Solar Shingles?

Solar shingles sound like a great idea. Ordinary shingles on your roof can provide the power for your lights and heating. What could be better?

Unfortunately, it's not quite like that yet. You may be able to get solar shingles in Colorado as part of an experimental 3-step roofing system. There's some research being done in Australia and in Arkansas. There are rumors of ordinary solar panels being shaped to look like shingles and working to replace part of your roof.

Even where solar shingles are available, they cost about five times as much as ordinary shingles, aren't as sturdy, and may require specialists for installation.

We talked with an engineer working on the issue, and he said that in another ten years, solar shingles should be available. They should look the same as today's shingles so you can avoid the "solar panels on the roof" look. They should, in another ten years after that, be less expensive than ordinary electricity sources today. That's something to look forward to.

In the meantime -- for the next twenty years, that is -- what should you do for a green roof?

• Choose a lighter colored roofing materials to reduce cooling costs and a darker one to reduce heating costs. What about here in Kansas City, where you have both? Pick one. 
• Make sure your roof is installed and insulated correctly. Use fans to ventilate the attic area in summer.
• Plant shade trees. When the leaves fall in winter, sunshine will hit your roof. In the summer, they'll shade your roof and help keep you cool. 

A solid roof of modern materials does a lot to help keep energy bills down. When solar shingles become a practical alternative, you can be sure we'll be your best source.