Solar Roof Tiles
More than a few people have commented that large solar panel platforms are less than attractive. Solar roof tiles are an alternative many choose.
Solar Roof Tiles
Solar power for residential homes has been available since the 1950’s. But cost and aesthetics have been major hurdles in getting people to adopt this technology on a wide scale basis. With the recent invention of solar roof tiles, however, these stumbling blocks may have less and less negative impact, resulting in a greater harnessing of solar power by the general population.
The first solar panels were invented back in 1954. These panels are typically what comes to mind when one thinks about solar energy. They were large panels which were placed in unattractive groups, usually bolted onto the surface of the roof. They often detracted from the aesthetics of the house. They also sometimes were responsible for voiding the warranty on a roof, as most policies prohibit holes being drilled into the roof. The new solar roof tiles are much more attractive. They take existing roof tiles and take them to the next level.
Building integrated photovoltaics, more commonly known as solar roof tiles, are mounted to traditional slate roofing tiles. They are then networked to harness solar power in horizontal strings. Because they are based on traditional roofing tiles, installation has been reported to be straightforward in both new construction and re-roofing. In most company’s models, the solar tiles are mounted directly onto the existing roof tiles, eliminating the need for roof penetration. Most tiles come in a pale blue color that has proven to blend well with the grays, blacks, and browns of most roofing material.
This technology has gained popularity in California, where in recent years rolling blackouts have become the norm. Not only have consumers seen a drastically reduced electric bill, but in some cases they have actually been able to run their meters “backwards” and sell the excess energy back to their power companies. The energy created from these types of tiles is renewable. It also will never go up in price, which can not be said for fossil fuels which tend to rise in price every year.
The polycarbonate tiles are filled with water, which when heated by daylight, generates electricity. The energy gathered from the tiles is used in a very similar manner as electricity. The system is connected to the national grid to avoid the need for batteries. In the evening or when there is not enough light to generate energy, consumers purchase electricity form the power companies as they always have.
