Can GAF Solar Shingles Operate Better Under Extreme Heat?
GAF Timberline Solar Shingles are a revolutionary way to use solar energy. It gains most approvals from homeowner's associations because of its discreet, roof-like appearance. Plus, many homeowners across the country enjoy its roof-style installation process. Does it mean it has the heat resistance of asphalt shingles and can operate better than solar panels under extreme heat?
Unfortunately, no. GAF solar shingles can't operate better in hot temperatures. The wires can limit the solar shingle system's efficiency as it suffers from severe heat damage over time.
To explain this better, you can think of Timberline solar shingles as a machine. It can overheat under consistent heat exposure. Solar panels similarly suffer from overheating in the same way. This means solar shingles have different efficiencies but suffer from the same temperature issues of technology.
Over time, solar shingles and panels will have their respective cooling systems that reduce heat and increase their efficiency. How this can be done is challenging but very possible soon.
If you'd like to know more about how solar energy technology is progressing, South Korean farms have grown crops underneath solar panels with satisfying results. Read more about it from Korean Herald below.
A week before Chuseok, the sounds of a combine harvester's revving engine echoed in Gi-dong village of Hamyang, some 240 kilometers southeast of Seoul. The sound is not an unfamiliar one at any farm during harvest season around the country, but the scene was different as the machine cut and threshed grains underneath solar panels.
Sleek, rectangular panels are placed on poles five meters above the ground at an agrivoltaic demostration complex in the village. They create shade for farmers in the afternoon heat but they are erected for economic purposes.
“Agrivoltaic farms use light that is not necessary for crop growth to simultaneously generate electricity and produce crops,” said Lee Tae-sik, the head of the Gi-dong village social cooperative association.
“These farms reap three benefits for society: producing crops, generating clean, renewable energy, and providing economic returns to farmers,” said Lee.
Traditionally, the establishment of solar power generating sites often damaged or took away farming land. However, the coexistence of solar panels and farms now produce crops, prevent harm to the environment, and generate renewable energy to realize carbon neutrality.
Agrivoltaic farms further contribute to revitalizing nation’s agricultural economy, according to Lee.
“We are now at an age when just producing crops is no longer economically beneficial to farmers,” said Lee.
“South Korea is seeing a gradual exodus of its farmers from the agricultural business due to low economic returns. Agrivoltaic farms can work as an effective response to decreasing number of farmers in the country, as the land rental income or revenues collected from generating electricity, on top of benefits returned from crop production, will provide sufficient income for the farmers,” Lee said.
However, officials said there were public concerns over commercializing the newly rising type of farm, despite its advantages.
“Farmers’ concern with agrivoltaic farms is that they think the shadows cast by the solar panels will interfere with the growth of crops,” said Jung Jae-hak, a professor at Yeungnam University.
“However, this isn’t true, as crops have light saturation point at which supplemental lighting actually harms the crop’s photosynthesis. Solar panels placed over the crops here are accurately adjusted based on its size to supply the right amount of light to the type of crops growing underneath the panels,” said Jung.
Solar panels also work as protection for the crops during heat waves and rainstorms, according to Jung. They maintain humidity of the farming land by preventing extra water from evaporating.
Another obstacle to its commercialization are legal complications.
Under the current farmland act, temporary use of farmland for purposes other than crop production is limited to eight years. Solar panels, which have a lifespan of 25 years or more, must be removed only eight years after being constructed. This leads to a waste of expensive equipment and economic inefficiencies.
“Revision of the current farmland act must be reviewed by the National Assembly to accelerate the commercialization of agrivoltaic farms, as they are needed for the growth of country’s agricultural society,” said Jung.
Hanwha Q-cell, South Korea’s leading solar cell and module maker, is putting in efforts to popularize agrivoltaic farms by manufacturing solar panel modules optimized for agrivoltaic farms. (Continue reading here to learn)
GAF Master Elite roofers can go through a short certification course because Timberline requires similar installation like roof materials. Roper Roofing & Solar has undergone this certification and passed with flying colors. Let us install your GAF solar shingles today.
