Solar Roofing Grabs the Light
As consumers increasingly demand conservation minded building materials, companies are rolling out new products.
On the horizon: A novel solar roofing system with appeal for homeowners. Its shingles and tiles incorporate photovoltaic materials that convert sunlight into volts. The palette of colors and styles available range from flat slabs to curvy mansard tiles and will go a long way toward ameliorating concerns of homeowner associations that ban conventional, bulky solar panels that squat on rooftops.
The new systems offer more than better aesthetics. They’re also more flexible, so they can cover entire roofs, including eaves, porches and irregular spaces, to capture more power. That translates into more hours each year when residents may be able to get by without buying electricity from the local power company or even sell electricity to the utility and watch the meter run backward.
Dow Chemical will soon roll out solar shingles, offering an additional advantage to would-be buyers: They can be installed by any roofing contractor on a new or existing roof. An electrician is needed only for the final plug-in, reducing the overall installation cost. Other companies, such as Lumeta, OkSolar.com, SRS Energy, SunPower and Suntech, offer similar power generating shingles and tiles, but an electrician is needed to wire each one.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
All systems funnel the direct current produced by photovoltaic materials into an inverter box in the house, which converts the juice to alternating current.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
Social Security Under Trump: Live Updates to Keep You Up to Date
Social Security Blog Social Security is undergoing big changes in 2025 under President Trump. Get live daily news, updates, tips and analysis to help you navigate the developments.
By Donna LeValley Published
-
Stock Market Today: Auto Tariffs Send Stocks Lower
The main indexes snapped their win streaks after the White House confirmed President Trump will talk about auto tariffs after the close.
By Karee Venema Published
-
What DOGE is Doing Now
The Kiplinger Letter As Musk's DOGE pursues its ambitious agenda, uncertainty and legal challenges are mounting — causing frustration for Trump.
By Matthew Housiaux Published
-
A Move Away From Free Trade
The Letter President Trump says long-term gain will be worth short-term pain, but the pain could be significant this year.
By David Payne Published
-
The Explosion of New AI Tools
The Kiplinger Letter Workers and consumers soon won’t be able to escape generative AI. Does that mean societal disruption and productivity gains are right around the corner?
By John Miley Published
-
Trump’s Whirlwind Month of Crypto Moves
The Kiplinger Letter The Trump administration wants to strengthen U.S. leadership in the cryptocurrency industry by providing regulatory clarity.
By Rodrigo Sermeño Published
-
Excitement Over AI Propels IT Spending
The Kiplinger Letter IT sales set to surge in 2025 as businesses rush to adopt generative AI.
By John Miley Published
-
Donald Trump Tests His Limits
The Kiplinger Letter President Encounters Legal Obstacles in Pursuit of Ambitious Agenda.
By Matthew Housiaux Published
-
Another Down Year for Agriculture
The Kiplinger Letter Farmers brace for falling incomes, widening trade deficits
By Matthew Housiaux Published
-
What To Know if You’re in the Market for a New Car This Year
The Kiplinger Letter Buying a new car will get a little easier, but don’t expect many deals.
By David Payne Published