Environmental consciousness and sustainability are the key drivers of today’s construction industry. Investing in different technologies that can help improve environmental sustainability has proven invaluable. One such investment is the solar shingles, which are solar panels designed to function like conventional roofing materials. While it is an impressive technology, not everyone knows about it. Here are a few insights into what it brings to the table.
How Do Solar Shingles Work?
Solar shingles are designed and function like traditional roofs. However, they come with an additional photovoltaic technology that allows them to convert sunlight into electricity. Ideally, they help turn your roof into a power source.
Various materials are used to make these solar panels. Yet, notably, they are made from copper indium gallium selenide. This material allows the solar shingles to remain flexible and substantially thin, allowing you to fix them more effortlessly. It has a semiconductor that boosts the efficiency rate. Alternatively, you could consider the costlier monocrystalline silicon option.
Life Expectancy
The average lifespan of solar shingles is approximately 25 to 30 years. This period is long enough to offer enhanced value for your money. Since it is low-maintenance, it cushions you against unwanted financial expenses in the long run.
Their sturdiness implies that your roof will remain steadfast for a long time. However, this life expectancy will vary with the brand you choose. Opting for solar shingles from a reputable brand assures you of premium-quality materials, translating to a much more lasting product.
At the same time, a regular inspection could help boost longevity. This inspection will help look at various issues, addressing potential problems on time. This way, you avoid costly repairs and less value for your money. Remember, the installation process could determine the longevity of your solar shingles. For this reason, choose a reputable professional to handle it.
Output
Solar shingles are designed to power your home. You can rely on them to run various appliances and systems within your home, including kitchen, HVAC, and intelligent systems in the building. The output will often vary with multiple elements, including weather, brand, and size of the solar shingles.
On average, solar shingles produce between 13 and 63 watts of power. Yet, a household is estimated to use approximately 893 kWh in a month, translating to about 30 kilowatt-hours per day. With such an output, you are confident of unmatched savings on your utilities.
You can increase the output by adding photovoltaic tiles to the roof. You might also opt for sizeable solar shingles to enjoy this benefit.
Cost
The price of your solar shingles will vary with the manufacturer, size, and appearance. Yet, the average price of an entire solar shingles roof is between $50000 and $75000. However, the maintenance cost is significantly low, saving you a massive chunk in the long run.
Installing solar shingles is one of the best investments to consider. While the initial cost could seem a little high, the invaluable returns will entice you. The information above shows why you need to consider this.