How Solar Roofing has Evolved

You might be surprised to discover that solar panels can be installed on any type of roof. In fact, you can even install discreet-looking solar panel tiles on your roof even if you’re doing a historic roof restoration project. The fact is, solar panel roofing has evolved quite a bit over the past decade or so. Today, installing a solar panel roof benefits both you and the environment.

The concept of using solar power as a source of energy has been around for centuries. Even ancient Roman bathhouses in the first century had massive south-facing windows that maximized the amount of sunlight entering the area. However, the first photovoltaic cell, which could convert solar power into enough energy to run household appliances, wasn’t invented until much later, in 1954. Since then, solar panel roofing has increased dramatically in both popularity and use.

Some of the first solar panel roofs featured massive solar panels that could be tilted to catch the sun’s rays. Modern versions are much more discreet. The design has also improved; today’s solar tiles blend in so well with your existing roof that they are barely noticeable from the ground. The well-known Tesla company revolutionized this further by creating solar panel roofing tiles in four distinct designs:

  • Terracotta
  • Rugged slate
  • Smooth
  • Distressed wood

Each version lets customers install tiles that blend in with their roof regardless of the type of roof they have.

Benefits of a Solar Panel Roof

Solar panels and tiles for your roof can be a bit pricey to install. You can expect to pay approximately $20,000 for a 350-square-foot solar-shingle layer and a bit less for a large solar roofing panel, but the long-term benefits of installing solar technology on your roof are immense.

Sustainability:

First, using solar energy to power your home helps minimize your household’s carbon footprint. Solar power is a renewable energy source, so we can’t effectively use it all up and run out. It allows you to power your home without creating pollution that contributes to global warming.

Reliability:

Solar energy is also a lot more reliable than other sources of energy. The sun rises and sets on a daily basis. Even though the number of clouds in the sky can affect how much energy the panels collect, it’s fairly easy to project how much sunlight you’ll get in your location during each season.

Security:

Solar Panel RoofAdditionally, using solar panels to power your home provides you with a bit of extra security. Solar power isn’t something that can be purchased or controlled; it’s free for anyone to use.

Savings:

Using a solar panel roof could also save you a lot of money in the long run. It’s estimated that installing a solar-shingle layer on your roof can cut your electricity bill by as much as 40 to 70 percent.

Whether you have a historic home that needs to meet specific exterior requirements or a home with custom metal roofing, it’s easy to find a solar roofing option that fits your needs. Before you have your roof repaired or have a new roof installed, take the time to consider the benefits that solar roofing provides. For more information on the innovations in solar roofing, feel free to reach out to Pfister Roofing based out of Paterson, NJ today.