What are Photovoltaic Shingles?

Photovoltaic (or solar) shingles are essentially a compact version of those huge solar panels we used to see now and then glistening on the roof tops. When photovoltaic shingles are applied to your roof like conventional roofing shingles but with wires and goodies meshed into your house, they convert sunlight into electricity. You can do your entire roof with photovoltaic shingles, or supplement your electricity with a few shingles. If you choose to power your home with photovoltaic shingles, the power ranges up to hundreds of watts.

Photovoltaic roof shingles are produced with crystalline or thin film solar cells, as well as on glass or a metal background. The shingles are connected to each other by using MC or other suitable connector types, such as Tyco, Huber+Suhner, etc.

Photovoltaic cells produce direct current (or DC) and therefore usually require an inverter which will convert DC power to AC (alternating current) which matches the electric utility's power supply. If you do use photovoltaic exclusively, you won't need a converter, but you will need large battery systems to store the electricity being produced throughout the day.

Photovoltaic shingles serve a dual purpose: they create energy in your home using the sunlight and cutting down on pollution as well as keep you protected from the elements. They come in different textures and colors to keep your roof appealing and are designed to look similar to conventional roof tiles so that the risk of theft is not a problem.

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