Serving dual purpose, photovoltaic roof shingles ensures protection from the elements while providing electricity to the building.  While not necessary new in concept, the first ones came out as early as 2004, more vendors have come on board and technology has made possible the idea of a somewhat more affordable solar power shingle that keeps out the rain, while harnessing the sun – all while seemingly integrating into your asphalt or S-tile roof. 

Although it can be argued whether or not the new panels truly “do not take away from the current aesthetic value” of your roof, one thing is for sure; they look a whole lot cooler than slapping several large panels over your existing finish.  Rest assured, for those worried about whether or not the instillation of these shingles can stand the weather when choosing shingles over panel instillation, it’s safe to assume that a system integrated into the roof is actually less likely to leak than one punching holes in your current roof structure.  How about Durability?  Somewhat new as a roofing material, manufacturer’s have seem to go out on a limb saying that these solar shingles are durable enough to both weather and produce electricity for the life of your roof, whether that’s 25, 30, or 40 years.  However if you read the  fine print, you will see that current warranties associated with solar shingles are similar to their panel counterparts lasting five years with an expected life span of at least 20.

Thin film solar cell technology is behind the creation of solar shingles, which are just as energy efficient, if not more efficient than panel instillation, and have been tested to withstand wind and rain up to 80mph.  The special film makes each shingle more durable than conventional solar PVs which are often protected with glass.  The three major producers of the shingles include SunPower Corporation, Solar Components Corporation, and Atlantis Energy Systems.

While demand for the shingles have been high, the supply is limited costing homeowner’s roughly $12.00 per watt, which makes it a bit too expensive to do a full PV shingle roof for most.  However, with the increasing desire of a more sustainably conscious public and the more frequent government incentives for those interested in taking on the change to solar power coinciding with the increasing cost of energy; a homeowner might be able to get a return on their investment in solar in less than five years.