When it seems to be the end of innovations in the solar industry, the solar shingle comes out to break your stereotypes concerning this all. If you plan new roofing or build a new house, this article is sure to provide you with some useful tips for consideration. Let’s go!
Solar Shingles: How They work
Modern solar manufacturers don’t stop to surprise us with new elements and products. Products that are designed to make our energy consumption more effortless and more convenient. The one I am going to speak about today creates a new level in photovoltaic modules’ conception. It is similar to a solar panel from a functional perspective with an ordinary roof shingle appearance. Tesla is the first company that represented this product to the market: I dare to say it is perfect. It is not once that we have been convinced of Tesla’s products’ high quality. This item doesn’t yield to the previous ones as well.
A solar roof shingle performs a dual function: solar energy generation and waterproof roof coverage. From first sight, it can’t be differentiated from ordinary asphalt shingles or roof tiles: something that gives this product its uniqueness and aesthetics. It is sleek but extremely solid. All durability experiments performed on this material proved its reliability in all weather conditions, as well as possible damages. In comparison with general photovoltaic modules that come with a 25-year warranty, it has over a 30-year warranty. Based on the amount of sunlight received by the solar roof tiles or shingles, as well as the current utility rate of the building, these products can produce up to 100 percent power for household consumption. They can continue to produce energy beyond the provided lifetime of maximum output.
Solar roof shingles or tiles, which are also called building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), are technologically more complicated. The explanation for this is that one BIPV’s functional size is similar to a common solar panel size. However, its physical size is about the same as asphalt shingles or other roofing materials.
Types Of Solar Shingles
Today most roofing companies suggest two types of solar shingles for home power: CIGS – more flexible and thin in design. It is a comparably new product compared to the silicone solar shingle. The latter is more similar to standard PV modules with its rigid form and size. TFSC, or in other words, thin-film solar cells plus copper indium gallium selenide – this is what most BIPVs consist of. This combination is known to have about a 12 percent efficiency rate, in comparison to mono-Si (monocrystalline silicon) – with an efficiency rate of about 20 percent. Although the efficiency rate is in favor of the mono-Si, it is also more costly. Despite the type, even a few solar shingles mounted on the rooftop will significantly lower your overall energy cost.
Cost
Speaking about the cost: another benefit of this product is its cost-efficiency. Although its initial price is higher than in the case of solar panel kit installation, in most cases, these expenses are more than justified. Considering the feedback of numerous solar shingles consumers, who claim that their electricity bill has decreased to zero, this is a plus, not a minus. To be more precise, the cost of a solar shingle installation may vary based on several factors: first and foremost, it is your energy requirements, then comes the total square footage of your rooftop, as well as the brand and manufacturer you choose to trust this important job. Although Tesla is known as one of the first and best solar panel systems manufacturers, it is also one of the costly solar shingles providers. If in the case of average solar roofing companies, your BIPV price would range from $15,000 – $20,000, in the case of Tesla, it may cost you between $60,000 – $90,000. As you can see, the price difference is very tangible, but here is an idea for you to consider: a Tesla solar shingles roofing house value is automatically increased by about $15,000 – $20,000. Hence, if you decide to sell it one day, your residence will have certain buyers’ privileges.
Roof Breakages
No rooftop solar system installation is possible if a house roof is insecure. Whereas, practice shows new roof is not always a reliable and good one. It is common for clients to find out that their roof is not stable only when they decide to switch to solar energy consumption. In many cases, solar company specialists discover the negligent work performance of previous workers in the scope of checking the customer’s home roof quality. So, any house upgrade should start with correct and quality roofing.
Modern markets suggest an immense variety of material, style, and color, to comply with all clients’ needs. To make the right choice, one should first select a reliable and qualified company, which will do all the job without even bothering the homeowner. LA Solar Group is one of the most competent and reliable solar companies in California that provides all necessary services. It also offers the best roofing solutions due to its cooperation with leading manufacturers of the industry.
Author of a publication: Helen Kocharyan
