Solar / Photovoltaic Roofing Options

Solar or Photovoltaic energy is a rapidly growing renewable source of energy. In retrospect, it seems silly that roofing materials are covered by solar panels. The roofing industry thought so, too, so it was only a matter of time before solar panels were incorporated into roofing materials — and solar roof systems were born.

For homeowners, solar roof shingles don't appear quite as classic as shake or dimensional shingles, however, there are many more colors and styles to choose from these days. Of course, the main reason to install solar roof shingles isn't for the beauty, but to take advantage of the sun's energy in order to produce electricity. The beauty of it is that solar roof shingles can be incorporated directly into the shingles you already have.

Solar energy collected by the shingles can be used to power all parts of your property, from water heaters to appliances, greatly reducing your electric bills. You can even store energy in back up batteries, so you can power appliances during cloudy days and when everyone else is experiencing blackouts due to severe weather. With 340 days of sun per year in many parts of Arizona, this is a unique green roofing alternative.

For commercial properties, especially those with flat or slow slope roofs, solar roofing options are a great alternative. Storing energy for use in your business is a fantastic way to save on expenses and increase your profit margin. Why not make your roof work for you?

While it's not unusual to see an array of solar panels mounted to a commercial roof, some recent systems are able to combine photovoltaic modules with elastomeric coatings, creating a membrane system that both waterproofs the roof and generates renewable energy.

Solar roof systems require expert installation, so it isn’t a project the home or business owner should tackle on their own. Moreover, in some cases, if the photovoltaic solutions are not applied correctly to the existing roof, it can void warranties for the current roof system. We recommend consulting a professional roofer for any type of solar roofing system or addition.