Installation of solar shingles

Also known as solar roof tiles, solar roofing shingles, solar shingles originated as the brainchild of Dow Chemical in 2009.  The company announced that it had come up with solar technology that could be included as part of asphalt tile roofing material for homes.  Dow and Global Solar would be manufacturing solar shingles together.

The tiles are a premier example of building integrated photovoltaics – or building materials that can generate solar power.  Last year, Cobblestone Homes installed solar shingles on its new homes to help test the product.  After a successful trial run, Dow is  building a manufacturing facility in Michigan that will begin production of Dow Powerhouse Solar Shingles in 2012.

Consider these benefit of solar shingles:

• Installed just as regular asphalt roofing shingles
• Waterproof, glass-free and encased in UV-stabilized polymers, solar shingles are practically virtually indestructible.
• They can be dropped from a roof, walked on and stacked in pallets like any other type of roofing shingle
• Connections are simpler than for ordinary solar panels because solar shingles plug into each other to form a solar array

With respect to whether solar shingles are cost-effective for residential solar, one of the most influential factors is solar efficiency.  Reportedly, solar shingles are only 10% efficient (meaning that 10% of the solar energy that strikes the surface can be converted to solar electricity), while solar panels are 13% efficient.  In addition, the cost of solar roofing is about 10-15% more than ordinary PV panels.

The actual price of Dow’s solar shingles is not known as of the date of this publication.  Yet, some experts are predicting a cost of about $50 per square foot, with an output of 600 watts for every 100 square feet.

Homeowners can take heart in the fact that solar shingles, like ordinary solar panels can qualify for tax incentives and rebates that can defray the cost an additional 30-50%.  One estimate is that a solar shingle system for an average homeowner in Michigan will cost about $11,200, including rebates.

Solar shingles will soon be available for homeowners across the U.S.  Stay tuned for more information on pricing and other factors.

Solar shingles: building integrated photovoltaics

That’s where BIPV comes into play.  With solar panels that are “built into” a structure, such as solar shingles, you can enjoy a streamlined appearance that are practically invisible.  These rooftop installations lie flat against the top of a home or building and can last as long as ordinary roofing materials, but they do not require roof penetrations to install and also are lightweight.

Building integrated photovoltaics are favored by many property owners because they are either invisible, or difficult to see from obscure angles, particularly where the south-facing facade of the home is also the front/street side.

Solar shingles look exactly like ordinary roofing shingles in their shape and size, but they are created with photovoltaic (PV) materials so that they become mini solar panels on your roof.

Even though solar shingles are wonderful from an appearance standpoint, there are a few downsides: (1) price – they are more expensive than regular solar panels; (2) they are not as efficient than PV panels, which means you need more (adding to the cost for the product itself and installation); and (3) they only come in black – so, if your roof is red tile, brown or any other color, solar shingles will not blend in quite as well as you might hope.

In summary, before you go with BIPV installations such as solar shingles, do some research and determine the pros and cons from your own personal standpoint.  Hopefully, you can find a way to go solar!

Solar roofing tiles for aesthetically pleasing green electricity

Let’s face it.  You can usually spot the home with solar panels, right?

Residential solar power is convenient and efficient, but there are definitely a few strikes against it.  Among them include the cost and aesthetic impact.

With solar roofing tiles, you can go solar right away without compromising the appearance of of your home.  Solar shingles look just like regular asphalt tiles or ceramic roofing tiles, but they are covered with solar cells to generate clean, cheap solar electricity.

Home solar power usually requires bulky PV solar panels on the roof.  Not only do they disrupt the roof line, but their blue color is not always appreciated by homeowners or their neighbors.  No wonder so many homeowner associations (HOAs) prohibit solar panels, or require lengthy approval processes for them.

But now solar roofing tiles are integrated right into the roof line.  That’s why they are the perfect example of building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).  In addition to their sleek appearance, solar shingles do not require roof penetrations like ordinary solar panels.

You may be wondering whether solar roofing tiles are more expensive than “regular” solar panels.  When all is considered, the answer is no.  Keep in mind the following: (1) property value is conserved with minimal visual impact, as well as helping homes sell faster; (2) solar power improves home value; (3) solar shingles last as long, or longer, than regular roof tiles; and (4) solar power is reliable and safe, particularly in the case of an emergency.

Have you considered solar roofing tiles for your home?  Why or why not?

Solar roofing shingles are sleek and energy efficient

Solar roofing shingles are becoming a popular option for homeowners that want to go solar because they have a low profile and do not require roof penetrations or heavy brackets for installation.  Some people have reported better success getting approval from local governments and homeowners associations for solar shingles, compared with solar panels, because they are more attractive.

Solar roofing shingles can generate enough electricity to cover 60% of your annual electricity bills.  And, when you consider that for every $1 saved in utility bills, your home increases in value by $20, the return on investment for this home improvement will quickly be realized.  Just think – if you can save even $300 a year, that is a $6000 equity boost for you and your home.

The average cost of a solar roofing shingles project (materials and installation) is $15,000-20,000.  Government incentives and rebates can be applied to reduce the cost, and don’t forget to factor in your boost in home value.

Solar roof shingles installed

Solar shingles last longer than regular roofing tiles, which can extend the life of your roof.  Because they lie flat against the surface, they’re one of several types of building integrated photovoltaics – literally, solar generating building materials.  Don’t worry about losing your specialized solar shingles in storms or high winds.  They can withstand gusts up to 80 miles per hour.

Solar roofing shingles are installed just like regular roof tiles.  They are layered onto the roof with at least 5 inches of the PV film-covered surface exposed.  Wiring is then connected by an electrician so that you can start drawing on free solar electricity.  Depending on your electrical utility, you may be able to get feed-in credits for sending extra solar power into the grid.

If you are considering solar shingles to help cut your energy bills and your carbon footprint, you’re making a smart investment in the future!

Look how sleek these solar roof tiles are!

For homeowners considering solar power, there are usually two main stumbling blocks:  (1) cost and (2) appearance.  Solar tiles are a roofing option to help you go green that address both issues.  The appearance of solar roof shingles are much like ordinary shingles – they literally blend right in with your roof.  However, with a thin film solar coating, solar shingles act just like regular photovoltaic (PV) panels.

Most solar shingles are 12 by 86 inches (300 by 2,200 mm) and can be stapled directly to roofing cloth. When applied they have a 5 by 86 inches (130 by 2,200 mm) strip of exposed surface.

Once you install solar tiles, you can literally forget about them – except when you open your electricity bill and marvel at its tiny size!  They are invisible and silent in their operation.  As far as cost, solar shingles actually have a longer life span than regular roofing shingles.  The return on investment will occur far before you need to replace your roof.  And, your home will get an immediate boost in property value.  For every $1 you save on annual electricity bills, you get a $20 increase in value.  So, save $1000 over the course of the year, and you’ve just given yourself a $20,000 boost in home equity.

Another example of solar roof tiles

Solar roofing is the most popular form of building integrated photovoltaics.  That’s a fancy way of saying solar panels built right into the structure.  With “invisible” solar panels generating clean electricity, you don’t have to compromise aesthetic appearance of your home in order to live green.

So, where can you buy solar roofing products?

There are a number of retailers that sell solar roof products, and many of them will even arrange installation.  Among a number of sites on the Internet, you’ll find:

• OKSolar
• Alpha Solar
• ReUK
• Ed’s Roofing
• Premier Power
• Eagle Roofing

Keep in mind that the companies that manufacture solar shingles are not often the same ones that sell them.  SunPower Corporation, Solar Components Corporation, Atlantis Energy Systems and Dow Chemical all create versions of solar tiles.

What is the cost to purchase and install solar tiles?

It depends on the size of your roof and the area that you desire to cover.  Obviously, the more solar shingles you install, the greater amount of solar energy you’ll generate.  The cost also varies if you decide to install the solar tiles yourself, rather than pay a professional installer.  We suggest that you save yourself some headaches and protect your investment by paying for installation.

That said, solar roof shingles cost about the same as traditional solar panels.  Watt for watt, you won’t pay any more for sleek solar tiles than you would for PV panels that generate the same amount of solar electricity.  Expect to invest $15-30,000, depending on your electricity needs.  Of course, solar tiles are also eligible for renewable energy rebates and other incentives that could offset up to 80% of the upfront cost.

Ready to go solar?

Are you ready to go green by switching to solar tiles on your roof?

Solar roof shingles provide renewable energy without hassle

Have you considered home solar power?  What is stopping you from switching to the clean renewable energy source?  If you are like most homeowners, there are several factors: cost, appearance and complexity.  Yet, with solar shingles, its easy to let your roof cover your electricity bills!

Since 2005, solar shingles (also known as photovoltaic shingles) have been quietly making news as a low-profile way to install solar panels on your home.  Typically only about 12X86 inches in size, solar roof shingles can be stapled directly to roofing cloth with an appearance much like regular roof tiles.

Free solar electricity is simple when you have solar shingles on your home.  Simply stated, here is an overview of how they work:  a semiconductor layer made of crystalline silicon (the same factor in PV panels) is laminated to a single roof shingle surface.  When UV light strikes the shingle, solar electricity is generated.  Each solar shingle can produce 50-200 watts of energy.  With an entire rooftop, you’ll be able to power your entire home.

Unlike regular roof tiles, solar roof shingles may last up to 40 years (compared to 20-30 years).  Not only can you bypass electricity bills for this period of time, but your roof itself could last longer!  In addition, excess solar electricity generated by solar shingles can be stored in a battery, or fed back into the grid for extra utility credit through net metering.

A close-up comparison of solar shingles with regular roof tiles

With respect to solar roof shingles: Wikipedia says:

“Backup storage, in the form of batteries, is expensive, adds complexity to the installation, and is uneconomic in any large scale. Battery backup units require an array of additional hardware. This includes batteries, battery enclosures, battery charge controllers, and separate sub panels for critical load circuits. However, grid power is only useful as a backup system if it is available when solar power is not.”

The cost of solar shingles is not extraordinary, especially when compared to traditional PV panels.  There are generous local, state and federal tax incentives to help defray the cost.  In addition, money you save on annual electricity bills adds to the value of your home.  Consider this:  For every $1 in annual electricity bills that is saved by installing solar panels results in an equivalent $20 rise in property value.  So, a $1200 savings per year (a very modest estimate) is automatically $24,000 added to the value of your home.

Low-profile solar shingles for cheap, free solar electricity!

In addition to free solar electricity and an increased property value, solar shingles can also give you peace of mind.  That’s right… when the power goes out around town, you may still have electricity at your home with solar energy.  Think of the safety and security aspects of these benefits!

If we haven’t already convinced you to install solar shingles on your home, consider this: they can be installed in 10 hours (about 1/2 the time of traditional PV panels).  Companies that make solar shingles include SunPower Corporation, Solar Components Corporation, Atlantis Energy Systems, and Dow Chemical.

Building integrated photovoltaics allow use of solar energy without solar panels

Have you dreamed about solar energy to power your home?  Do you want to start generating free solar power and enjoy reduced electricity bills?  Those large solar panels that are becoming commonplace on rooftops are not your only option.  You can indeed have home solar energy without solar panels.

That’s right.  Building-integrated photovoltaics is the fancy term for solar roof shingles or solar roof tiles.  As described by Alfonso Velosa III, co-author of a coming report on the market for the new field, in a recent interview for the New York Times:

“The new materials are part of the building itself, not an addition, and they are taking photovoltaics to the next level — an aesthetic one.”

Whether you are considering solar panels or solar shingles, the process of converting light to energy is the same:

Solar roof tiles can blend into any type of roofing surface/materials

As a land use attorney, my hope is that building codes will soon be revised to require – or at least give a preference to – new construction to include either solar panels or solar roof shingles.  Perhaps the Uniform Building Code Council will take the lead?

But I digress….

No matter what style of roofing you have, you can find solar tiles/shingles in colors and shapes that blend in.  From rosy-hued terra cotta tiles to salty, wind-worn gray shingles on oceanside cottages, solar shingles become part of the roofing materials, rather than an obtrusive addition.  With federal and state incentives offered for renewable energy improvements, plus the added value your property will enjoy ($20 for every $1 annually saved on energy bills), this is a perfect time to invest.

According to the New York Times:

SRS Energy of Philadelphia is making curved solar roofing tiles designed to blend in with Southern California’s traditional clay tiles, said Martin R. Low, the chief executive of SRS. A solar tile system that met half the power needs of a typical California home would cost roughly $20,000 to install after rebates, he estimated, or about 10 to 20 percent more than solar panels providing comparable power.

The building integrated photovoltaics market is not entirely new, or untested.  In European countries including Germany and France, the market is quickly growing due to subsidies and programs that pay people for generating solar electricity ad feeding it back into the grid.  On the “other side of the pond,” homeowners can recoup investments in 5-7 years, compared to the 10-20 years it may take here in the U.S.

I do believe the United States will catch on.  Demand will fuel the market here, and we do not expect solar subsidies or tax incentives to disappear anytime soon.  In fact, when solar looks this good, we could even see new programs to help further defray the costs and encourage a conversion to solar power.

Installing solar power roof shingles

Do you need a new roof?  Are you looking for a way to save energy costs?  How about going green?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider solar power roof shingles.  What kind of new-fangled gimmick is this, you ask?  It is probably the smartest investment a homeowner can make!

Unlike regular solar panels, solar power roof shingles look just like regular roof (asphalt) shingles.  But the secret ingredient is that they contain a special photovoltaic substance in the form of a thin film on the top.  The PV film allows solar power roof shingles to transform solar radiation (light) directly into electricity.  Because solar power roof shingles look just like regular tiles, they blend into the roof without resulting in any aesthetic disruption of the overall appearance of the building.

Another benefit of solar power roof shingles is that they are designed to last up to 40 years – extending the life of your roof longer than regular shingles.  Perhaps most exciting is the fact that, if you cover your roof surface with solar power roof shingles, your life can be 100% powered by clean, renewable energy from the sun.  Yes, I am talking about free electricity!  Just put them up on your roof and enjoy the benefits of continuous solar energy.

Notice how solar power roof shingles blend right in

Oh, and don’t forget how convenient it will be for you to have power when the rest of the grid goes down in a storm or other disaster.  No rotten food, the ability to continue using television and your computer to communicate with the world, and just basic security and peace of mind can be yours when you install solar power roof shingles.

Don’t think you can afford it?  I’m here to say, you can!  Not only will the price of the solar power roof shingles be recouped over years of low- or no-electric bills, but the overall value of your property will increase by about 10% as a result of the installation.  In addition, the federal government and many states offer tax incentives for renewable energy projects such as solar power roof shingles.

One question you will have to address when planning a solar power roof shingle project is whether you wish to be entirely off-grid, or to have a grid-tie-in.  WIth a tie-in to the grid, you can sell your excess power generated during the day to the electrical company and then buy it back (often at a reduced cost) during the nighttime or when output is decreased.  Many people believe that you should consider becoming power independent, however.  This would require the installation of batteries that can store the excess power and then you would later draw on them.  Batteries would also be required for rural properties that are already off-grid.

After all of my research on solar power roof shingles, I think I have convinced my husband to consider installing them on our own roof.  We see many homes in our Central Oregon region fitted with solar panels.  And I am noticing more and more with roofing that appears to be solar power roof shingles…. but I just can’t tell.  Its a “clean” little secret, don’t you think?