Understanding Energy Output of Solar Shingles: What New Jersey Homeowners Need to Know

Renewable energy is becoming a priority for many homeowners, and due to that, solar shingles are gaining popularity. They are becoming one of the most wanted roofing solutions, and there’s a good reason for that. Other than offering long-term savings, they can combine sustainability with top-notch design. In other words, they function just like traditional solar panels but aren’t as bulky and won’t stand out as much. Solar shingles are a great option for anyone who is looking for a greener solution but isn’t willing to back down on curb appeal. 

Solar shingles, also known as photovoltaic shingles, are a type of roofing material with two functions. They will not only protect your home from the elements, but they will also generate solar energy. Solar shingles are made of photovoltaic cells which can capture sunlight and then turn it into electricity. 

How Do They Work

It sounds easy, but there is a lot of science behind every single shingle. The process is technical, but we will break it down for you in a simple way. 

1. Capturing Sunlight

Solar shingles are made out of a special material called photovoltaic or PV cells. These cells serve as literal sunlight catchers! When the sun shines on a roof, these cells absorb it.

2. Turning Sunlight into Electricity

Absorbed sunlight creates a flow of electricity in photovoltaic cells. This electricity is known as DC or direct current electricity, the same as you get in your batteries.

3. Converting Electricity 

Most homes can’t use DC electricity because they need AC (or alternating current) electricity. This is a form of electricity that actually powers all of your appliances. To use solar shingle energy in your home, you’ll need an inverter.  Look at it like a translator but for electricity.

4. Powering Your Home

Inverters “translate” DC energy to AC. When the energy is converted from DC to AC, you can now use it for your home. The electricity flows into your home electrical system and is ready to use.

5. Extra Energy Storage

It’s possible that your solar shingles produce more electricity than you use in your home. In that case, extra electricity can be stored in a battery system. You can save it for later when there’s not much sunlight and solar shingle efficiency is reduced, or even sell it back to your local power company. 

Solar Shingles Energy Output

You are surely wondering how much energy solar shingles produce. Solar roof shingles’ energy production can vary, depending on many factors. Some of them are the shingle’s material, design, efficiency, and the amount of sunlight they receive daily.

Depending on the brand and model, a single shingle can produce from 13 to 63 watts of power. Then, when taking roof size and other factors into consideration, that’s the total range from 5 to 20 kilowatts. To put this into perspective, a 5 kW system can produce from 6,000 to 8,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, and a typical US family uses between 10,000 and 12,000 kWh per year.

Solar Shingles vs. Solar Panels Energy Output

In comparison with traditional solar panels, solar shingles could be a bit less effective but that doesn’t always have to be the case. A solar panel’s efficiency ranges from 15% to 22% and solar shingles are somewhere between 14% and 18%. Constant advancements are closing this gap, and nowadays, solar shingles can often be a better choice. 

Solar Shingles Installation Process

The solar shingles installation process is a few steps long and the final goal is to properly integrate the solar shingles into your home and maximize their energy production. The longevity of the shingles and roof is also the aim of the game, as is roof functionality. This is how the process goes:

1. Roof Assessment and Evaluation 

The first step is to assess the condition of your roof structure.  Factors that roofers will take into consideration are structural integrity, slope, orientation, and exposure to sunlight.  The best location for the solar inverter will also be evaluated. 

2. Design and Customization 

Based on your roof’s size, roofers will create a solar shingle system that will fit your needs. This means you’ll get a system that will produce enough energy for you to consume but will also be visually appealing and functional as a home’s protection against the elements. 

3. Preparation 

Roofers will remove the old roof material where solar shingles are going to be placed. Depending on the electrical production demands your household has, this will be a larger or smaller portion. For additional protection, they will place roof deck protecting underlayment before putting shingles in place. 

4. Installation 

The installation process is very similar to traditional shingle placement but needs an expert hand for the electrical part of the job. Roofers will nail down the shingles, starting from the bottom of the roof. Using an integrated wiring system, they’ll interconnect the shingles, creating a cohesive network. They will route the wires and connections in a way that prevents exposure to the elements. 

5. Electrical Connection 

This is the part where the electricians will take over. They’ll wire the shingles to the inverter, set it up to convert the electricity for home use and connect the inverter to the home’s electrical panel. 

6. Inspection and Activation

Before finalizing the project, the system will be tested. Everything has to work smoothly and be in alignment with New Jersey codes and regulations. The system will then be activated and you can start producing your own electricity!

Hire New Jersey’s #1 Solar Shingle Installers

If you’re ready for an eco-sustainable home and the best solar power shingles for homes, look for professional solar shingle installers like Fortified Roofing. Our team has years of experience in all services related to solar roofing, having been in the business since 2001. We’re different from many run-of-the-mill or “jack of all trade” workers and are among the less than 3% of roofing contractors that are GAF Master Elite certified. Call today to meet with a specialist of the best roofing company in Woodbridge, NJ, at a time that is convenient for you. If you’re looking for solar shingles or just want to chat, we’re ready to help!