Harnessing the power of solar energy is not only good for the environment, but it&#;s also good for your wallet. While roof panels are what often come to mind, solar shingles are another option for homeowners seeking to add value to their properties.
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Solar shingles, or solar roof tiles, are made of slim photovoltaic (PV) sheets that either overlay or replace the existing shingles on a roof. They absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. By relying on this method of energy as opposed to electricity, for example, homeowners will save money on monthly bills and eventually recoup their initial investments.
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Like regular roof shingles, solar shingles protect your home from the weather and other elements. These shingles are not only energy-efficient, but they also offer a more attractive aesthetic to a home than do the large, bulky panels normally associated with solar-powered energy.
Solar shingles work in a similar way to solar panels&#;they both absorb the sun&#;s rays, converting the light to thermal or electrical energy. However, there are a few important differences between solar panels and shingles that you should know about when determining your home&#;s solar energy needs:
Solar shingles are about the same size as traditional roofing shingles, with the average size being about 12 inches wide by 86 inches long, and weighing about 13 pounds per square foot. The thin tiles are less than an inch in thickness. It takes about 350 tiles to complete a typical solar roof installation.
Solar shingles are typically made from copper indium gallium selenide, which is what allows them to be so flexible and thin. This semiconductor is an ideal material as it results in a high conversion efficiency rate, which is about 10% to 12% on average. Some shingles, instead, use monocrystalline silicon, which is also used to fabricate computer chips. While these are more expensive, they are worth the extra price as they have a higher efficiency rate of around 15% to 20%.
As the primary goal is to lower energy costs, this is a major consideration with solar installation. The majority of shingles will produce anywhere between 13 and 63 watts of power. The number of tiles in a typical home roof installation can lower the utility bill by 40% to 70%; by adding more tiles, you can increase the energy output.
While both solar shingles and solar panels convert the sun&#;s rays into energy, there are a number of differences that will help you decide between the two options:
Since solar shingles blend right into the roofing materials, such as concrete or asphalt, many prefer this aesthetic rather than large black panels attached to the roof. In general, solar shingles create a sleeker aesthetic than do bulky solar panels, particularly since only parts of the roof, like the edging, might be covered in shingles to be efficient.
Both solar panels and shingles have long life spans, typically upwards of 20 years. However, the longevity of solar shingles varies by the manufacturer and the installation. Warranties also vary; when you purchase solar shingles, be sure that you note the difference between power warranties. Solar shingle warranties can last for a couple of decades based on their production, while durability warranties that cover the shingles themselves can span the lifetime of the home.
Solar shingles are outshined by panels in terms of efficiency for a number of reasons. While solar panels can be adjusted as needed to achieve the best angle to capture the sun&#;s rays, shingles stay in the same place as they were first installed. You can always add more shingles to the roof to harness more energy, but as with all home improvement projects, more materials mean more money.
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Find a Solar Panel InstallerSolar shingles can take as much as a week to install&#;and that&#;s if your existing roof is in good shape. If you are building or redoing your roof before adding solar shingles, it can take even longer. Some solar tile manufacturers, like Tesla, will take two or more weeks to install.
This is in sharp comparison to solar panels, which can be installed within a day.
Solar shingles have one major advantage to panels: They are more durable. Unlike panels, which sit atop the roof, solar roof tiles are actually part of the roof. As such, they are more resilient and can stand up to harsh weather conditions and fallen debris. Additionally, solar shingles are fire-resistant, a feature that is not inherent in solar panels. (It should be noted, however, that the risk for fire with solar panels is very low.)
Solar shingles can be on the pricier side depending on how much square footage you need to cover and which types you&#;d like to get. It&#;s important to understand your budget before opting into a solar shingle project.
Solar shingles typically cost more than solar panels because of the amount of materials needed for installation. The average price of solar roof tiles ranges from $15,000 to $20,000, but Tesla shingles could cost more than $70,000, along with a lengthy installation period. However, the ultimate cost of solar shingles depends on the size of the roof, the energy needs of your household and the manufacturer and installer of the shingles you have chosen. You can compare this to the cost of solar panels here.
Here is a rundown of the advantages and disadvantages of solar shingles for your home:
To learn how many solar shingles are needed to power a house, you&#;ll use a formula with key factors like the size of your house and your typical energy usage. Since you can integrate solar shingles into your existing roof, the amount of solar shingles you&#;ll need depends on how large your roof is and how much you&#;d like to save on your electricity bill: the more shingles, the more energy output.
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Find a Solar Panel InstallerHere are a number of brands that manufacture solar shingles for use in residential installations:
This well-known technology brand also manufactures solar shingles. Tesla shingles are made from quartz, which improves their efficiency and resilience. Not only does Tesla create the shingles, but the company also manages every step of the process, from design to installation, which includes removal of the current roof, if applicable. These shingles come in attractive textures, and they come with a 30-year power output warranty. An app allows you to monitor your shingles&#; energy levels at a glance.
CertainTeed solar shingles are created with the same monocrystalline technology used for solar panels. There are two designs, one that coordinates with concrete tile roofs and another that matches with asphalt.
SunTegra is another option for those looking for a more budget-friendly option in solar roofing. Its simple, lightweight configuration reduces the time it takes to install and integrates well with either asphalt or concrete roofs.
Luma solar shingles are different from others on the market in terms of their high efficiency (21%) and durability&#;they can withstand Category 5 hurricanes. They are also billed as the only solar shingle that can be upgraded, which is a great feature to have as the technology improves.
Timberline Solar By GAF Energy is meant to make solar simple. The durable solar shingles are water-shedding and designed to withstand up to 130 mph. Timberline Solar is installed similarly to regular roof shingles and nailed directly to the roof.
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Solar shingles and tiles combine solar energy&#;s cost savings with the durability of conventional roofing materials. Unlike solar panels that protrude from roofs, solar roofing offers sleek, low-profile installations with more curb appeal. Solar shingles have a higher price tag than solar panels and require a much more significant financial investment.
If you&#;re considering installing solar shingles, this guide explains this new technology and compares its major differences to traditional solar panels. We&#;ll also cover the top solar companies and manufacturers that offer solar roofing options.
Solar shingles are an alternative to traditional solar panels that help preserve your home&#;s aesthetics. Like solar panels, they absorb the sun&#;s energy and convert it into usable electricity. They&#;re considerably smaller than regular panels and either attach to your existing roof or replace it entirely. They offer the same protection as traditional roofing materials with the added benefit of clean energy generation. These types of solar products are known as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). They allow construction companies to reduce building material spending while boosting solar energy use.
Solar roof shingles are still a new technology, so only a few solar energy companies have invested in them. Most available models resemble asphalt shingles but vary in overall composition. These shingles contain glass bases covered in thin layers of solar sheets that absorb sunlight. These roofing systems protect against the elements and have the same longevity as regular roofing materials.
Solar shingles and traditional solar panels provide renewable energy solutions to homeowners. Both can reduce your electricity bills by generating power from the sun. However, these technologies have some key differences in aesthetics, performance, and pricing. We&#;ll break down their differences below.
Factor Solar ShinglesTraditional Solar PanelsAppearance
Black
Blue or black
Composition
Copper indium gallium selenide or monocrystalline cells
Silicon cells
Efficiency and power output
Efficiencies up to 18% with outputs up to 70 watts
Efficiencies up to 24% with output up to 400+ watts
Installation process
Individual tiles over existing roof or entire roof replacement
Rooftop racking system on existing roof
Life span
20 years
25+ years
Overall size
12 inches wide by 86 inches long
39 inches wide by 65 inches long
Most homeowners attach standard solar panels to their roofs for maximum sunlight absorption. They&#;re rack-mounted, making them visible on most homes. Depending on the type of solar panels installed, they may have a black or blue hue, which could clash with your home&#;s aesthetics.
Solar shingles offer a more low-profile roof installation, either attaching directly to roof shingles or replacing the roof completely. The shingles have a black hue, providing a more inconspicuous panel installation.
Traditional solar panels use silicon as a semiconductor to help absorb sunlight. Solar shingles and roofs occasionally use monocrystalline silicon, which offers the best efficiency and energy production. However, you usually find copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) cells in solar shingles. CIGS cells offer better flexibility than standard solar panels, making them easier to integrate onto roof shingles.
Overall, solar panels offer higher efficiency and energy production than solar shingles. High-efficiency solar panels offer efficiency ratings of up to 24%. This means they can convert up to 24% of the sun&#;s rays into usable energy. They also offer better power outputs, providing up to 400 watts or more to your home. Higher efficiency and production lead to better long-term energy cost savings.
Solar shingles average between 14% and 18% for efficiency and 13 to 70 watts per shingle. They&#;re less energy-efficient than traditional panels, so you need more to produce the same power levels.
Solar panel installation involves attaching large racking systems that hold the panels. Your total number of panels depends on your home&#;s energy needs. The average home may use 17 to 21 400-watt panels to provide adequate power. It takes about one to two days to complete a solar system installation.
Solar roof shingles affix to a portion of your existing roof tiles. The average home needs 300 to 350 solar shingles to meet electricity needs. Some solar roof options require replacing your entire roof. In that case, your new roof will include solar shingles throughout the design. Solar roof installation works well with new home construction or roof replacement projects. Many solar shingle installations can take seven days on average.
High-quality home solar panels can last up to 25 years or longer with proper maintenance. Top solar companies also include 25-year warranty coverage for the product and its performance. Solar shingles may last up to 20 years, but longevity varies between manufacturers. Your shingles could include separate product and power warranty coverage. The power warranty guarantees output levels for a specific time frame, usually around 20 years. However, the product warranty offers durability protection, typically lasting through your home&#;s lifetime.
Solar panels vary in size depending on their type and power output. The typical solar panel size is 39 inches wide by 65 inches long. Solar shingles resemble the size of traditional roofing material, with dimensions around 12 inches wide by 86 inches long. They&#;re less than an inch thick for easy integration with existing shingles or tiles. Solar shingles weigh about 13 pounds per square foot, making them light enough for most roof installations.
Solar shingles exceed typical solar panel pricing, making them less cost-effective. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), a standard solar panel system costs around $25,000. By comparison, the cost of solar shingles ranges from $20 to $30 per square foot. If we apply this to a 1,500-square roof, you could pay around $30,000 to $45,000.
The cost of solar shingles could increase due to your roof size, power needs, and project size. Average costs could also increase if your roof needs additional repairs before installation. A professional roofer will review your roof&#;s condition, take measures for your installation, and make the best recommendations for your energy needs.
We recommend using federal and state incentives and rebates to lower solar shingle costs. For example, the federal tax credit could help you save up to 30% on installation costs. Additional local incentives could provide one-time credits for upgrading to more energy-efficient roofing materials. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for an up-to-date list of available solar incentives and credits.
Although roof shingle availability is limited, several manufacturers specialize in this new technology. Below is a brief overview of the top solar shingle and roofing manufacturers.
Homeowners can choose from two monocrystalline solar roof tile and shingle options. Its Apollo II line works with asphalt roofs , while the Apollo Tile II system installs on flat concrete tile roofs.
Luma offers monocrystalline shingles designed to face even the toughest inclement weather conditions. They carry a Miami-Dade hurricane rating of Class 5+, indicating their ability to withstand hurricane-force winds. These shingles work with several roof types, such as metal, and contain upgradable internal technology.
SunTegra
Solar offers options for composite and tile roofs. The company uses sheets of tiles for composite installations, while tiled roofs use individual tile integration.
Tesla offers full
solar roof installation
for
homeowners
. Its
solar roof
replaces your
existing roof
with tiles made from glass and steel, providing added durability.
These
solar shingles
attach directly to existing shingles, offering a
low-profile
design. They can withstand up to 130-mph wind and come in four colors to match your home&#;s aesthetics.
We recommend investing in solar shingles for a new home or full-roof replacement. They&#;re a more stylish alternative to solar panels, offering added energy savings and home protection. Solar shingles and roofs require a sizable investment, so consider applying for solar incentives and rebates to offset your costs. Request quotes from multiple roofing companies to find the best pricing and selection.
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Yes, solar shingles are worth the investment for homeowners looking for a more stylish alternative to rooftop solar panels. Solar shingles integrate into your existing roofing or can replace your entire roof. Consider adding a solar roof when building a new home or during a full-roof replacement to save on investment costs.
Solar shingles require little to no maintenance. Similar to solar panels, solar roofing stays clean with natural rainfall. If you live in an area susceptible to dust or ash, you may need occasional surface cleaning with water.
Some cons of solar shingles and tiles include their limited availability and higher pricing than traditional solar panels. Solar shingles and roofs are customized to each home, making reinstallation on a new property difficult. Unlike rooftop solar panels you can adjust to optimal angles, solar shingles align to your roof&#;s pitch, limiting their positioning.
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