Solar Shingles: A New Look in the Neighborhood

Thanks to a wave of interest and innovation, it’s becoming hard to distinguish solar powered homes from conventional ones. At center stage is a technology that enables home owners to meet their energy goals without compromising on aesthetics: the so-called “solar shingle.” Essentially, solar shingles are modular photovoltaic cells disguised as roof shingles. There are a variety of types out there. Some are black and mimic the look of typical asphalt shingles. Some are made with slate. Several are flexible, and can even be stapled directly into the roofing cloth.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, here are some of the most prominent benefits of solar shingles:

• They offer the same protection and durability of traditional shingles
• They offer low installation costs
• They are light-weight and modular

As PV technology continues to improve, solar shingles will no doubt become thinner, cheaper, and more efficient. Even now, however, people are showing considerable interest: several solar installers have mentioned to us that they’ve received an increasing number of inquiries about solar shingles over the past 18 months or so. And if trends in the California housing market (subprime crisis aside) are any indication of the technology’s potential, solar shingles face a bright future. About a year ago, for instance, Lennar Homes and SunPower took a big step towards making solar shingles (and other PV products) available as a standard option for home buyers and homeowners. Their efforts may well be the largest energy initiative attempted in the home-building industry.

To be sure, solar shingles do come with a number of drawbacks. First, at around 12 to 13 dollars per installed watt, solar shingles tend to be more expensive than mounted PV panels. Many consumers, however, appear willing to pay a premium for solar power that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Second, solar shingles are most efficient when installed on a south-facing roof that has an optimal angle—it’s not a definite deal-breaker, but sometimes the orientation and structure of a home can make solar shingles a less attractive option.

In the end, solar shingles offer a great option for those homeowners looking to achieve renewable energy goals with conventional aesthetics in mind. Over the longer term, the technology is likely to greatly influence the way we think about—and look at—solar powered homes. If you’re interested in learning more—or are wondering if your home is a good candidate for solar shingles—feel free to contact us or one of our trusted solar installers for more information.