Find solar Home Contractor Services Today With The Home Owner Ideas Directory

Roofing with Solar Tiles

The demand for using clean energy is on the rise. It has been influenced by climate change, and people around the globe are putting efforts to create a zero-carbon future. Considering the drastic weather changes we are experiencing, reducing the carbon footprint is a smart move.

The building and construction industry is doing incredibly well in helping property owners install renewable energy. Solar panels were a popular option around 2010. Today, manufacturers have come up with a more convenient option – solar tiles. Instead of being fixed on the roof like the solar panels, these are used as roofing materials. Click here to find a roofing company that provides these services.

Durability

The primary concern of a property owner when installing a roof is the period that the roof will serve them. Generally, roofing constitutes one of the most expensive parts of building or renovating a house. So, the longer the roofing material lasts, the better.

Solar tiles have a typical lifespan of regular roofing materials. These tiles last for up to 25 years and are reliable since they can withstand harsh weather elements.

Aesthetics

Unlike the common solar panels, these are not mounted on an existing roof. Instead, they are installed like roofing material. It means your roof will not have bumpy parts but have a continuous and smooth look.

Solar tiles can serve you the purpose if you want your house to look aesthetic while using renewable energy. They make your house look appealing when the installation gets complete.

Efficiency

Solar tiles are approximately 18-22% efficient. The percentage is slightly below the regular solar panels, but because they are relatively new in the market, more improvements can be made.

When installing them on new construction, solar tiles are cost-efficient. When using solar panels, you will make double payments. The purchasing cost of the solar panels, the roofing material, and the installation.

But, when installing the solar tiles, you only incur the roofing material and installation cost. On average, homeowners save between $4,000 and $5,000 when they install these roofs instead of mounting solar panels.

The solar tiles come with an integrated battery system. This system helps with providing backup storage that can be used when there is power outage. It is created in a brilliant way that allows it to detect when the power blacks out. Automatically, it charges from the sunlight, which keeps you powered for several days.

Optimization

Only a handful of manufacturers produce this roofing material. Some of these manufacturers have a mobile app to ensure it is rewarding for those who opt to use it. With such apps, you can monitor and optimize your solar energy consumption. It helps you set how to use the power to allow savings, energy independence, and more in real-time and from wherever you are.

Safety

Roofing tiles are safe for use in homes with kids and pets. Once the installation is complete, no visible wires or vents are left. As a result, incidents of children or pets being electrocuted or burned by hot vents are rare.

Pros and Cons of Using Solar Tiles

Undoubtedly, solar tiles are revolutionary in the building and construction industry. As a new and evolving product, it has its ups and downs, which are as follows:

They are environmentally friendly. Solar tiles use renewable energy to produce power for households. So, they do not produce carbon footprints, which helps achieve the goal of reducing carbon footprints.
They are weather resistant. Solar tiles are not limited to use in a specific area. The roofing material is strong and made to withstand elements such as hailstones, fire, rain, and snow. Regardless of where you reside, you can install this roof without worries.
They have low maintenance. Once you install this roof, much is not needed. It does not require extreme care like some roofing materials. Since it is an all-weather material, maintenance such as regular painting is unnecessary. It does not fade or rot to demand such.
They require special talents to install. The solar tiles are not easy to install. This calls for specialized talents to do the work. Such is difficult to find, and when available, they charge relatively high for labor. This cost can be a turn-off to property owners with a limited budget.

Solar tiles are an incredible invention that will help homeowners enjoy reduced energy bills while reducing the carbon footprint. If you are torn between using solar tiles or regular ones, here is the information to help you understand the product. Make the right decision because you are informed!

Tags: contemporary, eco-friendly, energy efficiency, home improvement, roofing, roofing materials, solar

1. Insulate the basement.

Most contractors and homeowners now understand the value of wall and attic insulation. However, did you know that up to 40 percent of the heat loss in a building can take place through the basement? Many people, including contractors, are reluctant to insulate basements. This is because in the past, incorrectly installed basement insulation projects created serious moisture and mold issues in many homes. However, by using modern, approved methods for basement insulation, you can avoid these problems. A properly insulated basement not only reduces your energy bills, it also becomes more pleasant, usable space. Just be sure whoever installs your basement insulation is familiar with proper vapor barrier placement and other basement insulation best practices.

2. Make smart landscaping choices.

Good landscaping can make the difference between a good looking home and a stunning one, but it can also affect your eco footprint. Well-placed trees and shrubs can help reduce your energy bills by sheltering your home from summer heat and/or chilling winds. Planting native species that can handle the climate in your area with minimal care can reduce your water bill dramatically, as well as provide food and shelter for native wildlife. Plus, installing water conservation devices such as rain barrels or weather-smart irrigation controllers will also help save water and keep your yard looking great without spending a bundle on water.

3. Choose eco-friendly materials.

Whether you’re building a deck, replacing a floor, or choosing the perfect pavement for your new drive, don’t just choose the first material that strikes your fancy. Do your research and find out what materials may be available that will suit your needs with less impact on the environment. Consider locally made, recycled, reclaimed and natural materials. You may be surprised at how affordable and/or beautiful some of these can be.

4. Lighten your lighting.

Did you know that on average, Americans spend 14 percent of their household electricity dollars on lighting alone? One of the best ways to shave your lighting costs is to build more daylighting into your home. Skylights and light tubes are easy to install and will pay for themselves over time. If you are building new, be sure to orient your home and place your windows to take advantage of available sunlight. Installing LED bulbs is another investment that will save you money over time. Also, be sure to put any exterior lighting on a timer or use motion sensor devices so that the lights will only be on when you need them.

5. Go green with solar.

Yes, it’s a big investment, but nothing displays your commitment to a green lifestyle like solar panels on your roof. A photovoltaic or solar hot water system will pay for itself in a few years. After that, it will provide you with free electricity or hot water for decades. With renewable energy incentives still in place in many areas, and creative financing for solar becoming more common, you might be surprised how affordable it can be, too.

Going green in your new home is not just the right thing to do; eco-friendly choices often are healthier for your family. They can improve your home’s appearance and comfort level, and, smart green choices can save you a lot of money in the long run. Go ahead — make your new home as green as can be.

Ryan McNeill is the president of Renewable Energy Corporation, a Maryland based solar company.

Tag: solar

Residential Roofing For Homeowners With Solar Tiles