Solar shingles: Is the look worth the price?

Solar shingles, also called solar roof tiles, look just like regular roofing materials but have a special trick—they generate electricity from the sun. These shingles are part of a building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system, which means they do two jobs: they act as your roof and produce solar power. Unlike traditional solar panels, which are mounted on top of an existing roof, solar shingles are designed to blend seamlessly with the roof, providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Just like conventional solar panels, they generate electricity by converting sunlight into usable energy but also protecting your home from the weather.

Apart from their appearance, installation, durability, and efficiency, solar shingles and solar panels are pretty similar. They both use the sun's energy to generate electricity, lower your carbon footprint, and save you money on your electricity bills. They're also both eligible for the same incentives, like the 30% federal solar tax credit, net metering, and most state and local incentives.

Unlike traditional solar panels, solar shingles are building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs), which means they integrate directly into your roof.  It's giving a more streamlined and discrete appearance. Solar shingles provide the same benefits as solar panelsv but with a sleek, low-profile design that enhances the overall look of your home while still protecting it from the weather.

Additionally, because solar shingles are part of the roof structure, they can potentially offer improved durability and weather resistance, making them a long-lasting investment. However, it’s important to consider that they might come with a higher initial cost and might be less efficient compared to traditional solar panels, so weigh these factors based on your needs and preferences.

Overall, we suggest sticking with traditional solar panels. Solar shingles tend to generate less electricity and are more expensive. However, if having a sleek look or meeting HOA guidelines for roof appearance is a priority for you, solar shingles might be the way to go. Here are a few important factors to consider:

Cost: Solar shingles are significantly more expensive than traditional solar panels. The cost of installing solar shingles can range from $40,000 to $95,000, while traditional solar panel systems typically cost between $16,000 and $25,000. This higher price point can be a deterrent for many homeowners.

Aesthetics: For homeowners who prioritize the visual appeal of their home, solar shingles offer a compelling advantage. They provide a clean, integrated look that can enhance the overall design of the house, making them an attractive option for those concerned about curb appeal.

Efficiency and Energy Production: If maximizing energy production is a priority, traditional solar panels may be the better choice. Their higher efficiency means they can generate more electricity, which can lead to greater savings on energy bills over time.

Seamless Integration with Your Roof

Worried about the bulky look of traditional solar panels? Solar shingles might be just what you need. Take the Tesla Solar Roof, for example. These shingles blend right into your existing roof, giving your home a sleek and modern appearance. They’re perfect if you have to follow strict HOA rules or if you simply want a more subtle solar solution.

Enhanced Durability

Solar shingles are often tougher than regular asphalt shingles. Many brands say their shingles can handle extreme weather and are fire-resistant. Plus, they’re lightweight, which is great for homes that can’t support the weight of traditional solar panels.

Cost-Effective for Roof Replacements

If your roof is getting old and needs to be replaced, solar shingles could save you some money in the long run. Normally, you’d have to pay a lot to replace your roof before installing traditional solar panels. But with solar shingles, you’re getting a new, sturdy roof that also generates electricity. While they might be a bit pricier upfront, they can be a smart investment if your home needs both a new roof and solar power.

They're Expensive

The most significant disadvantage of using solar shingles is the cost. They are typically more difficult to install than standard solar panels, and there are fewer solar shingle companies on the market, which driving up prices. In Massachusetts, a 9.79 kW Tesla Solar Roof costs around $82,600 before to incentives. This pricing covers present roof removal but does not include the Powerwall battery. In comparison, the same size system with REC solar panels (a leading brand) costs around $27,600 before incentives.

They generate less electricity than conventional solar panels.

The elegant aesthetics of solar shingles come at the expense of efficiency, or how effectively they convert solar energy into electricity, energy production, or their overall power output. The best solar panels available now have efficiency levels above 22% and output more than 20 watts per square foot. With a maximum output of 16 watts per square foot, solar shingles are usually less than 20% efficient.

The reduced power production is caused by less airflow under solar shingles compared to standard rack-mounted solar panels. They don't cool well, reducing their efficiency. If your roof is large enough, this will not be an issue because you can just install more shingles. However, if your roof is tiny and you consume a lot of electricity, solar shingles may not be enough to cover your full electricity cost.

They are not suitable for all roofing materials.

The majority of solar shingles replace ordinary black asphalt shingle roofs. GAF shingles are available in a variety of hues, but your options for solar shingle shapes and colors remain restricted. If you have a flat roof or desire a terracotta roof, shingles are generally not an option for you right now.

Solar panels, on the other hand, may be mounted on a wide range of roof types, including flat, asphalt, and metal. They're best for an existing roof, whereas solar shingles are better suited for new construction or replacing an old roof.

When you're thinking about adding solar shingles to your roof, there are several key factors to keep in mind to make sure you're making the best choice for your home and budget.

Materials

Solar shingles come in different materials. Some are made with copper indium gallium selenide, while others use monocrystalline silicon. Monocrystalline silicon tends to be more expensive, but it’s also more efficient at converting sunlight into energy.

Energy Output

Consider how much energy you use regularly. On average, a home in the U.S. uses about 886 kilowatt-hours of electricity each month. Solar shingles vary in wattage output, and costs can increase with higher outputs. You don't need to cover your entire roof with solar shingles to see benefits—just installing them on part of your roof can still make a difference.

Even if your roof isn't in direct sunlight all day, solar shingles can still be effective. They work well with diffuse, scattered light, so they can generate power even on cloudy or rainy days.

Installation

Finding a qualified installer can be a bit tricky since solar shingles are newer technology compared to traditional solar panels. This might mean a longer search for a professional who can do the job. Southern states like California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and Florida, where there's a lot of sunshine, tend to have more available installers.

Your Plans for Excess Energy

Think about what you'll do with any extra energy your solar shingles produce. One option is to send it to the local electric grid and get paid for it, either through a check or a deduction on your next bill. Alternatively, you could install a solar battery to store this excess energy, which can then be used at night, on cloudy days, or during power outages. Keep in mind that a single emergency-use battery might cost about $200, while a high-efficiency lithium-ion system could add up to $14,000 to your initial costs.

Aesthetics

Solar shingles blend in seamlessly with traditional roofing materials, making them a good option if you’re concerned about maintaining your home's appearance. This can be especially important if you live in an area with strict HOA guidelines.

Cost

Solar roofs are a significant investment. The average cost is around $55,000, so you'll want to think about how long you plan to stay in your home to make sure you can recoup your investment through energy savings. If the cost seems daunting, consider financing options like home equity loans, HELOCs, or "solar loans" offered by installers or third parties. Financing can help spread out the cost and make the investment more manageable.

Durability and Service Life

Consider the weather in your area. If you frequently experience high winds or heavy snow, you'll want to compare how different products hold up under these conditions. Look at product warranties, too. These can include manufacturer warranties (for defects), wind warranties (for wind damage), and power warranties (which guarantee a certain level of performance over time). It's also worth noting if the manufacturer offers technology upgrades, as this can save you from having to replace the shingles in the future.

Both solar shingles and solar panels can significantly enhance your home's energy efficiency, but which option is the best fit for you? Generally, solar panels are more cost-effective, while solar shingles offer a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

A major advantage of solar panelsv is their established technology, which has been around longer. This means there are more resources and tools available for research. On the other hand, solar shingles, though less popular, offer a sleeker look that integrates seamlessly with your roof. However, the relative novelty of solar shingles means there are fewer research options and less widespread availability.