Form fits function. That is an all too common law of nature. For instance, some tropical flowers have deep blossoms that hold nectar which are reserved for birds with long, thin beaks and long tongues. The structure of such flowers serves not only to feed the birds, but also to lure the birds to spread pollen grains that come with nectar and help themselves pollinate.
LaTely, engineers and architects have applied this biological dictum to produce innovative and beneficial products. One of the most promising of these is solar roof shingles.
What are Solar Roof Shingles?
Solar roof shingles are made of the same materials used to make solar panels. Solar shinglees are photovoltaic cells that are designed to take advantage of photovoltaic effect to capture energy from sunlight to generate electricity for general power consumption.
Solar roof shingles are a relatively new product. The first solar shingle was released back in 2005. The first wave of solar roofing shingle resembls much of their solar panel cousins in terms of appearance and cost. However, much has changed since the first solar shingles came on the market.
Energy collected by solar roof shingles can be used to generate power both to the home and to the utility's power grid. The majority of current homeowners with these shingles prefer systems with grid-connection, which enables excess electricity produced by the solar shingles to be fed back into the grid. When the need comes, electricity from the grid can be supplied. With this set up, you can avoid installing expensive storage devices like batteries.
Advantages of Getting Solar Roof Shingles
Long-term Cost-Effective Source of Clean Energy:
With the development of thin-film photovoltaic cell technology, the cost of solar shingles has dramatically come down. It may still cost you to acquire solar shingle. But the initial cost would be surely worthwhile since you will enjoy the benefit of getting free electricity for years to come.
If you feel that you will have no extra money to cover the expenses of purchasing and installing a solar roof, then you do not need to worry too much: the federal government provides a $ 2,000 tax deduction for homeowners to put PV device on their homes, such as these shingles. Some states and local jurisdictions offer their own additional incentives.
Aesthetically Superior:
Most homeowners do not want to install devices in their homes that will provide alternative sources of energy, like wind turbines. The most common complaint is that the aesthetic value of the house diminishes with installation of turbines, solar panels, and other such devices that would provide alternative energy. But things have changed. Construction and design of solar roofing shingle have tremendously improved. Nowadays, these shingles are available in various visibly appealing colors and designs that would definitely enhance a house's elegance.
Dependable Protection:
Solar roofing shingles are not made from fragile material and are designed to withstand the elements. Pound for pound, it can provide the same dependable protection that you can get from asphalt shingle. Solar shingles also have the same durability as asphalt shingle.
Solar roof shinglees is definitely a blessing because it can provide low cost energy, enhanced exterior and dependable protection from the elements. And the best thing is that you will also help ease the burden that the environment takes from heavy use of non-renewable energy if you get solar shingle.
