Efficiency of Solar Shingles

Solar shingles are photovoltaic cells whose design looks like asphalt shingles. They are also called photovoltaic shingles. They have a deep, dark, purplish-blue color that looks like other roofs. From a distance, it is like any ordinary roofs but in fact they are used to generate electricity from the heat of the sun. Sunlight is captured by the cells and transforms it into energy. Most solar shingles can be attached directly to the roofing but other types need to be intermixed and applied with asphalt shingles while others need a special installation. Homeowners opt to use it because of the aesthetic value with out installing big panels on their roof to use solar energy. It has been first released in 2005 and has been estimated to generate $5 billion revenue in the market by 2015.
 
Since most Homes use AC and the photovoltaic power produced is in DC form, an inverter is needed to be installed. That would be an addition to the cost of the shingle installation. Once the shingle is installed into your roofing system, you will need the help on an electrician or a trained installer to have it tied into the house’s electrical wirings. A single shingle produce much electricity, it is only enough to run a fan. But having hundreds of square feet together is efficient to power the whole household with electricity. It operates the same way as the solar panels with exactly the same function which is to generate power. But there is a big difference in the cost. The shingle costs lesser compared to the panel but it acts as a roof and produces power thus makes it more cost efficient in the long run.

Using the solar energy gained doesn’t necessarily mean that you do not need the local power supplier. Solar energy will not be always available especially on rainy seasons and winter months. Before going solar, you must consider the place where you are living and the weather condition most of the time. If you live in a place where sun shine is very abundant, then it is time to think about switching to solar. Also consider the cost of electricity in your area and compare it to the total cost of the installation and how much you can save in the long run. There are areas that are blessed with good solar power but the cost of electricity from local suppliers is also low. Though it can work anywhere and can supply electricity to the whole building, there are still factors that needed to be considered when installing solar shingles like the amount of sunlight available, which is mainly relative to the location, the volume of electricity needed to run the building and if there is enough space on the roof towards that faces the sun.