I was recently tasked to research solar roofing options for our company in Virginia. I am trying to understand how to determine if technology is practical in our area. How does one determine if a system is actually viable? I have been learning about the systems but still cannot determine if our storatge capacity makes it worth while. Any pointers?
Wendy

Solar roof shingles do have many benefits – they are less visually intrusive for those homeowners or business that do not wish to have solar panels visible. With respect to the price, those people may be willing to pay more, for the aesthetic value and the durability for the life of the roof.

Fortunately, as you point out, there are many options for people that want to go solar! I also believe that the costs will continue to come down for PV products, and tax credits help defray investments.

It is great to hear your experience and I hope you continue to read articles here at Solar Power – PV Panels.

Best, Stephanie

Great article first of all, but let me disagree on your comment – specifically “the solar power roof shingles are truly the way to go, not only for homes, but also commercial buildings.

Here is why:

I’m a roofer and a solar advocate (soon to be installer, however since I’m not an electrician,I’ll need a hand from one), but I try to look at things from a practical perspective.

Solar shingles are not practical: Too many proprietary systems and manufacturers, too expensive to buy, too difficult and time consuming to install. You have to drill holes and feed connectors of EACH shingle through a roof deck into the attic. It takes too much time on the roof and in the attic. Also doing this is quiet dangerous on high-pitch roofs. All this extra stuff you have to do really takes away the “integrated” part of this solar system, as it is easier NOT to integrate.

For the amount of extra money you spend in installing this system you much better of getting a standing seam Solar Metal Roof with Uni-solar PV laminates – just like it is shown in the last video. If you have limited space and need more kW, same metal roof with aluminum brackets and regular, non thin-film PV panels will work great and you will have a great-looking, long-lasting cool metal roof. No more asphalt shingles, and no more waste in our land-fills.

The shingles are useless on low-sloped and nearly flat roofs. But you can still use the Uni-solar laminates. It is a very versatile PV system. You can attach it to structural metal roofing (low-slope, but works the same as in the video above, and it also comes integrated into solar flat roofing membrane which again is a fully integrated roof + solar PV system.

Thank you – the solar power roof shingles are truly the way to go, not only for homes, but also commercial buildings.

Thanks for the comment!

Stephanie