| Solar roof tiles are an emerging market that is taking | | | | "building-integrated photovoltaic" BIPVs for short, they |
| over from the bulky photovoltaic panels that have | | | | have been sold on the market since 2005, they are a |
| commonly been used to generate solar energy... So | | | | newer product and just emerging into the mainstream |
| what are solar roof tiles, how do they work, are they | | | | market so you will be seeing them much more in the |
| really better than photovoltaic panels and what can | | | | near future. Several companies are producing the solar |
| they do for you. These are a couple of questions we | | | | shingles including SunPower Corporation, Solar |
| will go over in this article. | | | | Components Corporation, Atlantis Energy Systems, |
| Why are they better then traditional photovoltaic | | | | and Dow Chemical. |
| panels? | | | | Should I know anything before buying? |
| The main reasons why photovoltaic roof tiles are | | | | You need to figure out some things before purchasing |
| better then photovoltaic panels is their diminutive size, a | | | | a system. A good roof for photovoltaic roof shingles. |
| shingle is usually 12 inches wide by 86 inches long. The | | | | Building codes can also be a problem in some areas |
| shingles appearance is a dark blue shade, and they | | | | so you will want to check with the proper channel |
| install just like regular roof shingles. Because of this you | | | | before you start planning your system. |
| will not have to worry about damaging your houses | | | | So how can they benefit you? |
| looks by placing ugly panels on your roof. Their ease | | | | Well just like their photovoltaic panel counterparts |
| of installation is also a positive factor, unlike with a | | | | photovoltaic roof shingles produce clean green energy, |
| regular photovoltaic power system the shingles are | | | | which means you will not be relying as much on dirty |
| very easy and take a lot less time to install, most you | | | | power generation such as coal, nuclear, or gas. Also |
| can just hammer in by yourself. | | | | photovoltaic power is produced from the sun for |
| How do they work? | | | | nothing meaning you'll be paying much less for your |
| The solar shingles are shingles made with the same | | | | electricity. You will also be able to make money back |
| conversion process in solar panels. They are made up | | | | because most systems are integrated into the |
| of crystalline silicon disks that are then attached to | | | | electricity grid, which enables you to sell excess |
| metal-conductors. light from the sun is then absorbed | | | | energy back to the utility companies. Solar roof tiles |
| by the solar cells within the shingles which then convert | | | | are also very durable and come with a 20 year |
| the power into DC voltage, an inverter is then used to | | | | warranty, while some say they will make it to 50 |
| convert the electricity into AC which is what your | | | | years. Because of this you will be saving even more |
| house and appliances use to operate. The solar roof | | | | due to the fact you will not need to replace damaged |
| tiles are quite a bit smaller and less cumbersome then | | | | regular shingles. Their are also federal, and state |
| regular photovoltaic panels. | | | | incentive programs that will help with the cost of |
| What are solar roof tiles? | | | | installing a new photovoltaic system. |
| Solar shingles also referred to as "solar roof tiles", or | | | | |