Installing solar panels on your roof is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and invest in sustainable energy. However, the choice of glass that you will use for your roofing can have a big impact on how efficient your solar panels will be. With the proper knowledge and research, you can easily choose the right type of glass for your requirements.
Low-Efficiency Glass
If you want your solar panels to be energy-efficient, you should go for low-Efficiency glass. Standard glass, used for most residential and commercial buildings, has a high energy-efficiency rating of over 85%. Low-Efficiency glass has a rating of 65%, which makes it 30% less efficient than standard glass. This means that for every watt of power produced by your solar panels, you will lose 30% due to heat trapped in the glass. So, basically, less efficient glass will impact the energy output of your system dramatically. There is an exception to this rule, however. If your roof is very high-end, and/or you need your glass to float, then you should go for the standard glass as it is more durable and less likely to break. The general rule is as follows:
High-Efficiency Glass
On the other hand, if you want your solar panels to be truly energy-efficient, then you should go for High-Efficiency glass. This type of glass has a rating of over 97%, so it is virtually invisible to solar radiation. Because it is highly reflective, it also reduces the amount of heat trapped in your house, which means your heating bill will be lower. The main downside to this type of glass is that it is very expensive and, therefore, more difficult to manufacture. So, if you can, then you should always choose standard glass over high-efficiency glass, especially if you are on a tight budget.
Durability
Durability is another important factor to consider when choosing glass. After all, you will be living with this material for the rest of your life. You therefore want it to be as durable as possible. The best types of glass for solar panels are those that resist breaking or shattering. Some glasses, such as lead-based glass, can be recycled and, therefore, are environmentally-friendly. Durability-wise, standard glass is usually the best option. However, the more expensive the glass, the more environmentally-conscious it is. So, if you can find a deal on some high-quality glass, then it makes sense to invest in it.
Transparency
Another important factor that can sway you toward one type of glass over another is transparency. Some types of glass are more transparent than others, which means they let more light in. Transparent glass is great for use in solar panels as it allows for more access to sunlight. You therefore do not need to worry about trapping heat in your home as much as you would with other types of glass. Transparent glass is more environmentally-friendly than most other types of glass as it allows for more natural light. So, if you can find some thick, clear glass that is also cheap, then it makes sense to invest in it.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics is yet another important consideration when choosing glass. Do you want your roof to be pretty or do you want it to look like everybody else’s? The aesthetics of your glass will determine how it is perceived by others, so you should choose glass that is in line with your design aesthetic. If you want your glass to be pretty, then you should go for smooth glass as it will make your roof look like an expensive, brand-new product.
Cost-Effective
Last but not least, we have price-effective. You want your solar panels to be cost-effective, so you should go for the cheapest glass available. There are several different types of glass that are very cheap but the trick is finding the right product for your needs. Checking out all the different types of glass that you can find on the market can help you find the exact one that will best fit within your budget.
Choosing the right type of glass for your solar panels is not as difficult as you would think. With the right research, you can easily find the best type of glass for your needs. Moreover, if you want your solar panels to be environmentally-conscious, then opt for glass that is transparent, durable, and cost-effective. You will be doing your bit for the environment and your wallet at the same time!