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Photovoltaic (PV) Roofing
Countless
homeowners both recognize the value of solar
technologies, and want the benefits that it has
to offer.
However, they are apprehensive of installing the
often highly visible collectors on their roofs.
In addition, sadly, across the United States
there are homeowner associations that prohibit
the installation of such panels because they
have been deemed as unattractive. In other
words, it is perfectly acceptable to deplete our
natural recourses as long as you look good while
you are doing it.
The term solar energy has become synonymous with
environmental-friendly forms of energy that are
not fossil fuel dependent. Unfortunately, the
public has avoided several solar energy systems
because of their unattractive curb appeal. It is
for this very reason that an alternative to the
standard photovoltaic (PV) module that mounts
above the roof on support racks was developed.
This new alternative is PV components that are
directly integrated into roofing materials. The
PV components have the same ability to convert
sunlight directly into electricity as the
standard modules. This new roofing material
allows homeowners to install a solar system,
which are very difficult to anyone to
notice—except for the homeowner when they see
reduction in their energy bills. Once this new
PV roofing has been installed, not only does it
protect the home from inclement weather, and
wind, but it also provides free electricity on
sunny days.
There are several different types of PV roofing
products, which will compliment every type of
roofing material from asphalt shingles, metal
roofing, slate, cedar, and even concrete tiles.
PV-active roofing products are produced
separately from the standard roofing products.
PV solar roofing utilizes the PV-active roofing
as well as an inverter and electrical panel that
converts the direct current electricity produced
by the PV material into compatible AC
electricity that the home could use. Some PV
systems utilize battery storage units, which
store excess electricity that the home can use
during periods of time when the sun is not
shinning. PV systems can range in size for
small, which will produce a limited supply of
electricity to extremely large PV systems that
can produce enough electricity to power an
entire home and have excess energy that can
be sold back to the utility company.
For many residential PV systems, a
utility-supply power is used in conjunction with
the PV system. This allows the excess power,
which is produced by the PV system during the
day to be shared with the power company,
lowering the household energy coast when the
house requires more electricity than what can be
supplied by the PV roofing. This form of sharing
is referred to as being on a grid. Across
Europe, the United Kingdom, and in the Hawaii
islands, this means the price of photovoltaic
power is equal to or cheaper than grid power.
PV systems as well as other systems that produce
electricity by using the sun’s energy reduces
the amount of energy used from non-renewable
resources. These systems also benefit the
environment in other ways such as reducing air
pollution, water and land use, and the storage
of
waste byproducts.
Homeowners can purchase PV roofing products and
systems through distributors of solar energy
products as well as from some distributors of
architectural products. Despite this
availability, many people don’t install or use
PV roofing systems. Possible the greatest reason
is the high initial cost for installation.
Another disadvantage is that PV-active roofing
systems require unobstructed exposure to
sunlight for maximum
efficiency. In addition, many individuals are
leery of new products and the service and
maintenance they require. Since PV-active
roofing products are new, the longevity of the
product is not fully known, however, existing
photovoltaic products have shown to have
excellent reliability
as well as longevity.
Because PV cells have a proven reliability, they
also proven to actually reduce the cost of
supplying energy to homes and buildings. The
amount of savings will vary depending on the
size of the system, the geographical location of
the home or building, and the energy usage of
the home or building. The average home PV
systems will have a peak power production of
approximately 1,200 and 5,000 watts, which will
require between
150 to over 1000 square feet of roof area. The
approximate cost for the average size home with
a whole house PV system will range from $20,000
and $50,000. This price does not include tear
off. When re-roofing a home with a PV-active
roof, it is necessary to tear off the old
roofing first to reduce stress on the structure
and to meet most municipal building codes.
Most PV products undergone extensive testing and
certification to ensure that they are fire
resistant, will withstand high wind, and are
electrical safety. Many PV products are listed
through a testing laboratory such as
Underwriters Laboratory and the Solar Rating &
Certification Corporation (http://www.solar-rating.org).
The SRCC publishes performance ratings on solar
water heating systems as well as individual
solar collectors.
PV roofing systems should be installed and
certified installers to guarantee that it will
be installed correctly. In addition, for proper
installation, PV roofing requires that a portion
of the roof be exposed to direct sunlight. For
homes in North America, this means that the
southern facing roof not be shaded. PV roofing
products must also be hardwired into the house
power supply by an electrician.
The typical manufacturer’s warranty for PV-
active roofing materials ranges from 2 to 5
years for workmanship and defects. In addition,
there are
also several companies who guarantee the PV cell
to produce a certain percentage of the home's
peak power PV cell for a certain number of
years. The amount of this percentage will depend
on the length of the warranty and the period of
peak power.
PV- active roofing products are an
environmentally friendly means of providing
energy that does not produce pollution or carbon
dioxide emissions. In addition, these systems
are much more attractive than other solar power
systems and are more accepted by consumers as
well as homeowner associations and local
covenants
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