Solar Roof Shingles - What Are the Benefits?

If you are a big advocate for green life, you must have been excited about the innovation of the solar roof shingles. Compared to the conventional asphalt shingles, this new solar system can deliver obvious advantages and benefits to those green-oriented families.

Visual Appeal

This new type of shingles resemble the traditional asphalt shingles in size and finish, but are covered with thin film solar cells that are responsible for converting sunlight into electricity. Despite their thinness, these solar cells are able to produce the same amount of solar energy as that produced by the large array of solar panels. In fact, the solar shingle systems were exactly designed to substitute for the visually intrusive solar panel arrays.

Higher Acceptance

In some areas, the homeowner associations do not allow installation of solar panel arrays either on your roof or backyard. But, don't you think that the solar shingles will be more acceptable to them, as your roof will not look much different from their own roofs?

More Flexibility

There are two types of solar shingle systems available. The off-grid system is a self-contained one, while the on-grid one is attached to the public utility. The working mechanism behind the shingle solar system is the same as the old (though still being widely used at the moment) solar panel arrays - it collect sunlight and convert it into electricity through photovoltaic cells. The only difference is that the shingle systems use materials that are much smaller in size, but, with the newest solar technology, they are able to produce just the same amount of solar energy.

Easy Replacement

This new shingle system does not just look like the traditional asphalt shingles, it can also be replaced easily just as the asphalt shingles. Having said that, there is no need to worry about maintenance or replacement as yet. Almost all shingle systems in the market will last for at least 20 years, and they are able to sustain even the harsh weather like storm and high winds.

Right now, the solar roof shingles are still fair new in the market, and it is for your best interest that you purchase from reputable manufacturers that also provide professional installation. You can always do your research on the internet, find the best supplier, get the high-tech shingles properly installed, and start to experience the change to your life!

Autor: Pam Eisenberg

Click here for an excellent resource about using alternative energy power at home. Don't worry if you are technically-challenged, all topics are explained in simple plain English.

Interested in solar panel kits? Check out what sort of planning you need to carry out before making your investment.

Added: May 1, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/