Solar Power Shingles

The US company GAF Energy has developed a simple and efficient way to provide homes with solar power. Their “solar shingles” can be nailed onto the roof, just like normal roofing shingles. Many homeowners who might want to install solar energy do not like the aesthetics of conventional rooftop solar panels. To solve this problem Tesla created the ‘Solar Roof’ in 2016, which is an array of attractive glass tiles that harvest solar energy. GAF has come up with a solution that is simpler and much less expensive. Their solar shingles can be nailed down just like everyday shingles, so it is easy to integrate them with existing roofs. It is also simple to replace or repair them. Each solar shingle is attached through a nailing strip, so it’s just a matter of overlapping one shingle on top of the previous one until you’re done. The shingles are durable, fire-resistant, and have an energy efficiency equal to regular solar panels. Another advantage over conventional solar rooftops is that installation only takes a few days, rather than several weeks. GAF says that their solar roofs are “a game-changing innovation for the future of clean energy. We are offering an integrated solar product that is weatherproof, affordable, and attractive.”