Solar Roof Panels - The Perfect Fit

Solar roofing panels are really nothing more than photovoltaic cells that have been retrofitted to be attached to a roof.  There are a couple different methods for attaching these tiles to the roof.  The most common being simply to attache them directly to the roof using roof penetrations and fixtures from the inside.  The new method simply involves rolling out silicon tiles and attaching them with fixtures, no penetration needed.

Solar panels fit nicely onto a roof because by their nature they are flat and need to be in an area that receives lots of direct sunlight.  Roofs and solar shingles go hand in hand.  And they complement each other nicely.

In the past solar roofs have been out of the price range of most ordinary people but today there are solar kits that reduce the expense, there are financing options, and there is the possibility of buying a home with solar panels already installed.  This could either be new construction or an existing home.  If you are in the market for a home and keep let your realtor know that this is something that interests you.  If you are building a home find a builder that specializes in green building.

A brief overview of solar

A solar roof simply collects electricity and feeds it to a storage device (a battery bank), the storage battery system can be quite large depending on your solar system.  The electricity is converted from DC power to AC power so that it can be used by common household appliances and connected into the main utility grid.

The grid connection allows you to continue to pull from the utility if you run out of power and it also allows you to feed the grid if you are producing excess power.  This will actually turn your meter backwards and possibly earn you a credit on your utility bill.

Problems associated with solar power

The cost is the main problem associated with solar but looking at a solar roof as a long term investment allows you to spread out the cost and see the savings in the long term.

Some proponents will voice opposition to solar based on pollution produced during production but what must be realized is that during the 30 year life span of a solar panel this is a very insignificant amount of pollution and is essentially the cost of doing business.

DIY project?

If you have the knowledge, expertise, tools, and time to undertake such a project I say go for it.  Dollar for dollar this is a huge investment that has the potential to add significant value to your home.  Consult local building codes and find out if you need any type of electrical license to do any of the work.  This will certainly allow you to save a significant amount of money.

Solar panels have been around for many years now but it has not been until recently that the general public has caught on to using solar on a regular basis.  While it is possible to power an entire home with solar it may be cost prohibitive.  Some areas receive much more sun than others.  If you live in the Southwest you can expect to receive much more benefit from a solar system than if you live in the Pacific Northwest.  Advances in solar technology are leading to improvements in efficiency and increasing the practical applications.

Adding a solar roof to your home could be one of the best moves you ever make.  Not only is it a good investment, it could reduce your expenses, it could stimulate the economy, it will make you feel like you are doing something positive, and it will help end our dependance on foreign oil and other dirty forms of electricity.  

Why, when we have better alternatives would we not take advantage of the opportunity to do something good for our future and the future of our children.  If it is not a solar roof you add consider investing in other forms of renewable energy for a better future.