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Solar Shingles Can Replace Old Roof Shingles

Instead of using conventional shingles which just depreciate in value, spend approximately twice as much (which can be financed via the manufacturer) and get solar shingles or photovoltaic shingles that look conventional but can pay for itself instead by lowering your electric bill. In many states if your produce more electricity than you use the power company is required by law to buy your electricity making your home a cash generation factory. If you are interested in lowering your electric bill further then have you considered switching energy providers? Using someone like Chariot Energy might make a huge difference in your energy bill, however, the decision is up to you if you decide to switch providers (or not).

Solar shingle have been around since 2005 and have steadily dropped in price ever since. Some of newer technology solar shingles are made from thin-film copper indium gallium selenide, which can also be made to mimic traditional shingles. They do not look like the usual large solar panels for roof that are common today, they’re much smaller and less discrete. Obviously, some people don’t mind the look of standard solar panels and so if that is the case with you, there is no problem with sticking with these. Click here for more info on a company who could install solar panels on your roof for you. However, solar shingles are preferred by some as they are more discreet. They also are about 20% efficient turning free sunlight into usable electricity. Since many people tend to prefer the appearance of shingle roofs, this may be the right option for you too. If this idea interests you, you might want to check out a company like Division Kangaroof that could turn these desires into reality.

new solar tiles

Home owners associations can’t complain about new solar panels

Sadly the most esthetically pleasing Solé Power Tiles from SRS Energy are no longer commercially available.

Details:
Depending upon the manufacturer (Dow, CertainTeed, Sun Energy Engineering, Atlantis Energy Systems, and OkSolar.com) have different installation requirements, but another advantage of Solar Shingles is that they can typically be installed in 1/2 or 1/3 the time of convention shingles, which reduces labor installation costs by significant amounts.

As home electricity uses AC (alternating current) power and the solar panels generate DC (direct current) power an inverter will be required as part of the installation. If you desire to also use your solar shingles as a back-up power source then possibly an array of batteries will also be needed to store your solar energy in the event of a blackout.

Solar Shingle Installation Video

At the current time solar shingles or photovoltaic shingles are available in the following US States: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., Louisiana and North Carolina

Green-Eco-EV News Reporting by Ken Green Burridge

kenneth green burridge

Kenneth Burridge test-drives electric Nissan LEAF in Melbourne Australia

EV of the Year Judge, independent green journalist, photographer, author and sustainability activist that has published over 1000 articles. Mr Burridge’s travels have taken him to over 30 countries and 300+ major cities. He is originally from the USA, but has been residing in Australia for the last seven years. Connect to Ken Burridge on: Twitter, facebook, Google+, Linked in or website