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What You Should Know About Solar Paneling

You don’t have to install solar panels on your roof to go solar; solar shingles are an innovative solar technology that, like traditional solar panels, can help property owners save money on their energy bills. In this article, we’ll look at the key differences between solar signals, also known as solar roof tiles, and their solar panel counterparts, as well as weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a solar roof installation.

Solar shingles vs. solar panels: Which is better?

Solar shingles are small photovoltaic panels that are designed to look and perform like traditional roofing materials like asphalt while also producing solar energy. Solar shingles are the same size and shape as roof shingles and use the same technology as traditional solar panels.

Comparison of solar panels and solar shingles

What are the similarities and differences between solar panels and solar shingles?

1. Photovoltaic energy

All solar panels and solar shingles are linked to the power grid via solar inverters.

2. Financial incentives

Solar shingle installations typically qualify for the same incentives as traditional solar panel systems, such as the federal solar tax credit of 26%.

3. Policies on net metering

All building-integrated photovoltaic systems follow the same rules, allowing you to send excess electricity to your utility for credit on your electric bill.

What's the difference between solar shingles and solar panels?

1. Cost

Solar panels are typically less expensive than solar shingles. This is due to the fact that there are fewer solar shingle brands available and they are generally more expensive to install (although this can depend on multiple factors including the brand you choose and if your roof already needs replacement). In our comparison of Tesla’s Solar Roof vs. traditional solar panels, you can learn more about one popular solar shingle brand.

2. Effectiveness

Solar shingles use the same technology as solar panels, but they’re less efficient because there’s less airflow beneath them, which means they can’t cool as well as panels with traditional racking equipment. The size of your roof may mitigate this issue: the larger the roof, the more sunlight solar shingles can capture, and the less efficiency becomes an issue.

3. Adaptability

Solar shingles are intended to be used in place of or in addition to standard asphalt shingles. Solar panels, on the other hand, can be installed on virtually any type of roof, from metal to rubber.

The Benefits of Solar Shingles

Solar roof shingles are an exciting product with a few key advantages over traditional solar panels: their aesthetics and potential cost savings when a roof replacement is considered.

Durability

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that solar shingles can outlast conventional asphalt shingles. Some manufacturers even claim that their solar shingles are fire-resistant and can withstand extreme weather. They are also lighter, making them ideal for homes that cannot support a large amount of roof weight.

Aesthetics

The main issue that solar shingles address is appearance; if you’re worried about putting bulkier solar panels on top of your roof, solar shingles may be for you. Products like the Tesla Solar Roof are much more streamlined than traditional panels and can easily blend in with a variety of roof types.

Cost-effective in comparison to a roof replacement

If your roof is nearing the end of its useful life, you may need to replace it before installing solar panels. When you install solar shingles, you also get a brand new, more durable roof as a bonus. In some cases, this may be less expensive than installing solar panels and constructing a new roof to go with them. This is not always the case, but for older homes that need roof repairs anyway, installing solar shingles could be a good way to save some money.

Solar shingles' disadvantages

Any disruptive product has drawbacks, and solar shingles are no exception. Pricing, availability, roof type limitations, and energy production capabilities are the major drawbacks to solar shingles. When deciding whether solar tiles or solar panels are better for your property, it is critical to consider these benefits and drawbacks. If a roof replacement is already on your to-do list, solar shingles could be a great option that saves you both time and money. It’s also important to remember that the prices of solar shingles vary between companies. Solar shingles have only been available since 2005, and because the technology is new, there isn’t a lot of data to show whether they last as long as traditional solar panels. Finding a contractor who installs solar roof shingles can also be difficult.

Price

We’ll get right to the main issue with solar shingles: they’re expensive. Check out our analysis of the Tesla Solar Roof vs. traditional solar panels for a more in-depth look at pricing differences, but the main thing to remember is that solar shingles cost more than solar panels in almost every case. This disparity is likely to narrow over time, but as long as solar shingles remain a relatively uncommon product, they will remain the more expensive option. In some cases, depending on the brand, the cost of a solar roof may be comparable to the cost of a roof replacement plus new solar panels if your roof needs to be replaced.

Availability

Aside from Illumac’s much-touted Solar Roof, several companies have announced and even begun installing their own solar roof products. However, in many cases, these options have been introduced slowly and in limited geographic areas. Solar shingles are simply not being manufactured on a large scale yet, and as a result, they are frequently difficult to install. Some customers have been on waiting lists for years, with no clear end in sight. CertainTeed, on the other hand, is now available across the country and does not have a waitlist.

Roof restrictions

Solar shingles, unlike traditional solar panels, will not work on every roof. Most shingle products are designed to replace standard asphalt tile roofing, but some brands also offer tiled or wooden roofing options. Solar panels can be installed on almost any type of roof, from metal to rubber, making them a more versatile option for homeowners. Solar panels are ideal for existing roofs, whereas solar shingles are better suited for new constructions or roof replacements.

Energy production and efficiency

Solar panel technology has advanced significantly over the last decade or so, and panels now have efficiencies of more than 22 or 23 percent in some cases. Solar shingles sacrifice efficiency and energy production for their sleek appearance, with most shingle brands achieving efficiencies of 14 to 18 percent. This will not be a problem if you have a large enough roof, but if your roof is small and you use a lot of electricity, solar shingles may not provide enough solar energy for you.

Solar shingle types

Solar shingles are typically made from two types of solar cells: CIGS cells and monocrystalline silicon cells. Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) cells are made of this material. The conversion efficiency of these thin and flexible solar shingles is high. Monocrystalline silicon cells, on the other hand, are a natural semiconductors and are the type of solar cell used in traditional rooftop panels. They, too, have a high-efficiency rate and are typically more expensive than CIGS cells.
The best way to go solar is to use Illumac to compare all of your options in one place. Homeowners should register their property to receive multiple quotes for a solar energy system, and then compare the quotes side by side to easily understand their benefits and drawbacks. While many of our installers work with traditional PV panels, some may be able to provide quotes for low-cost solar roof shingles as well.

Solar shingles can be purchased by interested homeowners from installers listed on Illumac. Simply mention that you’re interested in solar roof shingles when you register.

Where can I get solar shingles?

Solar shingles can be purchased by interested homeowners from installers listed on Illumac. Simply mention that you’re interested in solar roof shingles when you register.
For aesthetic reasons, solar roof tiles are becoming increasingly popular. They can be a good option for property owners who are subject to homeowners’ association (HOA) regulations because solar shingles are thin and lie flat on the roof, giving them the appearance of a standard rooftop.
The best way to go solar is to use Illumac to compare all of your options in one place. Homeowners should register their property in order to receive multiple quotes for a solar energy system, and then compare the quotes side by side to easily understand their pros and cons. While many of our installers work with traditional PV panels, some may be able to provide quotes for low-cost solar roof shingles as well.

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