Solar Shingles

How do Solar Shingles Work?

Solar shingles are also called photovoltaic shingles. They are designed to look like regular asphalt shingles that fit on your roof top. The solar shingle has photovoltaic cell or solar cell inside of the shingle. The solar cell captures the energy from the sun and turns it into electricity. This process is called photovoltaic effect. The solar shingles take the place of the traditional asphalt shingles. There are several different types of solar shingles to choose from so do some research prior to making your final decision on which ones will suit your needs.

Three different types of solar shingles

1. Shingle-sized solid shingles- This solar shingle takes the place of the several traditional shingles. These come is a strip and allows for more photovoltaic effect because it replaces more than one shingle. There are many different companies out there that produce and manufacture solar shingles. Make sure that you do your research prior to purchasing.

2. Semi-rigid solar shingle- This solar shingle has several silicon solar cells. This design and size are larger than the traditional shingle, but it contain more than one solar cell which allows for more energy from sunlight to be converted into electricity. This solar shingle takes the place of several traditional asphalt shingles.

3. Thin film solar cell- The manufacturer’s of the thin film solar cell shingles allow for the shingles to be flexible. They are available in many different sizes which will rely on your preference. The different sizes will allow you to match them up with your traditional asphalt shingles that are already on your roof top.

Solar shingles capture sunlight and convert it into energy. Solar singles are normally about twelve inches in width and eighty-six inches in length. They are attached to your roof by different techniques; stapled or attached to roofing felt and intermixed with the traditional asphalt shingles. Make sure that when purchasing your solar shingles to get the correct directions of installation because they are expensive and you don’t want to damage them.

By using solar shingles you will benefit money wise because your monthly utility bill will definitely be reduced. Solar shingled roofs are very much similar to traditional asphalt shingle roofs except for the color which is dark purplish-blue. Solar shingles allow home owners to get the same benefits as if using solar panels without the huge solar panels on the roof.