Everything You Need To Know About Solar Shingles

Note: In July , SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would &#;no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.&#;

A Complete Guide to Solar Roof Tiles

Jiasheng supply professional and honest service.

As photovoltaic technology becomes more modernized, researchers are beginning to develop alternatives to the traditional solar panel. Solar shingles are a recent addition to the expanding line-up of new PV technologies. Solar shingles and roof tiles are intended to replace normal roofing materials with roof shingles that generate electricity. They still function as roofing materials, being fire resistant and providing protection during storms. They cost more compared to traditional solar panels, but provide the same power output. Some are opting to switch to solar shingles simply for the aesthetics, as the low profile and simple design can add a nice modern touch to a home, and they serve as an alternative for people who would want to hide solar panels if they got them. A major deterrent for installing Tesla&#;s solar roof tiles is that they necessitate the complete replacement of the roof, which adds to the cost of installation.

What are Solar Shingles?

Solar roof tiles are photovoltaics that integrated into the roof of your home. They are designed to look and act like traditional roofing materials, like asphalt or slate, while simultaneously generating power from the sun. They are part of a group of PV modules called building-integrated photovoltaics, or BIPD, a class of PVs that are built into the architecture of a structure.

Solar shingles first became commercially available in , and the market today has grown to encompass several companies and manufacturers. Tesla is the most well-known provider of solar roof tiles, though other companies like Luma, SunTegra, and CertainTeed offer them as well.

How do Solar Shingles Work?

Solar shingles work just like traditional solar panels, except the individual modules are much smaller. Sunlight strikes the solar tiles, and the semiconductor material converts light energy into electricity via a chemical process. The electricity is then used to power your home, either directly, or via a generator or system of battery storage.

The average size of a solar roof tile is 12 in x 86 in (300mm x mm), and each solar roof tile can produce anywhere between 50 to 115 watts. Whereas early solar tile manufacturers used flexible CIGS as a semiconductor, more companies today are utilizing crystalline silicon solar cells. This means they can achieve higher efficiencies and be more competitive with traditional solar panels.

Solar shingles come in different types. Some can be applied directly onto existing roof tiles, while others replace the roof completely. Some are made with flexible semiconductor materials, while others are multi-layered and use traditional c-Si solar cells. Since not every part of the roof of a house faces the sun, solar installers might only place solar roof tiles where they will achieve the highest efficiency, while using similarly designed non-solar roof tiles where the sunlight doesn&#;t shine, as well as on the perimeters of the roof.

Are Solar Shingles Worth It?

Solar shingles tend to be quite expensive. On average, they can cost between $3.80 to $9.00 per watt. The price depends on the manufacturer, system size, and type of solar tile. Installation costs can also be a huge additive, as solar shingles that require a complete roof replacement cost much more than those which are simply layered over existing roof tiles. Although they are expensive, some states offer tax incentives for solar installations, and you can also still take advantage of net metering with solar shingles, just like your would traditional solar panels.

It&#;s important to remember that you&#;re not just getting a PV system, but a roofing material as well. Solar roof tiles have proven to be quite durable, being able to withstand strong winds and hailstorms. Some manufacturers claim that their solar roof tiles are stronger than traditional roof tiles.

Some homes might not be suitable with solar roof tiles. Those who already have expensive roofing materials might see it as an extra cost. Many solar shingles require completely removing the old roof and having it replaced, which can put off many homeowners. Solar roof tiles are best installed on homes that are still being built, where the owner has complete control over the design and building materials of the home.

Many like solar roof tiles simply for the aesthetic value. They have a dark color and a shiny, sleek look. Some might see the switch as a worthy investment, considering they get a sleek new roof along with a reduced energy bill.

Solar Shingles vs. Solar Panels

The major difference between solar shingles and solar panels are the aesthetics and the price. Solar shingles are more appealing to the eye. The sleek look adds a look of modernity. They blend in better with the home, and passersby often can&#;t tell that the house even has an installed PV system. Granted, solar tiles are still limited in styles. They all tend to have the same look; dark in color and completely flat. Tesla has only recently come out with new designs, like their Tuscan-inspired roof tiles, which have a dusty brown color and are shaped more like traditional roof shingles. Solar shingles also lack many of the extras required with a solar array, as the mounting racks, brackets, and external wiring are absent.

Solar panels are cheaper to install, mainly because they don&#;t require a complete replacement of the roof. In many cases, installing both solar panels and new non-solar roofing separately can cost less than an entire solar roof tile installation. Where installing solar panels can cost an average of $3 per watt, installing solar roof tiles can cost between $3.80 to $9 per watt.

As far as longevity goes, solar panels and solar roof tiles are about the same. Both are manufactured to last about 20 to 30 years. Sunpower, one of the highest quality manufacturers of solar panels, offers a 25 year performance warranty, while Tesla has a 30 year performance warranty on their solar roofs.

Maintenance for solar tiles is a bit easier compared to solar panels. There are fewer nooks and notches for leaves and dirt to build up, and it&#;s harder for bugs and birds to make a home inside. Simply spraying solar roof tiles with a garden hose is enough to keep them clean, while solar panels usually require more specialised equipment. On the contrary, solar shingles are new, so we don&#;t know how easy they are to service and repair when they start getting old.

Solar roof tiles also tend to be more durable than solar panels. They&#;re not just for generating electricity, they are actually a roof material. That means they are built to be resistant to hard impacts, like hailstorms and debris from strong winds. Solar roof tiles are also made to be fire resistant, the same of which can&#;t be said for solar panels.

Solar panels do have the benefit of being able to be removed after installation. If you were to sell your house after installing a PV system, you can decide to bring your solar panels, or leave them on the home as an added feature. Solar roofs can&#;t be removed and molded onto another house. They are custom fitted for each installation. Although, homes with solar roofs can be sold for a $15,000 premium on average compared to similar homes without PV systems.

Aesthetics

Durability

Perfect for New Homes

Longevity

Maintenance

Cost

Time to Install

Can&#;t be Transported

Limited Styles

Require Entire Roof Replacement

Efficiency

Solar roof shingles are a long term investment. Weighing the pros and cons is important, especially since you&#;ll be paying more than traditional solar panels. Doing research and knowing the ins and outs is a must before making a final decision.

Pros

Aesthetics

Solar shingles and roof tiles have a low profile and blend in with the home. Oftentimes, it&#;s hard to tell that the home even has a PV system installed. This makes them more aesthetically appealing compared to traditional solar panels.

Durability

Solar roof tiles aren&#;t just meant for producing electricity, they are actually a bonafide roofing material. That means they are durable and made to last. Some manufacturers even claim that their solar shingles are stronger than non-solar shingles. They are manufactured to withstand hailstorms, strong wind, and debris from heavy storms. They&#;re also fire resistant.

Longevity

Solar shingles can last as long as traditional solar panels, usually having warranties between 20 and 30 years.

Maintenance

Solar shingles are easier to maintain compared to solar panels. They don&#;t have as many places for dirt buildup, nor do they have many places for birds and bugs to hide. This means that a solar roof can easily be cleaned off with a garden hose. Compare this to solar panel maintenance, where the panels have to be physically removed and cleaned.

Perfect for New Homes

Though they are costly, solar roof tiles are more cost-effective when installed on a new home. The cost of installation is much lower because the roof doesn&#;t need to be removed and the house can have the solar shingles built-in.

Cons

Cost

Solar shingles are expensive when compared to traditional solar panels. On average, solar panel installations cost about $3 per watt, while solar roof tile installations can cost between $3.80 to $9 per watt. The cost of removing the roof is a big part of the cost. Sometimes, installing a new non-solar roof and a conventional solar panel system can actually cost less than installing solar shingles.

Time to Install

Solar roof tiles take more time to install due to the roof removal. Whereas conventional solar panels may take a few days to install, solar shingles can take about two weeks.

Limited Styles

Since solar roof tiles are still relatively new technology, styles are limited. Currently, most solar shingles tend to be black in color and completely flat. While some like the sleek appearance, it&#;s nice to have variety in styles. Tesla is now releasing different styles of their solar roof tiles, which look like more traditional roof tiles in both color and shape, while still generating electricity.

Require Entire Roof Replacement

Most solar roof tile installations require complete removal and replacement of the roof. That adds to the cost of installation. For a home with expensive roof materials, this can be a major setback.

Can&#;t be Transported

Solar shingles are custom built for the house they are installed on. That means they can&#;t be installed on another home if you decide to get up and move, unlike traditional solar panels. Though, this can be considered a pro, seeing as homes with solar roofs can be sold for a premium.

Efficiency

Solar shingles tend to be less efficient than solar panels. Whereas the best solar panels have efficiencies in the low 20% range, solar tiles hover in the mid to high teens, topping out around 18%.

Future of Solar Roof Shingles

The market for solar shingles is growing. More people are adopting the solar roof as an alternative to traditional solar panels. The collaboration between Tesla and SolarCity helped catapult the popularity of solar roof tiles into the mainstream. The solar roof is a hit with newly built homes, where owners can avoid the extra cost of replacing an existing roof. Though cost is still a deterrent for many homeowners, the increase in demand is pushing manufacturers to innovate new technologies that make solar shingles less costly and more efficient.

While solar shingles are gaining in popularity, there&#;s still no word on when solar shingles will become competitive against traditional solar panels. Once the technology behind solar shingles is perfected, maybe we will see a transition to the sleek and invisible solar roof tile, and away from clunky and cumbersome solar panel arrays.

Conclusion

Solar roof tiles are still taking off. Though they&#;re sleek and help homes blend in, they&#;re expensive compared to traditional solar panels. The initial cost and amount of labor can put off some homeowners, who might not want to replace their entire roof. Those who are building a new home can circumvent the high cost by having the solar roof built in with their new home. Despite the high cost, it&#;s important to remember that you get what you pay for. Solar roof tiles also function as a legitimate roofing material, they aren&#;t as delicate as traditional solar panels. They can hold up to fire, hail, and strong winds, and can even be walked on. Making the choice between solar roof tiles and solar panels can be tough. So make sure to dig deep and have a full understanding of your needs before making a final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are solar shingles?

Solar shingles are PV cells that are integrated into the roof of your home. They generate electricity while simultaneously functioning as a roof material.

How much do solar shingles cost?

Solar shingles cost anywhere between $3.80 to $9.00 per watt. The cost of installation is a significant factor as the entire roof must be replaced when installing solar roof tiles.

Are solar shingles better than solar panels?

That depends on your wants and needs. Solar shingles cost more, but they have a low profile and are more aesthetically pleasing. They are also very durable since they are an actual roofing material, unlike solar panels. Solar panels are much cheaper, and can be removed and taken with you in case you decide to move or sell your house.

Harnessing the power of solar energy is not only good for the environment, but it&#;s also good for your wallet. While roof panels are what often come to mind, solar shingles are another option for homeowners seeking to add value to their properties.

What Are Solar Shingles?

Solar shingles, or solar roof tiles, are made of slim photovoltaic (PV) sheets that either overlay or replace the existing shingles on a roof. They absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. By relying on this method of energy as opposed to electricity, for example, homeowners will save money on monthly bills and eventually recoup their initial investments.

Featured Partners

Advertisement

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

1

Palmetto Solar

BBB Grade

A+

Financing Options

Purchase, loan, PPA

Number of States Covered

27

1

Palmetto Solar

Get Started

Want more information on pv shingles? Feel free to contact us.

From Participating Partners

2

Blue Raven Solar

BBB

A+

Financing Options

$0 upfront for 18 months

Number of States Covered

21

2

Blue Raven Solar

Get Started

From Participating Partners

3

Momentum Solar

BBB Grade

A+

Financing Options

Purchase, loan

Number of States Covered

10

3

Momentum Solar

Get Started

From Participating Partners

Like regular roof shingles, solar shingles protect your home from the weather and other elements. These shingles are not only energy-efficient, but they also offer a more attractive aesthetic to a home than do the large, bulky panels normally associated with solar-powered energy.

Solar Roof Shingles vs. Solar Roof Panels

Solar shingles work in a similar way to solar panels&#;they both absorb the sun&#;s rays, converting the light to thermal or electrical energy. However, there are a few important differences between solar panels and shingles that you should know about when determining your home&#;s solar energy needs:

Size

Solar shingles are about the same size as traditional roofing shingles, with the average size being about 12 inches wide by 86 inches long, and weighing about 13 pounds per square foot. The thin tiles are less than an inch in thickness. It takes about 350 tiles to complete a typical solar roof installation.

Materials

Solar shingles are typically made from copper indium gallium selenide, which is what allows them to be so flexible and thin. This semiconductor is an ideal material as it results in a high conversion efficiency rate, which is about 10% to 12% on average. Some shingles, instead, use monocrystalline silicon, which is also used to fabricate computer chips. While these are more expensive, they are worth the extra price as they have a higher efficiency rate of around 15% to 20%.

Output

As the primary goal is to lower energy costs, this is a major consideration with solar installation. The majority of shingles will produce anywhere between 13 and 63 watts of power. The number of tiles in a typical home roof installation can lower the utility bill by 40% to 70%; by adding more tiles, you can increase the energy output.

While both solar shingles and solar panels convert the sun&#;s rays into energy, there are a number of differences that will help you decide between the two options:

Appearance

Since solar shingles blend right into the roofing materials, such as concrete or asphalt, many prefer this aesthetic rather than large black panels attached to the roof. In general, solar shingles create a sleeker aesthetic than do bulky solar panels, particularly since only parts of the roof, like the edging, might be covered in shingles to be efficient.

Service Life

Both solar panels and shingles have long life spans, typically upwards of 20 years. However, the longevity of solar shingles varies by the manufacturer and the installation. Warranties also vary; when you purchase solar shingles, be sure that you note the difference between power warranties. Solar shingle warranties can last for a couple of decades based on their production, while durability warranties that cover the shingles themselves can span the lifetime of the home.

Efficiency

Solar shingles are outshined by panels in terms of efficiency for a number of reasons. While solar panels can be adjusted as needed to achieve the best angle to capture the sun&#;s rays, shingles stay in the same place as they were first installed. You can always add more shingles to the roof to harness more energy, but as with all home improvement projects, more materials mean more money.

Advertisement

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

Compare Quotes From Top-rated Solar Panel Installers

Select a State To Get Started With Your No Commitment, Free Estimate

Find a Solar Panel Installer

Installation

Solar shingles can take as much as a week to install&#;and that&#;s if your existing roof is in good shape. If you are building or redoing your roof before adding solar shingles, it can take even longer. Some solar tile manufacturers, like Tesla, will take two or more weeks to install.
This is in sharp comparison to solar panels, which can be installed within a day.

Durability

Solar shingles have one major advantage to panels: They are more durable. Unlike panels, which sit atop the roof, solar roof tiles are actually part of the roof. As such, they are more resilient and can stand up to harsh weather conditions and fallen debris. Additionally, solar shingles are fire-resistant, a feature that is not inherent in solar panels. (It should be noted, however, that the risk for fire with solar panels is very low.)

Cost

Solar shingles can be on the pricier side depending on how much square footage you need to cover and which types you&#;d like to get. It&#;s important to understand your budget before opting into a solar shingle project.

Solar Shingles Cost

Solar shingles typically cost more than solar panels because of the amount of materials needed for installation. The average price of solar roof tiles ranges from $15,000 to $20,000, but Tesla shingles could cost more than $70,000, along with a lengthy installation period. However, the ultimate cost of solar shingles depends on the size of the roof, the energy needs of your household and the manufacturer and installer of the shingles you have chosen. You can compare this to the cost of solar panels here.

Solar Shingles Cost Per Square Foot

When considering the installation of solar shingles, it&#;s important to understand the costs associated with this innovative roofing solution. Solar shingles not only provide the functionality of traditional roofing materials but also generate electricity, offering long-term savings on energy bills. The price per square foot for solar shingles can vary depending on factors such as the brand, roof pitch and installation complexity. However, the average cost per square foot for solar shingles typically ranges from $21 to $25.

Below is a table that illustrates the average total cost of solar shingles for different roof sizes, based on the average price per square foot:

Pros and Cons of Solar Shingles

Here is a rundown of the advantages and disadvantages of solar shingles for your home:

Pros

• Shingles have a sleeker, more attractive aesthetic. They integrate well with concrete and asphalt roofs in particular.
• They are weather-resistant and durable.
• They are easier to maintain than solar panels.
• They are cost-effective if you are building a new roof

Cons

• While solar panels have been around for quite a while, solar shingles are young by comparison. Therefore, not every solar manufacturer offers them.
• The technology is still evolving as well. Not all existing roofs are conducive to solar shingle installation&#;you might have to rebuild the entire roof.
• They are more expensive than solar panels.
• They are currently limited in style and colors, though brands like Tesla are introducing new options.

How Many Solar Shingles Do You Need?

To learn how many solar shingles are needed to power a house, you&#;ll use a formula with key factors like the size of your house and your typical energy usage. Since you can integrate solar shingles into your existing roof, the amount of solar shingles you&#;ll need depends on how large your roof is and how much you&#;d like to save on your electricity bill: the more shingles, the more energy output.

Advertisement

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

Compare Quotes From Top-rated Solar Panel Installers

Free, No-commitment Estimates

Find a Solar Panel Installer

How Long Do Solar Shingles Last?

Solar shingles are designed to offer both durability and efficiency, making them an attractive option for homeowners looking to invest in renewable energy solutions. The lifespan of solar shingles can vary based on the manufacturer, the materials used and the installation quality. Generally, solar shingles have a lifespan ranging from 20 to 30 years. Here are a few more factors that can influence the longevity of your solar shingles:

• Material quality:

  High-quality materials like monocrystalline silicon can extend the life of solar shingles, offering better efficiency and durability.

• Installation:

  Proper installation by certified professionals ensures that solar shingles are securely attached and optimally positioned, which can enhance their longevity.

• Maintenance:

  Regular maintenance, including cleaning and inspections, helps keep solar shingles in good condition and prevents issues that could shorten their lifespan.

• Environmental conditions:

  Harsh weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall, hail or extreme temperatures, can affect the lifespan of solar shingles. However, most solar shingles are designed to withstand various weather conditions.

Best Solar Shingle Brands

Here are a number of brands that manufacture solar shingles for use in residential installations:

Tesla

This well-known technology brand also manufactures solar shingles. Tesla shingles are made from quartz, which improves their efficiency and resilience. Not only does Tesla create the shingles, but the company also manages every step of the process, from design to installation, which includes removal of the current roof, if applicable. These shingles come in attractive textures, and they come with a 30-year power output warranty. An app allows you to monitor your shingles&#; energy levels at a glance.

CertainTeed

CertainTeed solar shingles are created with the same monocrystalline technology used for solar panels. There are two designs, one that coordinates with concrete tile roofs and another that matches with asphalt.

SunTegra

SunTegra is another option for those looking for a more budget-friendly option in solar roofing. Its simple, lightweight configuration reduces the time it takes to install and integrates well with either asphalt or concrete roofs.

Luma

Luma solar shingles are different from others on the market in terms of their high efficiency (21%) and durability&#;they can withstand Category 5 hurricanes. They are also billed as the only solar shingle that can be upgraded, which is a great feature to have as the technology improves.

Timberline Solar by GAF Energy

Timberline Solar By GAF Energy is meant to make solar simple. The durable solar shingles are water-shedding and designed to withstand up to 130 mph. Timberline Solar is installed similarly to regular roof shingles and nailed directly to the roof.

Looking For Hassle-Free Solar Installation

Find a network of trusted installers for solar system, solar panels and electricity needs. Find a solar panel installer today!

Advertisement

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.

Explore Options

Are Solar Shingles Worth It?

The decision to invest in solar shingles depends on several factors, making it a potentially worthwhile option in some scenarios and less so in others. For homeowners prioritizing aesthetics and seeking a seamless integration with their roof, solar shingles offer a visually appealing alternative to traditional solar panels. They may be particularly valuable in areas with abundant sunlight, allowing for significant energy savings and potential increases in property value. However, the higher initial cost compared to traditional roofing materials and solar panels might be a deterrent for some. Additionally, if your roof doesn&#;t receive optimal sunlight or if you plan to move in the near future, the long-term financial benefits may not be as impactful. Assessing your specific energy needs, budget and long-term plans can help determine if solar shingles are the right choice for your home.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of China solar tile company. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.