Modern Solar Roof Shingles Have Advanced Way Beyond Their Predecessors

Posted: Apr 01, 2013
Author: Race City Roofing

“Green” has become a big buzz word in the building industry, and solar roof shingles are creating quite a stir. With building codes getting stricter, homeowners and contractors are seeking roofing solutions that are effective and environmentally friendly. As such, research into the viability of harnessing solar energy through shingles has been booming.

Solar roof shingles were traditionally used to utilize photovoltaic cells to convert the sun’s heat into electricity to power lights and other home appliances. Any surplus harnessed was stored in capacitors for later use, or homeowners could return the power to their utility providers in exchange for cash or credits.

Older designs of solar shingles left a lot to be desired. The oversized, shiny shingle sheets detracted from a building’s aesthetic appearance, making consumers think twice. Not any longer. Today, the photovoltaic elements of solar roof shingles are seamlessly integrated into the design, making them virtually undetectable – thus creating energy-efficient, aesthetically pleasing homes or offices:

And innovations in solar roof shingles are not stopping there. In the US, Energy Innovation Hubs have been set up. These are integrated research centers that combine engineering with basic and applied research to expedite scientific discoveries in critical energy issues. The hubs are funded by the Department of Energy.

So the time for a green revolution is ripe. Today’s consumers are condemning the use of materials that make the environment and their families unsafe. Technology has been forced to come up with new ideas, and solar roof shingles are among the products spearheading these initiatives – and that’s a good thing for everyone.