Photovoltaic Shingles - New Technology for Solar Powered Shingles

Photovoltaic Shingles are the result of a new technology in which solar panels are the size of regular roof shingles. People can gain the benefits of solar power systems without having a roof full or solar field full of obvious solar panels. The photovoltaic cells look just like roof shingles.

The solar shingles act like any solar panel system but they don't look like the conventional solar power system. The photovoltaic shingles are interspersed among the regular asphalt roof shingles. Thus, they are not as unsightly as solar panel modules and do not alter the appearance of the roof as the modules do. For now they have the same deep blue-purple color as the modules do.

The solar shingles are made of thin film amorphous silicone and are flexible. They are exposed to the sunlight and function to transform the sunlight into electricity. They connect under the surface of the roof so a series of holes have to be drilled in the roof to draw the wires through. The wires are connected to a combiner box and from there to the rest of the power equipment.

If there is no battery to store the energy, the energy from the shingles must pass through an inverter to convert the DC to AC to make it suitable for use to power appliances. There may be battery back-up to store the energy generated by the photovoltaic shingles and there may be a connection to the power grid.

The photovoltaic shingle serves a dual purpose. In addition to generating electricity, they also provide protection for the roof, as do asphalt shingles, and will withstand winds of 80 mph. They are weather resistant and easy to install.

Even though the photovoltaic shingles are relatively new, they are available from a variety of sources like Sun Power and Solar Components Corporation, as well as other distributors. The interested buyer should check both land-based and internet sources for information on the new technology and the price.