Solar Roofing – Solar Panels – Solar Shingles – Solar Laminates

Solar roofing uses photovoltaic technology to generate clean, renewable electricity from the power of the sun. Solar roofing can take a number of different forms. Solar panels are the most traditional type of solar roofing, but it is now also possible to use solar shingles or solar laminates. Solar power, when it is used in the home, can provide a useful and reliable source of electricity.

The main difference between the types of solar roofing is between solar panels, which are mounted on the roof, and the less intrusive solar shingles and laminates, which are not raised above the surface of the roof. Solar shingles and laminates can therefore be less intrusive.

Solar panels are the most conventional and recognizable form of solar roofing. Panels of photovoltaic cells are mounted above the existing roof, usually in the position where they will receive the most sunlight. Solar panels can be mounted on top of or to the side of a pole, or on the roof. Special mounts are available that are intended for solar panels.

Solar roofing laminates, also known as the thin film photovoltaic solar roofing panels material that can be laid on roofs in order to produce energy. They are much less obtrusive than solar panels since they can simply appear to be a normal roof covering. They are also much lighter than solar panels and they are less likely to be damaged by the wind. It is also possible to walk over a solar laminate roof, although care should be taken. Solar laminates can be laid over an existing roof, or incorporated into a new roof or new building. Solar roofing laminates or thin films can be used on flat or pitched roofs, unlike solar shingles, which are usually only used on sloping roofs. Solar laminates can be more expensive than solar panels, and they are also usually less efficient, although the differences are reducing and the position may soon be reversed. Solar laminates can be installed very easily since they can be self-adhesive, which means they can simply be stuck in place.

Solar shingles are solar or photovoltaic cells that have been designed to look just like normal roofing shingles. They come in a range of different styles and sizes, but they are usually a deep purple blue in color, which will match most conventional types of roofing. Some solar shingles are the same size as a single roofing shingle, while others can take the place of a whole strip or section of conventional roofing shingles. When solar shingles were first introduced, in 2005, they were more expensive than normal photovoltaic cells, but solar shingles have now become less expensive as they have become more efficient. Solar shingles can help to prevent water damage to the roof and roof frame. The dew point is kept above the solar shingles, so condensation does not form inside the roof. Solar shingles can usually be installed in less than 10 hours, while installing solar panels can take up to 30 hours, and typically requires at least 22 hours. Solar shingles can usually be fixed or stapled directly onto the roofing cloth that lies under the normal roofing shingles, although the exact method of installation can vary between different solar shingle designs.

Building integrated solar technology such as solar shingles or laminates can help reduce the costs of building green since they can be used instead of roofing material. Fewer conventional shingles have to be bought when solar shingles are being used instead.

The initial cost of solar roofing can seem high, but since it reduces the costs of energy use in the home, by providing electricity that would otherwise have to be paid for, solar roofing can actually help homeowners to save money over time. The amount of time, which is required for the initial investment in the solar roofing to be recouped from the savings on electricity is called the payback period. The length of the payback period will depend upon the cost of the solar roofing, the amount of energy which it produces and the cost of electricity. It will also be affected by the possibility which exists in some locations, of selling excess electricity to the national grid.