Did you know that you can take advantage of solar power without allowing anyone to know that you actually have solar power? The best option that allows you to have stealth solar power is photovoltaic shingles. Designed to look similar to ordinary asphalt shingles, these modern shingles are meant to capture solar energy and convert it into electricity for your home. In addition, they protect your roof, being as flexible, reliable, and durable as regular shingles you usually buy from the store. On top of it, they are extremely easy to install, because they are lighter than regular shingles and can be transported hassle free from one location to another.
Appearance
These modern photovoltaic shingles are in fact small photovoltaic panels, similar to regular solar panels. Because they are made of monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon, they can absorb and then covert the light from the sun into usable energy. Only one shingle can power a few lights all by itself. Hence, more shingles grouped together on your roof can easily cover all your household's energy needs.
Solar shingles blend perfectly with the existing shingles on your home's roof. No one will ever notice that you actually have a power plant on top of your house. This is only one of the numerous benefits of purchasing photovoltaic shingles instead of solar panels.
Types of Solar Shingles
Today, there are two types of roofing shingles that can capture solar power:
- Thin-Film Solar Shingles. The latest model available, specially created to maximize the efficiency of the shingles and capture more solar power. They use a modern cooper indium gallium diselenide (or CIGS) technology through which an extra layer of material is placed on top of the shingles. Temporarily, this technology is more expensive than the normal one, which is silicon-based shingles.
- Silicon Solar Shingles. These shingles convert up to 22% more power than thin-films solar shingles, but they are harder to install and they require more maintenance than the other type of shingles. Nevertheless, they are preferred by over 90% of today's consumers.
Solar Shingles or Solar Panels?
This is a thought question to answer, especially since the first option is not suitable for any roof. For example, if your roof is not correctly angled, you won't be able to get enough sunlight and consequently you will waste your money. You also need the right air circulation system and a professionally-made roofing substrate that can get hot without problem. On the other hand, solar panels can be used by anyone, anytime. The cost and efficiency are similar.
In conclusion, if you're planning on building a new home, photovoltaic shingles might be a better choice than a solar system, but in the end it's all up to you.
Appearance
These modern photovoltaic shingles are in fact small photovoltaic panels, similar to regular solar panels. Because they are made of monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon, they can absorb and then covert the light from the sun into usable energy. Only one shingle can power a few lights all by itself. Hence, more shingles grouped together on your roof can easily cover all your household's energy needs.
Solar shingles blend perfectly with the existing shingles on your home's roof. No one will ever notice that you actually have a power plant on top of your house. This is only one of the numerous benefits of purchasing photovoltaic shingles instead of solar panels.
Types of Solar Shingles
Today, there are two types of roofing shingles that can capture solar power:
- Thin-Film Solar Shingles. The latest model available, specially created to maximize the efficiency of the shingles and capture more solar power. They use a modern cooper indium gallium diselenide (or CIGS) technology through which an extra layer of material is placed on top of the shingles. Temporarily, this technology is more expensive than the normal one, which is silicon-based shingles.
- Silicon Solar Shingles. These shingles convert up to 22% more power than thin-films solar shingles, but they are harder to install and they require more maintenance than the other type of shingles. Nevertheless, they are preferred by over 90% of today's consumers.
Solar Shingles or Solar Panels?
This is a thought question to answer, especially since the first option is not suitable for any roof. For example, if your roof is not correctly angled, you won't be able to get enough sunlight and consequently you will waste your money. You also need the right air circulation system and a professionally-made roofing substrate that can get hot without problem. On the other hand, solar panels can be used by anyone, anytime. The cost and efficiency are similar.
In conclusion, if you're planning on building a new home, photovoltaic shingles might be a better choice than a solar system, but in the end it's all up to you.
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