How Do Solar Shingles Work

Solar panels are an incredible opportunity for homeowners and property owners to reduce their carbon footprint and lower utilities costs, which explains why they are gaining popularity so quickly. Previously, the effort required to bring solar to a home wasn’t cost-effective, but that is changing. Now, new home innovations are showing up to change the world of solar–and solar shingles are just one example of a powerful change in this industry.

Getting to Know Solar Shingles

Solar shingles are an alternate solar solution that brings the power of solar energy in a new, simplified form for the home. These new inventions pair traditional roofing with rooftop solar to create some truly amazing results, and more homeowners are developing an interest in this shift to BIPV.

How Do Solar Shingles Work?

From a solar standpoint, solar shingles work exactly like solar panels do. They absorb the sun’s rays and turn it into energy for the home or commercial building. This simple process involves the use of semiconductors, which can be found in the shingles themselves. It allows homeowners to enjoy solar energy, just like traditional panels.

What do they offer?

The most obvious benefit when addressing solar shingles is the appearance. Since they work just like solar panels, it is easy to see that they offer traditional solar benefits–but the benefits don’t stop there. Solar shingles come with the added benefit of looking nearly identical to traditional shingles to create a uniform aesthetic, a fact which homeowners are very excited about. This allows homeowners to get the benefits of solar without necessarily dealing with the bulky design of today’s solar panels. They can even take excess energy and deliver it straight to the electrical grid.

Solar Shingles vs. Solar Panels

The biggest differences between these two really are the appearance and installation. Previously, solar experts needed specialized training to be able to install solar panels, but solar shingles change the game completely. These shingles are installed mirroring the techniques of traditional shingles, empowering most roofers to easily install them.

Solar panels are typically mounted on a rack on top of the roof in a highly visible way, almost like adding a second layer to your roof. Solar shingles, however, change this by creating a uniform look across your entire roof (even in shady areas), just like traditional shingles. Solar shingles created by different manufacturers do have different appearances, so you should review the different shapes, sizes and colors before choosing a brand.

The Takeaway

Homeowners and property owners around the world are investing in solar shingles, and the financial benefits alone are enough to drive this change. Tax credits and the opportunity to lower your carbon footprint make it easy to choose solar shingles when the time comes to upgrade your roof. With these sleek shingles, you can say goodbye to high monthly costs and rest easy knowing that you are doing your part to support the planet.

Adding home value, providing more energy, and meeting the needs of our planet with one investment makes solar shingles well worth your consideration. If you want to learn more or get a cost estimate for a new or existing roofing project, feel free to contact us directly.