Photovoltaic solar shingles, also called solar roof tiles, are a
more aesthetically pleasing alternative to PV solar panels.
Solar shingles are an offshoot of thin-film technology, made by
depositing a very thin layer of absorbent substrate onto
flexible stainless steel. Solar powered shingles are usually 12
by 86 inches, and are a dark blue-purple color. The primary
benefit of a solar roof tile is that it is designed to look like
traditional a roof tile, making it less noticeable than a
traditional PV panel. Solar power shingles currently have an
efficiency of 10%, making them the least efficient type of solar
panel. However, some homeowners prefer to take up more roof
space (to generate the same amount of electricity as traditional
PV panels) because of the more pleasing appearance. Cost and
Durability The durability of solar shingles is similar to
conventional panels, with the most popular type of commercially
available solar shingle having a warranty of 20 years. Solar
shingles generally take less time to