When comparing solar shingles to regular panels, it’s worth considering the various factors that set them apart. From how efficiently they produce electricity and cost effectiveness, to how they appear on your roof, each has its advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Traditional Solar Panels: How Solar Panels Work, Their Components, and Installation
A traditional solar panel is composed of several smartly engineered components that work to convert sunlight into usable electricity. At its core are photovoltaic cells, usually silicon, which trap sunlight and generate an electric current by moving electrons. It holds things in position in a metal framework, the wiring conducts the electricity to where it is needed, and on top of it is a glass window to shield the cells from weather and other disasters.
The installation itself is relatively simple: mounting brackets are first attached to your roof. The solar panels are then positioned on the brackets and secured. Last but not least, the panels are wired to an inverter and plugged into your home’s electrical grid so that you can begin harnessing the energy they generate. For homes, professional installers can complete the job within a day or two.
One of the greatest things about solar panels is that they are very versatile. They will fit on a variety of roof types—whether asphalt shingles, metal, tile, or even flat roofs. As long as your roof is in decent shape and receives sufficient sunlight, solar panels can be a useful and efficient means of adding renewable power to your home.
Advantages of Traditional Solar Panels:
Classic solar panels have several practical advantages that make them a favourite with householders because of its sustainable benefits. Perhaps the most significant benefit is their greater efficiency—these panels can convert sunlight into electricity, which results in you generating more power from the same roof space. They also use tried-and-tested technology that has been developed over many decades, so you can expect reliability and performance.
Another advantage is price: installing standard solar panels is generally less expensive initially than newer alternatives such as solar shingles. Traditional panels are also simpler to maintain. If there is a problem, you can just replace or fix one panel without messing with the entire system. Overall, these advantages make traditional solar panels a good and reliable choice for those who want solar power.
Disadvantages of Traditional Solar Panels
Traditional solar panels have numerous benefits, yet there are certain disadvantages to address. One of the most common is their appearance—no matter how much newer designs come into the market, some individuals are still hesitant that panels will make the roof look cluttered or ugly.
Another obstacle is that not all roofs are a suitable match. Older roofs or those constructed with specific materials may not be able to support the weight of the panels or fit the installation requirements, so this could result in additional cost or even exclude solar installation.
Solar Shingles: Types of Roofs, Components, and Installation of Solar Shingles
Solar shingles perform optimally on sloping roofs with typical coverings such as asphalt or composite shingles. If your roof is flat, has a metal roof, or has old-school tile coverings, solar shingles typically aren’t the ideal option.
Every solar shingle consists of several significant components: photovoltaic cells that convert light into electricity, wiring to transfer that energy, protective layers and coatings to insulate it from the weather, and hardware that keeps it all fastened securely to your roof.
The installation process is slightly more complicated than installing traditional solar panels. To start, the existing shingles are stripped away. Next, a waterproof underlayment is laid down to shield your house. Next, the solar shingles themselves are installed, and lastly, wiring and electrical systems are connected to bring them to power.
It’s worth noting that installing solar shingles requires professional help. It involves roofing and electricity, both of which need skill and experience. That’s why it’s best to hire professional installers who know their job, so your system is safe, reliable, and lasts long.
Benefits of Solar Shingles
Solar shingles have a huge plus when it comes to aesthetics—they blend in perfectly with your roof, so they don’t stick out like traditional panels. That makes them an excellent option if you want to keep your home’s appearance sleek and modern.
They also serve two purposes simultaneously: they function as normal roofing material, and they produce electricity, so you don’t need to have additional panels on top. Solar shingles are made of hardy materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain, wind, and disasters, providing your house with extra protection and peace of mind.
Drawbacks of Solar Shingles
Although solar shingles appear fantastic, they do have some negatives. To start with, they tend to be more expensive than standard solar panels, which include both the shingles themselves and the installation cost.
They also aren’t as efficient, so they may not produce as much electricity in the same area. Lastly, installing them is more difficult and requires qualified installers, which can slow the process down and contribute to the overall cost.
Performance Compatibility & Longevity
If your roof is fairly new and still in good shape, adding regular solar panels is usually a good choice. But if you’re planning to replace your roof soon, solar shingles might be a smarter long-term option since they act as both a roof and an energy source.
Both solar panels and solar shingles can last about 25–30 years. But replacing solar shingles is less easy than replacing a handful of panels if something goes wrong.
How efficiently your system converts sunlight to power also counts. Typical home solar panels have an efficiency rate of about 15–22%, so they can generate more electricity. Solar shingles are slightly lower, typically at about 14–18%.
If aesthetics are most important to you, solar shingles may be worth the sacrifice in performance. But if you’re more interested in producing the maximum amount of energy, conventional solar panels are the way to go.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Solar Shingles and Solar Panels
If you’re thinking about adopting a solar system, it’s good to first note your home’s needs and what matters most to you. Solar shingles blend in nicely with your roof and give a modern, seamless look, which can be great if appearance is your top priority. Solar panels, by contrast, tend to be more efficient and typically are better suited to larger houses or roofs with ample space.
Consider a few practical factors as well, though: your budget, the current condition of your roof, your home’s energy consumption, and how sunny your area is. Curb appeal is important, too, if you happen to care about what your roof looks like from the road.
Both the shingles and panels will enable you to harness clean energy and reduce your carbon footprint. It is wise to compare both and weigh the advantages so that you can select the one that suits your home and lifestyle the most.
Aesthetic Challenges
Worrying about solar panels’ appearance is indeed a rather significant factor. In certain situations, it’s not necessarily a matter of taste—some regulations can restrict what you can put on your home.
For example, if you have an HOA in your neighborhood, they may have regulations on what you can and cannot do to your roof, particularly if the panels can be seen from the road. Before proceeding with any plans, it’s best to review your HOA’s regulations to avoid potential issues.
If your home is located in a more traditional neighborhood, there might also be local or government regulations regarding altering the exterior of your residence. Make sure you check into these and determine if you need special permits before installing solar panels.
If permanent solar panels are not permitted, you might consider using portable solar panels instead because they will still help you use solar power without modifying your roof.
Reinforcements and Roof Compatibility
Before installing solar panels or solar shingles, it is wise to consider whether your roof can support the added weight. Solar panels, in most instances, are not heavy enough to be problematic, yet each roof is unique.
That’s why it’s a good idea to have a professional check your roof first. They can confirm if it’s strong enough or if it might need some extra support. Taking this step helps keep your home safe and avoids problems later on.
Structural Requirements
There are rules in some locations regarding how your roof must be constructed to support solar panels. Even if your state doesn’t have such requirements, it’s still a good idea to hire an experienced installer.
They can determine whether your home is sturdy enough for a solar system. If it is not, you may have to install additional support, which can increase the project’s cost. Doing this upfront prevents surprises down the road and keeps your system secure and stable.
Which Companies Have the Best Solar Shingles?
Solar shingles are also relatively new, so there aren’t many brands to choose from yet. But there are a few big names out front. Tesla has the iconic Tesla Solar Roof. It’s among the more costly options available, but homeowners believe it’s worth every penny. Their sleek aesthetic is contemporary, and in the long run, the system might save more money than older solar systems.
SunTegra produces solar shingles priced lower than Tesla’s. They are easy to install, have a low-profile aesthetic, and provide good efficiency. CertainTeed has been playing the solar shingle game for a long time. They have a couple of options, such as solar shingles and solar roof tiles, so homeowners can choose what suits them best.
Luma Solar shingles are attractive and function nicely, with a cost-effective price range compared to other brands. All of these companies sell products that will allow you to power your home while maintaining a clean, modern look on your roof.
Installation Considerations
Putting on solar shingles tends to be slightly more complicated and takes longer than installing standard solar panels. That is because you need to first take off your existing roof covering materials, increasing both the expense and duration required.
But if you’re going to replace your roof anyway or you’re constructing a new home, solar shingles can be easier. Rather than installing a new roof and then placing solar panels on top of it, you simply put in the solar shingles as part of the roof itself.
Regardless of which one you go with, the installer should put the solar cells in positions where they will receive the most sunlight. With ordinary solar panels, installers will locate the brightest areas on your roof. With solar shingles, they will alternate solar shingles with regular shingles, putting only the solar ones in the sunniest spots to ensure your system is as efficient as possible.
What’s the Primary Difference Between Solar Shingles and Solar Panels?
The most significant difference is aesthetics and installation. Solar panels are installed on top of your current roof, typically on racks that require holes to be drilled into the roof. They’re visible because they sit above your shingles.
Solar shingles, however, are integrated directly into your roof itself—either as part of an entirely new roof or as a replacement for some portion of your existing roof—so they just blend in and look a lot more like normal roofing material.
Both function the same way by converting sunlight into electricity for your home, and both can also store energy in batteries.
The decision between the two is typically based on appearance and installation. If you desire something that won’t alter the aesthetic of your roof, solar shingles are a better solution, but solar panels are generally a more easier way for going green with simple to installation on a current roof.
Environmental Impact and Energy Savings
Solar panels and solar shingles are both capable of saving you money and lowering your environmental impact when installed. A 6 kW solar system, for instance, is capable of generating more than 8,000 kWh of clean energy annually, which could save you over $1,600 per year if your electricity rate is about 20 cents per kWh. Both alternatives are also eligible for tax credits such as the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC).
However, with solar roofs, the credit will typically only be for the solar shingles themselves and not for any non-solar portion of the roof. Although there is an upfront environmental price of producing, shipping, and installing solar systems, once installed, they generate electricity with no extra cost.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choosing between solar shingles and traditional solar panels comes down to what’s most important to you—price, appearance, or the amount of power you require.
Opt for traditional solar panels if you want the cheapest way to generate a lot of clean energy for your home. They’ve been around for a while and typically provide you with the highest efficiency for your investment.
Choose solar shingles if aesthetics matter the most to you and you’re willing to pay a premium for a roof that generates electricity and integrates perfectly. Either option will reduce your energy bills and make your house more eco-friendly, so it is all about what works best for your home and your lifestyle.
Conclusion
Both solar shingles and standard solar panels can reduce energy bills and harness clean energy, but they each have their pros and cons. Solar panels tend to provide higher efficiency and quicker payback, but solar shingles are designed to fit in for a more subtle appearance. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your budget, roof type, and your priorities.
FAQs
Do solar shingles generate the same amount of energy as solar panels?
Typically, traditional solar panels are more efficient, but solar shingles still provide enough energy for most residences.
Which one is more expensive to buy upfront?
Solar shingles typically cost more to have installed since they also function as roofing material.
Will solar shingles last as long as solar panels?
Both will last 20–30 years or longer, depending on the manufacturer and installation quality.
Are solar shingles able to be installed on a roof that already exists?
It is possible, but they are most reasonably priced when placed with a new roof.
Do solar panels appear bulky in comparison to shingles?
Yes, panels rest upon the roof and are more noticeable, whereas shingles blend in for a neater appearance.
