Solar shingles: A passing fad or the future of solar?
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 homeowners to meet their energy goals without compromising on aesthetics: the so-called "solar shingle." In short, solar shingles are modular photovoltaic (PV) 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:
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Solar shingles offer the same protection and durability of traditional shingles
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Solar shingles have relatively low installation costs (especially if you're roofing your home anyway)
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Solar shingles are light-weight and modular
As solar PV technology continues to improve, solar shingles will no doubt become thinner, cheaper, and more efficient. If current 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 in recent memory.
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 solar 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. Given cost considerations, however, be prepared to pay more per watt than you would for conventional solar panels. If you're looking for the most affordable solar electric solution, you probably won't find it in solar shingles -- at least not yet. Over the longer term, the technology is likely to greatly influence the way we think about -- and look at -- solar powered homes.
The main manufacturers of solar shingles are: SunPower Corporation, United Solar Ovonic and Atlantis Energy Systems.
If you're interested in learning more -- or are wondering if your home is a good candidate for solar shingles -- fill out our solar survey to get free, one-on-one consultation.
Related reading:
Building Integrated PV: Solar Shingles |
