Many dream of living off the grid. They want a self-sufficient house that can function even without support from utility companies. This means having one’s own water source and power source at the very least. Solar panels are usually considered as the best option when it comes to independent and sustainable energy. After all, the sun will always be there to shine above us. The question is which panel to choose. Thin solar panels have developed dramatically over the past few years and people are discovering its excellent advantages over traditional thick rigid panels.
Ease of Installation
First of these is the ease of installation. Most of these thin panels are designed for peel and stick installation. There is no need to worry about nuts and bolts because the backing will grab onto the intended surface. No one has to create a special platform or hire technicians to do the work, although homeowners can do this if they want to see professional results. Since the panels will essentially become part of the roof, they will perform the same way when it comes to seismic activity and wind uplift.
Little Support Required
The thinner material results in a drastically lighter weight. Some are only 7 ounces for every square feet instead of a kilogram or so. Even large roofs can be completely covered in solar membranes without much change in their load. Thus, there is not much demand on the supporting structure and any kind of roofing system can admit this type of panel. No reinforcements are necessary. Any slope is welcome, although small slopes are preferred to maximize light gathering.
Flexibility for Odd Roofs
Not all roofs are straight. Most are because of the way that common materials are built and the efficiency of a straight slope when disposing of rain water. However, you can easily find curved roofs in many buildings. This can be born out of creativity, aesthetic preferences, some functional requirement, or all of them together. Thin solar panels are perfect for using their curved surface to gather light and turn it into energy.
No Leaky Penetrations
Since thin panels are meant to stick on the surface, there is no need to drill holes on the roof and penetrate it with screws. This means less chances of developing a leak due to the solar power installation. If you live in a place with heavy rains, then this is a great option.
