Abacus Construction Index
USA: Manufacturers of Solar Shingles
ABOUT SOLAR SHINGLES
Solar shingles are roofing shingles which generate electricity using photovoltaic technology. This product is relatively new, and there is a limited product range available. The advantage compared to conventional photovoltaic solar panels is purely aesthetic. The Solar shingles are designed to resemble normal roofing shingles, and to blend to some extent into the roof as a whole.
The most common type of solar shingle is a flexible thin-film photovoltaic sheet, which can be nailed into place in the same way as asphalt roofing shingles. Another type is based on a standard fiber cement tile, with a photovoltaic film being applied to the lower part of the tile.
Please see also our USA Product Guides on Roofing Shingles, Cedar Shingles, and Asphalt Shingles.
LEADING SOLAR SHINGLE MANUFACTURERS IN THE USA
The following leading solar shingle manufacturers have comprehensive websites, with information on all aspects of solar shingles, including online catalogs, colors and materials for solar shingles, and care and maintenance of solar shingles.
Solar Components: Solar Shingles. Solar Components Corporation, based in Manchester, New Hampshire, supplies passive solar electric products. It also supplies solar heating equipment, greenhouse kits, solar water heaters, and insulating quilts. Its Uni-Solar solar shingles look and install like ordinary shingles, but allow the roof the become a source of solar electric power. The flexible thin-film solar cell shingle is designed to blend with conventional shingles. Two 12" long 18 gauge wires lead from the underside of each shingle, allosing wiring connections to be made in the roof space.
Atlantis Energy Systems: Solar Shingles. Atlantis Energy Systems, based in Sacramento, California, manufactures solar shingles under the Sunslates brand name. The solar shingles begin life as an Eternit fiber cement roofing tile. Atlantis Energy Systems glues a low glare termpered glass power panel to the exposed surface of each tile. The product is suitable for both new construction and re-roofing. The Sunlates are secured with stainless steel storm anchor hooks, and are anchored to 1" x 4" nailers resting on 2" x 2" sleepers. Each tile is wired to its neighbour with a gas-tight connector.
OK Solar: Solar Shingles. OK Solar retails a wide range of solar systems, including solar shingles. Its solar roofing products include Structural Standing Seam systems, Solar Shingles, and Field Applied Roofing Laminate. Each solar shingle is 12" by 86.5" long, and is nailed in place on roof decking over 30 lb felt sheeting. Electrical lead wires extend 12". The flexible thin-film solar cell shingles can be installed in new construction, being nailed in place with common roof decking. They can also be applied over existing roofing. The sun warms the solar electric shingle providing a bond that forms a weather resisting covering.
USEFUL LINKS RELEVANT TO SOLAR SHINGLES
National Roofing Contractors Association
Solar Energy Industries Association
CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT DIRECTORIES
The following recommended websites contain information on construction products, including standard specifications, manufacturers' specs, and CAD details: 4specs, Arcat, Arcom, First Source, Sweets.
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Publisher: Abacus Construction Index is a professionally edited directory of recommended construction websites, published by Extonet Ltd which also publishes Lives Retold. It is financed only by Google advertisements; no payment is received from included websites.
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