High-tech solar roofs are a wave of the future, right here in the present. Solar panels have been around for a long time, which harness the power of sunlight to generate electricity or heat. These can be mounted on roofs or elsewhere to provide a home or building with solar power. There’s a new product, called solar shingles, that will harness that power of the sun through shingles on your roof instead of through an often obtrusive solar panel.
The alternative energy source that is gained through solar power has a great impact on the environment and is giving everyone the opportunity to rethink how they consume electricity. Residential solar roofing may not be as prevalent as industrial versions, but it is possible to have solar roofing on your own home and help usher in a new wave of how we get our energy.
Solar shingles are essentially small, shingle-like solar panels that can be attached to residential roofs. They do the job of traditional asphalt shingles, but also have the dual function of providing solar power to your home. Solar shingles are made to look like their traditional counterparts in shape, color, and style, so you likely wouldn’t be able to tell if you passed a home on your street that was using solar shingles instead of asphalt or composition shingles.
These are different from using traditional solar panels on the roofs of residential and commercial buildings. They are less noticeable but more expensive. They haven’t been used for as long as other roofing material types have been.
Solar roofing is more expensive than other roofing types. Because it comes with a higher up-front cost, many people don’t consider it to be the most effective use of their budget if they’re in need of a new roof. It is also better for the environment, as we are beginning to look toward alternative energy sources.
The payoff of solar roofing is that it cuts down on your bills and acts as an alternative energy source. However, that payoff often doesn’t happen right away, which makes it seem like an unnecessary expense for someone who isn’t planning to stay in their house for very long.
For most homeowners, other roofing types will be a better choice. North Star Construction is here to help you make an informed decision about your roof and your home’s needs, and we’ll always help you get the roof that works best for you.
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