Nowadays, solar panels on the rooftops of office buildings are noticeably increasing in number. But have you seen solar shingles?
In case you didn’t know, solar shingles are an integrated photovoltaic (PV) building product – they generate electricity directly from sunlight. Moreover, they’re made of specific materials that naturally goes under the electronic process in the presence of the sun.
Solar shingles look like an ordinary roof shingle. But once you look closer, you will see the difference. Usually, they are used on commercial and residential buildings to generate electricity. Plus, some models can convert the voltage to heat.
In terms of operation, solar shingles and solar panels are quite similar. What is the main difference? Cost.
A solar panel’s primary purpose is to generate electricity. On the other hand, solar shingles serve a dual purpose. Aside from generating electricity, they act as shingles. Thus, making them less expensive for the long term.
Solar shingles can use diffused, scattered sunshine, which makes them useful anywhere, especially in gray-weather places. Not to mention, Germany has the most buildings that use PV devices, and according to the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), 50 states in the US gain better sunlight compared to Germany.
In places where there is sunlight most of the time, solar shingles may produce too much power – and that is good news! The excess energy goes to the electric grid. As a result, the electric company may give you credit on your next utility bill. However, jurisdictions still differ on how to address excess energy. Hence, consult your electric company to know how this process works in your area.
Once used efficiently, solar energy may be the key to a sustainable power source. In case fossil fuels run out, solar energy can replace its role. Good thing, solar energy can be utilized at each one’s home to bring a handful of benefits.
If you’re still having doubts, here are the reasons why you should have solar roofing, brought to you by Universal Contracting of Florida.
