 |
|
 |
Solar Cell Roofing: Energy Producing Shingles That Look Like A Normal Roof |
By:
Alan Jacobson |
|
|
|
|
|
<%''a href="http://www.makepeoplebuy.com/internetlegends/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">
|
Log in to use the QuickCopy tool.
You can copy this article fast!
|
|
Solar cell roofing made from solar shingles or solar panels is being increasingly incorporated into the construction of new residential and commercial buildings. In many areas, people are choosing to replace their conventional roof with a solar roof when it is time for maintenance. And most of these people would tell you that the long-term value, or short-term increase is resale interest, made it worthwhile.
A solar cell roof is called “building integrated”, also known by the more complete name “building integrated photovoltaic” (BIPV). BIPV suggests that you would have needed that part of the structure built anyway, and you’ve chosen to use material that will also serve the purpose of generating power through solar energy. The first advantage of solar cell shingles or panels on the roof is obvious: some of the initial cost is paid by lowering the overall material and labor costs involved in the construction. The second advantage is that the BIPV does not stand out – it is a normal and expected part of the design and structure of the building. These two advantages often make bipv solar roofing the clear choice over rooftop wind turbines, raised solar panels, and backyard windmills which both stand out and cost a lot more to build and install.
In some parts of the world, often due to government subsidies, many new houses are built with solar roofs. Until recently, this was not the case in the U.S., UK, and much of Europe because the cost remained prohibitive. However, with the invention of what is called “thin film solar technology”, solar roofing tiles, panels and shingles have become easier to fabricate and work with and are much more aesthetically pleasing. This technology is best for pitched roofs where shingles or small tiles are the norm. Large flat roofs, such as the tops of many commercial buildings, can have one giant layer of solar film, or large integrated panels.
Solar cell roofs can be hooked up in two ways – on and off the grid. Off the grid solar power means that you will use the energy you gain from the solar panels and either not be connected at all to the electric company or connected in a way that is completely parallel and unrelated. Off grid applications might be appropriate for houses that are far from electric power lines but get enough sunlight to be completely solar, houses with combination systems with other renewable energy systems, or houses in places that get little sun so it would be unlikely that the solar power generated would ever be more than the house requires. On grid systems are hooked in with your conventional electric supply, and when the solar power system generates more electricity than you need, it actually sells it back to the power company. Your meter literally spins backwards and you can get a zero bill or even a check in the mail instead of a bill.
There is some debate among real estate developers, but the general rule is that any renewable energy source for the home pays off if it returns your original installation investment in ten years or less through energy savings. The invention and perfection of integrated thin film solar roofs has led to us rapidly approaching that return, and possibly even outdistancing it depending on where you live.
There are four things to consider when looking into a solar cell roof:
1. How much sun does your area get each year, independent of the outside temperature?
2. Where does your roof face – ideally it would face east/west of it is a slanted roof?
3. What is the cost now, and projected cost of electricity where you are?
4. What is the general attitude of home buyers in your area to renewables (especially if you might sell your home within 10 years)?
If you do choose solar cell roofing for your home or business you will likely be pleasantly surprised at the efficiency, cost, and savings associated with BIPV.
About the author
For more information about solar cell roofing, please see http://www.solarcellroof.net. For specific information about solar cell shingles see http://www.solarcellshingles.com, and for information about thin film technology, please see http://www.thinfilmsolar.net
Article Source: Free Article Directory - http://www.articleManiac.com Search And Submit Articles
Log in to use the QuickCopy tool. You can copy this article fast!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Phrase |
# Count |
% Density (approx) |
solar
| 25
| 3.50
| solar cell
| 9
| 1.26
| cell
| 9
| 1.26
| roof
| 8
| 1.12
| panels
| 6
| 0.84
| cost
| 6
| 0.84
| energy
| 6
| 0.84
| shingles
| 6
| 0.84
| roofing
| 6
| 0.84
| power
| 6
| 0.84
| solar cell roofing
| 4
| 0.56
| cell roofing
| 4
| 0.56
| the solar
| 3
| 0.42
| solar power
| 3
| 0.42
| solar panels
| 3
| 0.42
| shingles or
| 3
| 0.42
| a solar
| 3
| 0.42
| information about
| 3
| 0.42
| panels and
| 3
| 0.42
| information about solar cell
| 2
| 0.28
| a solar cell roof
| 2
| 0.28
| thin film solar
| 2
| 0.28
| the solar power
| 2
| 0.28
| solar panels and
| 2
| 0.28
| solar cell shingles
| 2
| 0.28
| solar cell roof
| 2
| 0.28
| information about solar
| 2
| 0.28
| about solar cell
| 2
| 0.28
| a solar cell
| 2
| 0.28
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Solar heat for homes is not a daydream. As energy prices rise and the global community talks of energy sources drying up, solar homes are becoming increasingly appealing to consumers. So is the idea of heating the home with solar energy. As...
(read entire article)
Added : Monday, June 4th, 2007 Viewed : 88 Times | |
|
|
There are two main types of solar power, solar thermal and photovoltaic. Solar thermal uses the sun light's infrared energy to either heat a liquid or to warm a mass of material that will later on release its stored heat. Harnessing solar...
(read entire article)
Added : Monday, May 21st, 2007 Viewed : 78 Times | |
|
|
People often think of dream homes as those neat, crisp-looking houses with brick walls and triangular roofs. Such is a classic picture of what people imagine homes should be like. And this effect can be achieved with a home roofed with asph...
(read entire article)
Added : Tuesday, November 27th, 2007 Viewed : 47 Times | |
|
|
Solar energy facts for kids in New Zealand are considered unnecessary by some. When winter hovers over New Zealand, it may seem that day after day is cloudy and grey – especially in some parts of New Zealand. On such days, it is difficult t...
(read entire article)
Added : Sunday, May 27th, 2007 Viewed : 61 Times | |
|
|
The cost of building a sunroom is cheaper than the traditional houses. The do-it-yourself sunroom kits can save the labor charge. Usually. the sunroom cost includes the material cost and the labor cost. Sunrooms can range from $12.000 - $70...
(read entire article)
Added : Monday, March 19th, 2007 Viewed : 147 Times | |
|
|
Many households are considering of converting their home energy to be solar powered for the purpose of cutting down their electricity bills while saving our planet with this environmental friendly power source. But, not many are taking their action t
(read entire article)
Added : Monday, October 6th, 2008 Viewed : 32 Times | |
|
|
The U.S. federal National Renewable Energy Laboratory offers a renewable energy program that studies and disseminates news on the latest in energy efficient building technologies. Recognizing that construction designed around energy efficie...
(read entire article)
Added : Sunday, November 4th, 2007 Viewed : 38 Times | |
|
|
For the protection of consumers and UK residents, the United Kingdom has instigated a system of certified energy assessor professionals to measure the efficiency of the energy use in each of its residences. The focus and the mission behind ...
(read entire article)
Added : Sunday, November 4th, 2007 Viewed : 39 Times | |
|
|
Do you use electrically powered tools regularly on the job? Even if you only use them from time to time, learning how to use power tools properly and safely is critical to not only doing the job right, but in preventing painful and unnecess...
(read entire article)
Added : Wednesday, May 2nd, 2007 Viewed : 87 Times | |
|
|
Are you afraid to open your electric bill this summer to see how much it is costing you to keep your home comfortable and cool? With oil and natural gas prices increasing, so to is the price per kilowatt of electricity.
What can a homeo...
(read entire article)
Added : Friday, April 6th, 2007 Viewed : 4432 Times | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Official Member Gear | Links
