If you have a very old roof, you might be missing out on roofing technologies that might actually be beneficial to you. These technologies can include new types of shingles, new roof designs, and roofs that are designed to accommodate solar panels. Even if you don't feel like installing solar panels on your roof, there is another way to take advantage of solar energy.
Solar Panels and Solar Shingles
Solar panels sometimes need to be attached to roofs that are designed specifically to accommodate solar panels. However, newer solar shingles also allow for roofs to be designed to be solar-powered without the need for special attachments. Solar shingles also look indistinguishable from regular shingles but are able to absorb sunlight and power your home. The shingles can also be cut into any shape or style.
Solar shingles take a different approach from solar panels. Rather than mounting the panels on your roof, you will merge the solar panels directly with your shingles. Solar shingles are meant to act as any other type of shingle and are highly durable.
How Solar Power Works
There are several methods used for solar power collection. For example, some solar shingles rely on a very thin film of solar cells that are barely noticeable. Other solar shingles use silicone, which functions as a semiconductor. The goal of solar shingles is to harness the power of the sun through the photovoltaic effect.
Solar Shingle Installations
Solar cells are the most likely to be used because they are lightweight and flexible. However, they can still be difficult to install. The solar shingles are installed at the same time as the rest of your roof and can either be a part of a new roof construction or as a roof replacement.
Hiring a Roofing Contractor
Once you have chosen to install solar panels or solar shingles on your roof, it's time to speak with a roofing contractor about which options will be the best for your home. They can then install the shingles for you.
Solar DIY Projects are Risky
You might be tempted to install solar shingles yourself, but doing so can be very dangerous if you do not have the necessary equipment and experience. You also might not install the shingles in a manner that will allow you to take full advantage of them.
A roofing contractor will also be able to study your roof and determine whether it is possible to install solar panels. These might end up being a more efficient option than installing solar shingles.
