Many homeowners are interested in going solar but want their photovoltaic system to look sleek. Some households are also concerned about the hassle of performing roof work with modules covering the roof. Because the design life of solar panels is around 30 years, many homeowners will need to replace their roofs during the lifespan of the solar power system. Although all-black solar panels are now widespread, solar shingles can completely conceal the solar panels and avoid the issue of replacing the roof with solar panels. So, let's explore solar shingles vs solar panels.
Although Tesla solar shingles have received considerable media attention, they are still not prevalent, largely due to their high price. They are most cost-effective for new construction projects, homes that need new roofs, or when the homeowner is willing to pay more due to aesthetic preferences.
Regardless of whether you offer solar roof tiles, it is critical to have a basic understanding of solar shingles vs solar panels to answer customer questions and stay current on trends in the solar energy industry.
What Are Solar Shingles?
Solar roof shingles contain solar cells within the roofing material, and they are part of a family of solar energy products called building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Depending on the product's design, they can almost completely conceal the solar cells. Other solar roof shingle products look different in the sections with solar cells but have a very low profile.
How Do Solar Shingles Work?
Photovoltaic shingles operate like conventional solar panels and produce renewable energy from the sun. Thus, they are a complete roofing solution, provide the same function as a traditional roof, and protect the home from the elements. When comparing solar shingles vs solar panels, remember both systems require inverters and are suitable for grid-tied and off-grid solar applications.
Solar Shingles Vs Solar Panels
Let's explore the two photovoltaic technologies side-by-side.
Feature | Solar Shingles | Solar Panels |
Appearance | Blend with roof design | Mounted on structures |
Installation | Integrated with roofing | Mounted on rooftops |
Efficiency | Typically lower | Generally higher |
Cost | Higher initial cost, especially for Tesla solar roof shingles | Lower initial cost |
Energy Production | May be less efficient | Higher efficiency |
Aesthetics | Seamless integration | Visible on rooftops |
Durability | Less durable | Durable and robust |
Integration with Battery | Possible, but complex | Easily integrated |
Maintenance | More challenging | Easier maintenance |
Availability | Limited market options | Widespread availability |
Comparing Solar Shingles Vs Solar Panels
Efficiency
When considering efficiency in the debate of solar shingles vs solar panels, traditional solar panels generally outperform solar shingles. Solar panels typically have higher efficiency rates, often converting more sunlight into electricity due to their optimized designs and materials.
For instance, monocrystalline silicon models can achieve efficiencies exceeding 20%, whereas solar shingles, which combine roofing and solar technology, usually operate within a range of 14-18% efficiency. This significant difference means that solar panels can produce more power in a given space than solar shingles, making them a more effective choice for homeowners seeking maximum energy output.
Solar Shingle Installation
The cost of installing solar shingles is typically greater than replacing a roof or installing traditional solar panels. However, the product provides two functions: generating renewable energy and protecting the home from the elements. When considering solar shingles vs solar panels, homeowners should weigh the additional benefits of aesthetics and dual functionality that solar shingles offer.
When installing PV shingles, the solar contractor typically replaces or installs the existing roof on new construction. Often, these installations contain active and inactive solar shingles that may or may not be identical. The inactive shingles can be installed where there is not an ample solar resource. The durability varies a bit by the product, but the typical lifespan is about 25 years.
Home Aesthetics
Aesthetics is a significant consideration, particularly for homeowners concerned about the visual impact of their solar installation in the discussion of solar shingles vs solar panels. Solar shingles are designed to blend seamlessly with traditional roofing materials, providing a more aesthetically pleasing and integrated look.
Solar shingles resemble conventional asphalt shingles and can enhance a roof's overall appearance. In contrast, traditional solar panels are more conspicuous, sitting atop the existing roof, and are often perceived as bulky. For clients who prioritize the look of their home, solar shingles offer a clear advantage over traditional solar panels, making them an appealing option for those seeking a harmonious blend of functionality and style.
Cost of Solar Shingles
Cost is a crucial factor for clients considering rooftop solar energy. When comparing solar shingles vs solar panels, traditional solar panels are generally less expensive per watt installed. This cost efficiency can be attributed to their established technology and the economies of scale in production and installation.
On the other hand, solar shingles, particularly products like Tesla solar shingles, tend to have higher upfront costs. This is largely due to their dual function as both roofing materials and solar energy generation. The innovative nature of solar shingles means they are still a developing technology, which can contribute to the increased expense.
Environmental Impact
Both solar panels and solar shingles help protect the environment by generating renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, the production and installation processes have their own environmental footprints. While efficient in energy production, traditional solar panels involve materials and manufacturing processes that can be energy-intensive.
When comparing solar shingles vs solar panels, solar shingles have the advantage of integrating into the roof, potentially reducing the need for additional roofing materials. This integration could lower the overall environmental impact if they replace traditional shingles. However, the lower efficiency of solar shingles means that more material may be needed to achieve the same energy output as solar panels, which could offset some of these benefits.
The Different Types Of Solar Shingles
There are two different designs for solar shingles: interlocking and integrated. Although they aren’t quite as sleek, the interlocking shingles are relatively simple to install. They provide protection, so no additional roofing materials are needed underneath.
The solar shingle array has a low profile because the solar cells are close to the roof deck and do not contain a frame. GAF Materials Corporation and Suntegra Shingles offer an interlocking solar shingle product. Unfortunately, with this product, the solar shingles look different from the remainder of the roof.
By contrast, integrated solar roofing mimics the size and shape of shingles or roof tiles. This means it tends to blend in well with the roof and can have a very sleek appearance.
Numerous solar shingle products are on the market, but Tesla solar roofs are the most well-known. Tesla provides a 25-year tile and performance warranty. The installation process requires specialized training due to the unique design and integration of Tesla solar shingles with the existing roofing system. Understanding the specific electrical connections and the need for compatible inverters is crucial to ensure optimal performance and customer satisfaction.
This solar shingle product only replaces part of the roof and looks different than the traditional roofing materials around it. The Apollo II system can be installed with either new or existing roof shingles.
This interlocking solar shingle system was created by one of the oldest and largest roofing materials manufacturers in North America. The energy-generating part of the roof looks different than the non-solar portion.
Luma Solar offers a product designed to withstand Category 5 hurricanes, making it three times stronger than traditional roof tiles while generating 80 watts of electricity per shingle. It claims to be the only upgradable roof shingle system on the market. With a sleek design and innovative technology, Luma's solar shingles provide a compelling option for homeowners.
The interlocking system comes in both a solar roof tile and a solar shingle product and has a low profile. It attaches directly to roofing materials but doesn’t necessarily have a uniform appearance. Also, SunTegra solar shingles are designed to reduce the overall weight on the roof structure, making them a suitable option for older homes or structures where load-bearing capacity is a concern.
How Much Do Solar Shingles Cost To Install And Maintain?
The cost of PV shingles varies based on the size of the roof, the solar roof shingle product, the capacity of the solar power system, and the complexity of the roofline. As a result, it is difficult to provide a ballpark price for PV shingles.
For example, the price of a Tesla solar roof has fluctuated considerably in the last few years. Currently, an 8.3 kW solar energy system in Massachusetts with a Powerwall solar battery costs about $50,000 before incentives for a 1,600-square-foot roof. However, the price could increase by thousands for homes with complex roofs.
Solar roof shingles commonly qualify for solar incentives and rebates, such as the investment tax credit and net metering through the electric utility. However, because solar shingles tend to be less efficient, they may produce less electricity, resulting in smaller energy bill savings than standard solar panel systems.
Solar shingles require similar maintenance to solar panels, and most systems have a design life of 25 – 30 years. In addition, many products come with 25-year warranties.
Pros And Cons Of Solar Shingles
When comparing solar shingles vs solar panels, the key difference lies in aesthetics and installation. Solar panels are typically added to an existing roof, while solar shingles replace the roof itself. This makes shingles a more integrated solution, but panels may still offer a better performance-to-cost ratio for some homeowners.
Pros of Solar Shingles
Aesthetic Appeal: Many people consider traditional solar panels unsightly, making solar shingles an attractive option. These shingles blend seamlessly into the roof, making them ideal for homeowners who want a more discreet solar solution.
HOA Approval: In communities with strict homeowners association (HOA) rules that restrict solar panel installation, solar shingles are often allowed. This makes solar energy more accessible to homeowners who want to comply with aesthetic or neighborhood guidelines.
Cost Efficiency: Although solar shingles are initially more expensive, they can reduce overall roofing costs. The average cost to replace a roof with asphalt shingles in the U.S. is between $5,100 and $10,000. When combined with the cost of solar shingles, the total lifecycle cost may be comparable to traditional solar panels and roofing materials.
Roof Replacement Integration: Solar shingles last as long as the roofing materials, so there’s no need to remove solar panels during a roof replacement. This can save homeowners the additional cost (around $2,000-$3,000) and the hassle of reinstalling panels after replacing the roof.
Long-Term Durability: For homes with metal roofs, solar panels can also be installed directly onto the roof, which lasts 40-70 years. This eliminates the need for roof replacements while maximizing the lifespan of solar PV systems.
Cons of Solar Roof Shingles
Solar roof shingles offer a unique alternative to traditional solar panels, blending seamlessly into the roof for a sleek, integrated look. However, when comparing solar shingles vs solar panels, there are several drawbacks to consider.
High Initial Cost: Solar shingles are still a relatively new technology, making them more expensive than traditional solar panels. They can be particularly costly if the home doesn't require a new roof, and achieving net-zero energy with solar shingles alone can be more difficult.
Lower Efficiency: Solar roof shingles typically have lower conversion efficiency compared to traditional solar panels. As a result, they may produce less of a home's electricity, leading to higher utility bills and increased carbon emissions if the home relies on grid electricity from fossil fuels.
Limited Capacity Expansion: Expanding a solar system with shingles is more difficult than with panels, as the tilt angle of shingles is fixed to the roof's slope. This can limit the system's overall energy production potential, especially for homeowners looking to expand their solar capacity.
Consumer Education: Since solar shingles are less common than traditional panels, potential buyers may need extra education on the differences and benefits of solar shingles vs. solar panels. This can add complexity for homeowners considering this technology.
Longer Installation Time: Installing solar shingles takes longer than a typical roof replacement or solar panel installation. Additionally, because fewer solar installers have experience with shingles, finding qualified contractors can be challenging. This can result in higher costs and longer lead times for installation.
Solar Shingles Vs Solar Panels: Which Is Best For Your Clients?
Ultimately, whether solar shingles are a good fit for your customers depends on their home, goals, and project budget. As solar roof shingles become more common, the prices may decrease, creating more widespread appeal.
The solar permitting process is tedious for installers. GreenLancer’s marketplace was built to help you breeze through it with permit design, engineering stamps, solar proposals, feasibility studies, and more. Sign up today for a free consultation, or complete the form below to learn more.