Have you ever sat on your porch, watching the sunset, and wished your home could use that sunlight? No? Then maybe it’s time to! However, some of us still dream of turning sunlight into power. As you look to make energy-efficient home upgrades and make your home green, it’s worth it to distinguish the solar panels vs solar shingles.
Both solar shingles and panels are pretty useful when it comes to getting renewable energy, but they have their own pros and cons and nuances you need to know about. Maybe you have heard already that solar shingles look like regular roof tiles and can make your home look better. And potentially can even increase your home’s value.
Choosing between solar energy systems means looking at several factors. From how they’re installed and their cost to how well they work and last, understanding these nine key differences will help you pick the best option for your needs and budget.
Table of Contents
- Solar Panels in Short Terms
- Solar Shingles in Short Terms
- Fundamental Differences
- Cost
- Efficiency
- Installation
- Appearance
- Durability
- Warranty
- Location
- Maintenance
- Compatibility
- Integration with Battery
- Availability
- Solar Panels vs Solar Shingles Final Thoughts
- FAQ
Solar Panels in Short Terms
Traditional rooftop solar panels are the most popular choice as of now. Over time, these panels have improved in terms of cost, performance, and efficiency. They can be put on many roof types like asphalt, metal, and flat roofs. This makes them versatile and easy to install.
Homeowners often prefer traditional rooftop solar panels because they save money. That’s one of the main reasons. The cost to install a solar system is about $2.85 per watt. This is cheaper than solar shingles, which cost two to three times as much.
Traditional rooftop solar panels work better than solar shingles, with up to 22.8% efficiency. They last 25 years or more, backed by a strong warranty. This makes them a reliable choice for renewable energy.
These panels are also easy to mount and move around. This flexibility helps homeowners get the most out of their investment. Some of the most popular brands are Tesla Energy, SunPower, and Green Home Systems.
Solar Shingles in Short Terms
Solar shingles are a key part of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). They blend energy and eco-friendly roofing solutions perfectly. They look better than traditional solar panels and are easier to put on (when building a roof from scratch). But, they are more expensive, costing from $25,000 to $60,000. Top models like Tesla’s Solar Roof can go over $70,000.
Solar shingles work best on roofs that face the sun well. They don’t work as well as solar panels, with efficiency under 20%. SunTegra’s Solar Shingle, for example, has a 16 watts per square foot efficiency and a 10-year warranty. Tesla’s Solar Roof does about 15.4 watts per square foot.
Buying solar shingles costs more than traditional solar panels, but they look better. Homeowners like their look and design. The federal program offers a 30% tax credit on costs until 2032, making them more affordable.
Solar shingles last as long as solar panels, 25-30 years. But they actually make less power, 13 to 70 watts per shingle. This might not fully cover all the electricity bills for big homes.
Installing solar shingles takes one to seven days. It needs a pro to set it upright. Companies like CertainTeed, Luma Solar, and GAF Energy offer warranties from 10 to 25 years. This makes these BIPV solutions a good choice for the long run.
Fundamental Differences
Choosing between solar energy systems means understanding their main differences. These differences help you pick the best option for your energy needs and how your home looks.
Cost
The big difference between solar panels vs solar shingles is cost. While solar panels cost between $15,000 to $26,000, solar shingles are pricier and may cost $40,000 to $60,000 before tax credits. Yet, both options get federal tax credits, making them more affordable.
Efficiency
Solar panels are more efficient than solar shingles and it seems the trend will remain the same. They can turn 20% of the sun’s energy into electricity, especially with certain silicon types. With shingles, 14% to 18% of sunlight can be converted into power. This means panels can produce more electricity per area covered, which is key for those wanting to produce a lot of energy. Homes with solar shingles can have higher utility bills and associated carbon emissions because they might need to source grid electricity from fossil fuels if they lack electricity produced from solar shingles.
Installation
Solar panel installation is way simpler than solar shingle installation. Panels need brackets and to be placed for the best sunlight, taking a day or two. Shingles, though, require replacing your roof and adding a waterproof layer, taking up to two weeks in max. This makes panels quicker and what’s more important cheaper to install, affecting the cost and time of the project.
Appearance
Solar shingles look like regular roofing, making your home look better and authentic. Panels are bigger and more noticeable, which might not be as good for your home’s look if you care about that.
Durability
Both solar panels and shingles last a long time, but panels last about five years longer. The weather and how well they’re installed affect how long they last. Fixing panels is easier than fixing shingles, which can be part of the roof.
Warranty
Both residential solar options come with a 25-year warranty. This warranty protects your investment, covering any drops in performance and ensuring the system lasts.
Location
Firstly, your roof shape affects which option is better. Panels work on many roof types, including flat ones. Shingles work best on sloped roofs and need the right materials.
Secondly, where you live is important. Both need good sun to work well, but shingles might not be as effective in some places.
Maintenance
Looking after both solar panels and shingles is easy enough. They need cleaning and checks every year to work right. But, in case of malfunction, fixing shingles can be harder and more expensive because they’re part of the roof.
Compatibility
Shingles fit well with new roofs or when replacing them, looking uniform. Panels can be added to many roofs, giving homeowners more options without big roof changes making them look not so authentic.
Integration with Battery
Integrating solar panels with a battery storage system is straightforward due to their well-functioning technology. Batteries store excess energy for use during cloudy days or at night, maximizing energy independence. With solar shingles, integration with battery systems can be more complex and expensive due to the technology being less standardized.
Availability
Solar panels are widely available, with a variety of options from numerous manufacturers globally. They are a mature technology, making them easy to source and install, with plenty of installers experienced in integrating them with battery systems. Solar shingles, however, are less common and offered by fewer manufacturers. Their availability can be limited depending on your location, and finding experienced installers may be more challenging. The newer technology and limited production mean they might have longer lead times and higher costs compared to solar panels.
Solar Panels vs Solar Shingles Final Thoughts
All in all, comparing solar panels vs solar shingles, they all have their benefits, but your choice depends on what matters most to you. This includes cost, efficiency, looks, durability, and how easy they are to install.
If you want something not too expensive, and easy to install and maintain, solar panels are the way to go. They fit on different roofs without big changes and need less upkeep. This makes them a top pick for many homeowners.
But, if you care about looks and want your energy solution to match your home’s style, solar shingles are worth considering. They look like regular shingles but are solar panels. This makes your roof look better and can increase your home’s value. Yet, they cost more to install and aren’t as efficient as panels. They’re best for new homes or big roof replacements where they can get lots of sun. They are also harder to fix if something goes wrong.
Think about what residential solar options you need and like for your home. This will help you choose the best option for your energy goals and lifestyle.
FAQ
How do solar panels and solar shingles compare in terms of efficiency?
Solar panels are more efficient, turning up to 24% of sunlight into electricity. Solar shingles are less efficient, converting 14% to 18% of sunlight. Panels can be set up to catch more sunlight, making them more efficient.
What is the installation process like for solar panels vs solar shingles?
Putting up solar panels takes a day or two and includes mounting brackets and setting the right angle. Solar shingles need to replace your current roof and require more work, like waterproofing and wiring. However, if you are just building your home from scratch it would be easier and less price.
How do solar panels and solar shingles affect the appearance of your home?
Solar shingles look sleek and blend well with regular roofs. Solar panels are more noticeable because they’re bulkier and mounted on top.
Are there differences in durability between solar panels and solar shingles?
Both residential solar options are long-lasting with a 25-year warranty from the maker. Panels are easier to replace if they get damaged. Shingles, being part of the roof, might need more work to fix.
How do location and roof type affect the choice between solar panels and solar shingles?
Solar shingles are best for sloped roofs and standard roofing materials, perfect for new homes or roof changes. Solar panels can go on different roof types, including flat ones, making them more flexible for installation.
What are the maintenance requirements for solar panels compared to solar shingles?
Both need little upkeep, but solar panels are easier to clean and fix. Solar shingles, being part of the roof, might be harder and more expensive to maintain.
Are solar panels or solar shingles more compatible with existing roofing materials?
Solar shingles fit right in with the roof, looking uniform, and are great for new homes or roof changes. Solar panels are less invasive, work with many roofs, and are easy to add to existing homes.