Should You Go for Solar Shingles?

Solar shingles are photovoltaic cells that are designed to resemble conventional asphalt roofing shingles. They not only look like roofing shingles when they are properly installed, they also perform like roofing shingles. They are completely weatherproof and have the advantage of being able to produce electricity. Solar shingles are completely eco-friendly; they do not radiate heat, make noise, or emit greenhouse gases.
Solar Shingles


The Solar Shingles Appearance


Many people would like to utilize solar energy to reduce their energy expenses, but hesitate to add solar panels to their roof for two main reasons. The first reason is the appearance. The large panels are unsightly and detract from the overall aesthetics of the house and garden.

The other main reason is the way they are installed. The roof envelope needs to be pierced to bolt the panels to the structure, which could allow water to leak through the roof and compromise its effectiveness.

Solar shingles are installed in the same manner and with the same tools as regular roof shingles. They are weatherproof and provide excellent protection. The color blends with regular asphalt tiles, but even if the color is different, it does not detract from the beauty of the house as much as a traditional solar panel would.

Profiled solar shingles are being developed that fit exactly with regular profiled shingles. Today, the S shaped profile shingle is available. It is flexible, durable, and recyclable.

The solar shingles are connected to the ones on either side and in this way they are all connected to an inverter placed inside the home by a licensed electrician. This changes the electricity from DC to AC, which makes it useable for traditional appliances.

The Solar Shingles Cost


Solar shingles will lower the electricity bill of any house, but the savings for an individual homeowner will depend on the cost of electricity in their area. The house will still be connected to the existing power lines, which will work if there is not enough light to power the shingles. On the days more electricity is produced than the residents use, the balance can be sold back to the utility company for credits in 39 states. There are specialized solar shingles being produced for places in the north that don’t have as much sunshine as places in the south. Solar shingles do not need direct sunlight to produce electricity, they only need daylight. This is a big boost for cloudy days.

Because of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, there are generous federal tax breaks for installing solar power. The initial installation cost can also be rolled into a mortgage in most cases. Even before tax breaks were given, the cost of installing solar energy was reducing every year.

The initial cost of installing solar shingles could be anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000. Local, state, and federal incentives can reduce the cost by up to half. Added to this, the electricity bills will be reduced by 40 to 60 percent. With the rising cost of electricity, homes that have a substantial number of solar shingles will greatly increase in value.

Solar shingles allow homeowners to take control of their utility bills. Whether they are supplying half of the electricity needed or supplying much more than can be used, the electricity bill will be greatly reduced. This alone is enough incentive to install solar shingles, but with the federal tax credits and state and local utility discounts, the potential savings over the years is substantial.

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