Solar cells that are used in the construction of solar panels or modules are made from photovoltaic semiconductors such as crystalline silicon or cadmium telluride. Other types of semiconductors are also used to construct a new breed of solar cells that are used to build solar shingles that can be fitted to roof tops just like normal roof shingles.

Solar Roof Shingle

Amorphous silicon thin film technology has been used to construct solar roof shingles similar in strength, texture and appearance, to normal roof shingles. Fitting them often requires less time than the fitting of conventional solar panels and their aesthetic appeal is very high.

Solar shingles can be found in a strip format taking the place of several standard roof shingles or as individual solar shingles stapled to the roof cloth. Which ever way solar roof shingles are fitted, they are offer seamless integration of solar cells into a roof top in a way that solar modules cannot achieve.

Solar modules are obvious and solar shingles are discreet. Solar shingles offer the benefits of renewable energy generation that assists with environmental protection without the necessity of making a political statement by showing of roof top solar modules.

Solar Shingles Price

Solar shingle price will vary considerably between UK suppliers but on average it is possible to buy solar shingles for around £18,000 including installation for a full system of 2kW power output. Feed in Tariffs for renewable energy introduced by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) will pay home owners and businesses for all electricity generated by solar shingles.

Since a 2kW solar shingle system is below the first payment tier for Feed in Tariffs (set at below 4kW) MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) approved solar shingles with a power output of 2kW can earn home owners 15.44p per kWh for all electricity generated.

Solar Shingle Suppliers

It is essential that the solar shingle supplier is accredited by the MCS not only to ensure the solar shingles are eligible to earn consumers cash, but also because the MCS strictly monitors and regulates the standard of renewable technology products and their suppliers/installers on behalf of the DECC.

By using an MCS accredited solar shingle supplier, one can rest assured that the supplier has attained high performance and workmanship standards. Finding MCS accredited solar shingle suppliers can be safely done using the free resources available on this website and please feel free to browse the various solar product reviews available to assist with solar product choice.