If you're like a lot of people these days who are considering the installation of solar power in their homes, you may not know the difference between solar roof tiles and a solar panels. And the distinction is important because the one thing that prevents many folks from enjoying the benefits of solar power is that they are afraid of ruining the appearance of their home.
So what is the difference between a home equipped with solar panels vs. one with solar roof tiles? It is not hard to notice. Solar panels are those large, cumbersome units that often are perched atop the roof of a house, making it look to some people like something out of a science fiction movie.
To install the panels properly, it is often necessary for additional roof framing or roof penetration. And if yours is the first house on the block to install solar panels, you might have to endure lots of funny looks and derogatory comments from the neighbors.
On the other hand, solar roof tiles are much less obtrusive than solar panels. As the name implies, solar roof tiles are incorporated into your existing roof, whether it consists of asphalt shingles or most other common types. One shingle weighs about 2.5 pounds per square foot, so they are generally easy to work with when it comes to installation.
They tend to be a dark bluish-gray in color, so they blend in easily with most existing roof types. And the best thing is that they provide for a seamless look, so the untrained eye will not be able to tell the difference.
But perhaps the best thing about solar roof tiles is how they help you save on your energy bill. One tile puts out about 50 to 200 watts of energy, which is about as much as a small window fan. While this may not sound like much, if you incorporate the tiles into your entire roof, you should be able to supply enough energy for your entire house.
And if you are fortunate enough to live in a sunny state such as California, Florida, or Arizona, you may even produce more energy than you need. You can then sell this excess energy back to the local power company, further reducing your energy costs.
So not only do solar tiles look great, they'll help you do what's really important: save money. To find out more about solar tiles visit solar roof shingles.
Want to learn more about solar tiles? Be sure to visit the authors website at solar roof shingles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Smitts
Solar Roof Tiles - Solar Power Without the Solar Look
News: Japan goes for the sun
Government pushes to regain national lead in solar-energy research.Tens of thousands of Japanese homes and businesses are preparing to put new solar panels on their roofs, spurred by a subsidy plan going into effect this month. It is a step towards regaining Japan's once-dominant position in solar energy, something that has become a matter of pride for the country's policy-makers. from: "Japan goes for the sun" - Nature 458, 1084-1085 (2009)
3 Ways You Can Benefit From Solar Panels
As the potential energy crisis worsens with unprecedented climate change and more and more oil beginning to hit its peak, innovative businesses and people worldwide are looking for alternative methods of producing energy. Wind power, ethanol fuel, and solar power are among the top performers when it comes to alternative (and renewable) energy, and solar power in particular is being recommended by more converts to family and friends as the days go by.
Currently, one of the best ways to utilize solar power is through solar panels. Roofs and other parts of the house pointing upwards are the best places to put your solar panels, so that you can get the most out of the sun's ultraviolet rays. Below are some of the many ways that you can benefit from using solar panels, roof or otherwise, and reap the rewards – starting today:
Saving Money
It's no mystery that electricity bills are quickly rising in cost, due to the shakiness and instability of the present day global economy. Since prices on everything else are going up, electric companies have had to raise their prices to fight against inflation as well. The bad thing about this is that the costs aren't passed on to the consumer (you), and as a result you end up spending more on energy that really should only take a few dollars to produce.
When you buy solar panels for home usage, you are investing in a form of energy that takes much less work to produce, provides actual renewable energy, and at a once in a lifetime cost (unless of course you need something repaired). This is a great deal for anyone, whether you consider yourself an alternative energy guru or not. It's just common sense.
A Sleek Look
Once you get involved with solar panel construction, you'll see that it adds a whole new level of aesthetic appeal to your home. Your neighbors will be jealous that you're saving on energy costs, and the fact that you're house now has a sleek, cool new look that you otherwise wouldn't possess. Whenever I've seen a home decked out with solar panels, I always perform a double take because of how impressive and nice they usually look. When everything's said and done, solar panels just look cool.
They also show that you're a person with a 21st century mindset, and understand that we won't be able to keep our current energy schemes up for very much longer. This ties in directly with the third benefit of using solar panels, roof or otherwise.
Helping The Environment
Since you won't be adding to the potential energy crisis with over-consumptive tendencies, you'll be doing your part in helping the environment and saving the planet. I believe it's up to each individual to recognize their over-consumption, and to do something about it. We all play a part in the coming energy changes that are, without a doubt, taking place.
When you buy solar panels for home usage and energy needs, you are affirming your role as a caring member of the human race. Solar energy efficiency is something that we all need to look into. By doing so, you've taken the first step in saving our planet from climate change and global warming.
