Seminole Home Receives Florida’s First Solar Shingle Roof

A homeowner in Seminole, FL was the first in the state to install solar shingles on the roof of her home. Despite the growing interest in solar energy by Florida legislators and homeowners, Dow Powerhouse Solar Shingles only recently became available for installation in the Sunshine State, and they are still only available in select areas. The lucky homeowner was attracted to the idea not only because of its financial and environmentally-friendly benefits, but also because it creates a flawless, unobtrusive design for her roof.

Unlike traditional solar panels, solar shingles make up the surface of the roof. The shingles fit like tiles on the roof and can resist up to 150 mph winds, which makes them suitable and safe for Florida weather. Not to mention, when the entirety of the roof is complete, it is expected to generate upwards of an astounding 4,800 kilowatts per hour. That means, with only 4 short hours of sunlight, solar shingles produce almost enough energy to satisfy the energy needs of one person for a year.

The primary difference between singular solar panels and solar shingles is the simple fact that the shingles don’t sit or mount on the roof, they actually ARE the roof. Another difference is that most solar panels produce less energy, depending on surface area. The benefit of solar shingles is that many small panels contribute to a cumulative whole, making them super effective.

In fact, the phenomenon could be expanding further in Florida, as a handful of other individuals have already signed up to install them in their own homes and there are talks for expansion to other areas of the state as well. Still, only time will tell if these new panels are as efficient and safe as they are expected to be by both homeowners and manufacturers alike.