Roofing > Solar Metal Roof Types

Choosing a Solar Metal Roof Type

Are you ready to harness the sun's energy to cool your attic and ventilate your home using the latest solar metal roof materials? Today's homeowners have two choices for solar power roofs: crystal panels and PV Laminate. The choices can be confusing, particularly because solar metal roofing is such a new technology.

Let's take a look at both technologies, with an emphasis on the PV Laminate solar power roof, which many professionals and homeowners alike agree is the superior choice.

Understanding Solar Power Panels
When sunlight reaches cells in the solar power roof panel, direct current (DC) flows through an inverter, converting the energy to alternating current (AC). The AC power flows directly into your home when there is a demand for power or, when there is no demand, the energy is stored in backup batteries or to the utility. An important note about solar energy: When power flows back to the utility grid, your electricity meter goes in reverse.

Regardless of the solar metal roof you choose, you can expect to enjoy at least twenty-five years of life from your purchase. Some experts estimate you may enjoy as many as forty years of power. The warranty for many solar power roof panels states that power may be reduced to about 80% after twenty-five years of use. Solar power panels do not stop producing energy completely. Instead, they slowly produce less power over time.

Crystal Solar Panels

Crystal solar panels are installed on the roof specifically for the purpose of converting the sun's natural energy into useable power for your home. The converted energy is sent to a DC motor, factory-installed in a ventilating fan mounted in the attic's gables. Crystal solar panels require no complicated wiring and produce energy 24 hours, 7 days a week, without wasting fuel or contributing to pollution. The life of your roof is extended as your attic remains cool, and your air conditioning system gets a welcome break as well. Because moisture is removed from the air, the risk of developing attic mold and mildew is reduced.

PV Laminate Panels

The latest generation of "thin film" photovoltaic (PV) laminate roofing systems is embedded with wiring and PV cells that absorb the sun's rays, directly generating energy for your home. Advantages of PV Laminate solar roofing include durability, flexibility and protection similar to traditional asphalt shingles, with a visually appealing design that blends seamlessly into current construction, home design and existing standard roofing. PV Laminate solar power panels replace current roofing material but are very lightweight and offer a low cost of installation. PV laminate is durable in cold climates as well. Overall, PV shingles offers outstanding dependability and sturdiness, lasting up to 30 years with little maintenance.

Solar Power Panels and Your Return on Investment

Several federal and local government incentives make it easier and less costly to install solar metal roof systems. Homeowners can receive a $1500 tax credit for 2009, according to new government tax incentives for Energy Star-labeled metal roof products, thanks to the government's Stimulus package. As a general rule, expect a return on investment (ROI) on your solar power roof after about ten years; however, the cost of solar technology is dropping and the cost of energy is increasing, so you may potentially enjoy a payback on your investment before that time. As the cost of solar technology drops and energy costs continue to rise, you could see a ROI in fewer than 10 years.

Whether retrofitting your current roofing or building your new home, the PV solar power roof is an idea whose time has come. Begin by consulting a roofing specialist like Global Home Improvement, who can review and your needs. Various factors play a part, including:

PV laminate systems include an inverter, which converts generated electricity from direct current (DC) to an alternating current (AC) so energy can be accessed by standard appliances and batteries, added as emergency backup in case of power outages or when your PV system is located in a rural area and not connected to a utility grid.

A roofing specialist like Global Home Improvement will calculate your needs before you buy or build and can help you plot your course to ensure an optimal result for the project. Please contact us today to learn more.