Green energy is a growing trend that helps the environment and can save you a lot of money over time.  Nearly every neighborhood in America will have at least one or two homes with solar panels on the roof, but some homeowners will resist adopting solar power simply because of the look of the panels.  Furthermore, although your homeowners insurance will cover your solar panels, installing anything onto your roof can often void your roof's warranty, discouraging some would-be solar converts.  This is where solar shingles come into play, and this new spin on a well-established technology makes a lot of sense for any homeowner considering the switch to solar.

If you are building a new home or installing a new roof, you’re looking at an expensive investment that you’ll want to protect.  Roofs typically come with a 10-25 year warranty, but what’s often in the fine print is that you will void that warranty by attaching anything to the roof (satellite dishes, TV antennas, solar panels, etc.).  Solar shingles get around this problem because they are installed during the building or roof installation process.

Like you might assume from the name, solar shingles are small solar panels in the shape of a shingle, that install directly on your roof instead of traditional cedar or composite shingles.  They come in a variety of colors to match your home aesthetic, but the bulk of the shingle will be photovoltaic material, which is a deep, dark blue or purple. 

If you live in a high-wind or storm-prone area, solar shingles represent some of the most resilient photovoltaic products on the market.  Because of the installation method, only one side of the panel is exposed to the elements, and since they sit flush with your roof, most solar shingles are rated to withstand up to 80 mph winds.

Aside from being in a location that gets plenty of sun and no major obstructions blocking the sun from your roof, solar shingles are designed for roofs that face the proper direction (typically southern facing).  This is because, while solar panels can be rotated and placed in the proper direction, shingles can only really be installed in one orientation, so make sure to have a consultant take a look at your roof before you purchase a solar shingle system.

Since solar shingles are installed when the home is built or when a roof is installed, the cost will generally be a bit higher than a traditional solar panel system.  When you consider, however, that these panels will also function as your roof, the cost is actually lower than if you were to get a new roof installed and then install a solar panel system.

Solar shingles won’t be the right fit for every home, but they represent an aesthetically pleasing and unique alternative to traditional solar power systems. 

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  Components: The Solar Panel is Only the Beginning

  There's a lot to know when it comes to building and installing a solar power system.  The components that go into a system are like the parts on a car in that they all work together for the same ultimate goal, but the quality of each component can make a big difference in performance.  
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  Guide to Choosing the Right Solar Installer

  A solar power system is one of the biggest investments a homeowner will make, so it's important to make sure that everything is installed properly and built to last.  Components vary quite a bit in terms of electrical output, form factor and weight, but most panels will come with a 20-25 year warranty, making solar a long term investment, dependent on a strong foundation of a quality install. 
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  Why Professional Solar Installation Matters

  The age of the internet has also ushered in a new wave of DIY thinking.  Where in the past, information was a precious resource, today you can learn how to do just about anything with a couple strategic Google searches.   Just because you can learn how to do something, however, doesn't mean you should, and when it comes to installing a solar power system, or anything heavy you plan on putting on your roof, it's a good idea to always use the services of a professional installer. 
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  What to Expect From a Solar Site Installation Visit

  As you get a little closer to pulling the trigger on a solar power system, one of the final steps before actually purchasing a product is to have a professional installer come out to your home and do a site visit.  The purpose of this visit is to make sure your roof is appropriate for solar power, determine what kind and size of system you will need and then put together a quote that will show you the pricing and details of your new system.  While a good installer will walk you through this process, being a good consumer means having some solid information going into your site visit, so here’s a look at what you need to know before the installer arrives.
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  About Solar Shingles

  Green energy is a growing trend that helps the environment and can save you a lot of money over time.  Nearly every neighborhood in America will have at least one or two homes with solar panels on the roof, but some homeowners will resist adopting solar power simply because of the look of the panels.  Furthermore, although your homeowners insurance will cover your solar panels, installing anything onto your roof can often void your roof's warranty, discouraging some would-be solar converts.  This is where solar shingles come into play, and this new spin on a well-established technology makes a lot of sense for any homeowner considering the switch to solar.