The pressure is on: As energy costs continue to rise and global awareness of the causes and effects of climate change continues to grow, a lot of homeowners are turning to solar roof shingles for an alternative source of power. The use of solar energy can do much to reduce your electric bill and help preserve the environment.

Solar (or photovoltaic) shingles are cells designed to look like your standard asphalt shingles. The shingles can efficiently absorb sunlight and convert it to energy for your home. These solar roof shingles were developed over the last decade or so to provide a more aesthetically-pleasing alternative to the roof-mounted modules that were more commonly used in the 80s and early 90s.

Solar roofing systems like these are called building integrated photovoltaic. There are several different varieties of solar shingles. There are solid panels as well as semi-rigid designs. Being a relatively new technology, solar roof shingles still cost a pretty penny. Remember, though, that some utility companies offer to buy back or give rebates for unused watts (also known as negawatts, or energy allocated to a customer that remains unused). Solar energy users also enjoy government tax incentives.

Newer solar roofing Pleasant Hill systems use a thin film-like solar cell technology that matches solar shingles to traditional shingles both in flexibility and size. The advancements in solar roof shingle technology and design is a positive step towards encouraging people to live more energy efficient lives.

Solar roofing Walnut Creek companies offer works when the rays of the sun hit the semiconductor layer of the shingles, made of crystalline silicone. This in turn creates electricity for your home. These shingles are installed over new or existing roof sheathing, after which a trained roofer or electrician wires the units together and ties them into your home's electrical board. In areas where the climate is sunny over most the year, this kind of roofing is a very effective source of alternative energy.

Putting solar roof shingles on business establishments, churches, schools, and homes are slowly making a difference. Help eliminate the nation's dependence to foreign oil. Contact the different solar companies in Concord California area for more details.