Solar cell roofing made from solar shingles or solar panels is
being increasingly incorporated into the construction of new
residential and commercial buildings. In many areas, people are
choosing to replace their conventional roof with a solar roof
when it is time for maintenance. And most of these people would
tell you that the long-term value, or short-term increase is
resale interest, made it worthwhile.

A solar cell roof is called "building integrated", also known
by the more complete name "building integrated photovoltaic"
(BIPV). BIPV suggests that you would have needed that part of
the structure built anyway, and you've chosen to use material
that will also serve the purpose of generating power through
solar energy. The first advantage of solar cell shingles or
panels on the roof is obvious: some of the initial cost is paid
by lowering the overall material and labor costs involved in the
construction. The second advantage is that the BIPV does not
stand out, it is a normal and expected part of the design and
structure of the building. These two advantages often make bipv
solar roofing the clear choice over rooftop wind turbines,
raised solar panels, and backyard windmills which both stand out
and cost a lot more to build and install.

In some parts of the world, often due to government subsidies,
many new houses are built with solar roofs. Until recently, this
was not the case in the U.S., UK, and much of Europe because the
cost remained prohibitive. However, with the invention of what
is called "thin film solar technology", solar roofing tiles,
panels and shingles have become easier to fabricate and work
with and are much more aesthetically pleasing. This technology
is best for pitched roofs where shingles or small tiles are the
norm. Large flat roofs, such as the tops of many commercial
buildings, can have one giant layer of solar film, or large
integrated panels.

Solar cell roofs can be hooked up in two ways ? on and off the
grid. Off the grid solar power means that you will use the
energy you gain from the solar panels and either not be
connected at all to the electric company or connected in a way
that is completely parallel and unrelated. Off grid applications
might be appropriate for houses that are far from electric power
lines but get enough sunlight to be completely solar, houses
with combination systems with other renewable energy systems, or
houses in places that get little sun so it would be unlikely
that the solar power generated would ever be more than the house
requires. On grid systems are hooked in with your conventional
electric supply, and when the solar power system generates more
electricity than you need, it actually sells it back to the
power company. Your meter literally spins backwards and you can
get a zero bill or even a check in the mail instead of a bill.

There is some debate among real estate developers, but the
general rule is that any renewable energy source for the home
pays off if it returns your original installation investment in
ten years or less through energy savings. The invention and
perfection of integrated thin film solar roofs has led to us
rapidly approaching that return, and possibly even outdistancing
it depending on where you live.

There are four things to consider when looking into a solar
cell roof:

1. How much sun does your area get each year, independent of
the outside temperature?

2. Where does your roof face ? ideally it would face east/west
of it is a slanted roof?

3. What is the cost now, and projected cost of electricity
where you are?

4. What is the general attitude of home buyers in your area to
renewables (especially if you might sell your home within 10
years)?

If you do choose solar cell roofing for your home or business
you will likely be pleasantly surprised at the efficiency, cost,
and savings associated with BIPV.

About The Author: For more information about solar cell
roofing, please see http://www.solarcellshingles.com. For specific
information about solar cell shingles see
http://www.solarcellshingles.com, and for information about thin
film technology, please see http://www.thinfilmsolar.net