| With our reserves of fossil fuels being quickly | | | | These solar shingles are typically a dark color such |
| depleted, it's no wonder that solar energy is | | | | as black or dark blue and purple but have the |
| gaining in popularity as an alternative energy | | | | appearance of traditional asphalt shingles. If you |
| source. The use of solar energy for your home | | | | don't like the traditional solar panel look, solar |
| or business can greatly reduce your utility bills and | | | | shingles not only protect your home from the |
| you can even become completely independent | | | | elements, they also collect solar energy and |
| from the power companies. This is possible as | | | | create electricity for you to use. The bottom line |
| sunlight is abundant and free and home solar | | | | is that they are just really good looking solar |
| equipment needs very little maintenance. | | | | panels. |
| One has to wonder, considering all the benefits of | | | | So how do you get any power when the Sun's |
| solar energy for your home, why its use is not | | | | not shining? In a word: batteries. Some of the |
| more widespread than it is. There are many | | | | electricity that is generated on sunny days is |
| answers to this question. Some people simply do | | | | stored in batteries. This is where you will get |
| not like the way solar panels look, feeling that is | | | | electricity to use at night or on cloudy days. |
| detracts from the beauty of their home. Also, the | | | | But, the biggest problem for most homeowners is |
| sun doesn't shine at night or on cloudy days, so | | | | that the cost of a professionally installed solar |
| the solar panels simply cannot provide power at | | | | panel system could cost tens of thousands of |
| those times. However, the major stumbling block | | | | dollars. That's a lot of money to pay for solar |
| is that a professionally installed solar panel system | | | | energy for your home, unless the homeowner |
| can cost tens of thousands of dollars, far more | | | | takes it upon themselves to build their own solar |
| than most homeowners can afford. | | | | power system. The technology is there and you |
| What can be done to entice more homeowners | | | | can get the items you need at hardware stores |
| into using solar energy? | | | | and over the internet. In addition, there are many |
| To begin with, anyone who was concerned about | | | | guides that will show you how to do it for a |
| the appearance of solar panels on their roof can | | | | fraction of the cost of a professional installation. |
| use photovoltaic shingles instead. Basically, they | | | | There really are no more excuses not to go solar. |
| are just solar panels which look like ordinary roof | | | | Development of solar shingles and photovoltaic |
| shingles. These shingles are a pleasant looking | | | | cells was a major accomplishment in harnessing |
| substitute for some large and cumbersome solar | | | | solar energy. But this was just the beginning as |
| panels systems. Not only do they look like | | | | further research will no doubt bring about even |
| shingles, they actually perform like typical shingles | | | | smaller and more energy efficient solar panel |
| as well. | | | | systems in the years ahead. |