, most people consider solar shingles an intriguing option for the longevity of their roofs.
Aesthetics
Manufacturers primarily design solar panels for functionality. These roofing shingles appear bulky and might occupy the whole area of your roof building. Surprisingly, the general curb appeal of your office or home might appear awkward when you install solar panels. In contrast, as revealed on the Technonicol website, solar shingles are designed to appear seamless. Since they have a slim design, your roof will have attractive and beautiful, like traditional tile on a new roof. In other words, most people have developed an interest of purchasing solar shingles because of aesthetics.
Dimensions
Solar shingles have a similar size and shape to that traditional roofing tiles. For instance, a standard solar shingle has an average size of approximately one inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 86 inches long. Ideally, normal solar tiles plus the mounting items will exalt a weight of approximately 15 to 20 pounds per square foot of weight on a roof. In contrast, a normal residential solar panel is approximately less than two inches thick, 39 inches wide, and 65 inches long. Such a solar panel will weigh approximately 40 pounds and exalts a weight of around 3 pounds per square foot. Although most people might think that solar shingles are bulkier, they should remember that shingles are the roof. That means solar panels can exalt dead weight on their roofs.
Solar Roof Shingles Are More Effective at Producing Warm Air in Your Home
The insulation value of a solar panel system is 600 percent of that of the same size, but the actual heat generated from both products is different. You will find it difficult to warm up your home with a solar panel and unless you live in a severely cold climate, you may not even notice how much heat is needed in your home. However, solar roof shingles are definitely a better option for heating your home compared to solar roof panels, which can help you save up to 10 percent in your heating and cooling bills each year.
Solar shingles are a comparatively new kind of solar panel which is designed to look like normal roofing shingles. This design offers a number of benefits over traditional solar panels, including more durability and an easier installation process. If you are looking for a way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint, installing solar roofing shingles is a smart move that will help. Not only does it produce electricity for your home, but it can also decrease your utility bills over time.
