There has been much attention in recent years to protecting the environment and reducing our dependence on traditional energy sources. When it comes to roofing, solar panels and green roofs can certainly do their share for reducing our carbon footprint, so why aren’t they more common?
Misunderstood Materials
Solar roof panels are made up of several individual photovoltaic cells, which convert the sun’s rays into electrical power. Manufacturing of these panels can be expensive, one of the main reasons why people shy away from using them on residential homes. Some argue that the manufacturing process uses a lot of energy itself, thus nullifying the benefit of the product once produced. While these arguments cannot be disputed, it doesn’t necessarily mean that solar roof panels are not a better option in the long run.
First, consider the average household and its electrical use. A 10 by 10 foot solar panel can generate enough electricity to power the average American home for 24 hours. Think about the reduction in the utility bill when the average electrical use per day is provided by the solar panel. Over all, the cost of installing a solar roof panel is far cheaper than one will spend in a lifetime of paying for traditional energy.
Not only will homeowners save money, but they will be using less than 10% of traditional energy sources than before the installation of solar panels. This is extremely helpful during hot or cold weather when traditional electric sources may go off the grid for a period of time with rolling blackouts. When the dependence on traditional energy sources is reduced, the use of coal and other hazardous material manufacturing will be reduced.
Just imagine the outcome we could achieve if more homes and commercial buildings installed solar roofs.
