A Closer Look at concentrated Solar Power Roofing Options
In the past, many considered solar roofing options to be unaffordable for a number of reasons. While most like the idea of reducing their electric bill and being more environmentally conscious, obviously the cost has to be in line with regular roofing or at least able to be offset by the savings in electric costs.
In addition, previous options didn’t combine the roofing with the source of concentrated solar power. Instead, solar panels were mounted on top of the roof and functioned separately. As a result, there was no overlap in costs. One had to pay for the cost of a roof and then the additional cost of adding solar panels and connecting them. This made it even more difficult than usual to find cost efficiency in the equation.
The Solar Shingle Can Change That
Fortunately, solar shingles are getting closer and closer to being feasible for the average homeowner. As a result, it is definitely worthwhile to look into it and figure out whether or not it would make sense for your home. Essentially, a solar shingle replaces your regular shingles and looks similar in appearance.
From a distance, the shingles will appear a bit more shiny and smooth, but they have the same profile as regular shingles. They can be used for an entire roof or for a section of a roof, though a difference in appearance will be noticeable if they are right next to regular shingles.
In terms of function, solar shingles are more or less identical to regular shingles. They can stand up to the elements and shield your home from the weather while also providing you with electricity. The shingles connect to each other with plugs that work almost seamlessly, so there are no loose cords getting in the way.
Because solar shingles fill the job of both stand alone solar panels and regular shingles they are effectively cheaper, as for comparison’s sake the cost of regular shingles can be subtracted from the cost of the solar shingles. The difference is what customers are paying for the ability to harness solar power into electricity, which they can then weigh against their savings on the electric bill.
Considerations Before Buying Solar Roofing
There are certain considerations that need to be made before opting for one of the solar roofing options. First and foremost, you have to consider your climate. It will likely make a lot more sense to switch to solar shingles if you live in an area that gets a lot of sunlight, as it is obviously necessary to keep the solar panels working. While you can store up some of that power for a cloudy day, you do need to get a sufficient amount of sun throughout the year to make the investment worthwhile.
Likewise, the warmer the climate is the higher your energy bills are likely to be overall and the more you can save. For that reason, solar shingles are most effective in warm, sunny climates.
In addition, you need to consider the design of your home and the surroundings. The angle of your roof is important, as the steeper the roof is the less sunlight your solar shingles will be able to absorb. The closer your roof is to being flat, the more effective the system will be as the sun shifts across the sky. Likewise you need to consider whether or not there is anything blocking the sunlight from your roof, such as a tree or a tall building.
Once you know how those factors stack up, you can make an informed decision about your roof.
Author Bio – Frank has been working in roofing industry for the last few years. He has been helping new recruits and has been writing/ sharing information regarding roofing and other related services.
