Should You Use Solar Shingles?

Should I Do Solar Roof Shingles or Solar Panels?

Solar power as a source of energy is quickly emerging in popularity. It is not only environmentally friendly, but it is also a cost-effective energy option for homeowners. With more manufacturers offering solar power as a natural source of energy, homeowners have more options than ever before when choosing which type of solar panel system to install.

Solar Roofs Vs. Solar Roof Shingles: Which Is A Better Decision?

Solar roofs and shingles are the most common solar options. Understanding the benefits of each solar roofing option can help you make the best decision for your house.

What Are Solar Shingles?

A solar shingle, sometimes referred to as a photovoltaic shingle, collects solar energy and converts it into electricity for home use. Solar shingles are efficient and aesthetically appealing. While solar shingles provide homeowners with many of the same benefits as a solar roof, they are designed to mimic a traditional asphalt roof. They draw energy from sunlight, then convert it into electricity.

Solar roofs are made up of individual solar panels dispersed throughout the roof to draw maximum sunlight. Solar shingles are installed as a roof replacement.

Perhaps the most significant difference between solar shingles and conventional solar panels is their maintenance needs. Solar shingles require little maintenance, making them a good option for homeowners who want a more hands-off renewable energy choice. They also tend to last for a more extended period than when compared with a conventional shingle, typically between 25 and 30 years.

Benefits Of Solar Roof Shingles

Solar roofing shingles provide homeowners with many benefits.

A few of these benefits include:

• Environmentally-friendly: Solar shingles are environmentally friendly, reducing your carbon footprint.
• Lower energy/utility bills: Solar shingles allow you to generate your own power, and homeowners can reduce energy/utility bills by as much as 40-60%.
• Tax-efficient: Certain homeowners will be eligible for tax credits and rebates with particular solar module installations.
• Increase the value of your house: Replacing a conventional asphalt roof with solar roof shingles can increase your house’s value. Some experts believe that a traditional solar panel system can increase a home’s value by as much as 4.1%. Solar shingles tend to last longer than regular solar panels, thus increasing the resale value.

Comparing Solar Roofs To Solar Shingles

Consider the following characteristics when deciding between the two:

• Price: While solar shingles might cost more up-front, they tend to save homeowners more in the long run. Solar roof shingles installation is a one-time project and allows homeowners to continue to benefit for years to come. Solar glass roofs also require minimal upkeep, making them an even more cost-effective option. As solar power energy sources become the norm, homeowners can also expect the price of Tesla shingles and other solar shingles to continue to fall.
• Performance: Solar shingles perform as well as other solar panels, but they also take on the duties of a traditional asphalt roof. Solar panel shingles source electricity while maintaining the structure and integrity of the house and protecting each of its other essential elements.
• Efficiency: With their high performance, solar shingles are just as efficient as other solar options, if not more. Because they are designed with newer technology, and the shingles replace the traditional asphalt roof, they can be more efficient and practical.
• Durability: Solar shingles are considered to be low maintenance and highly durable. This means that they can hold up in inclement weather conditions. Solar shingles are smaller in size than solar panels and are more closely related to typical roofing shingles.
• Installation: Solar installation is another main difference between solar panels and solar shingles. Solar panel installation can usually occur with any type of roof, regardless of the kind of property or the roof’s age, as long as it is in decent condition. Many solar shingles, however, require a new roof.
  • Remember to adapt your installation so it works with other roof components. If you have solar tubes, leave plenty of space so that they don’t interfere with the natural lighting they provide.
• Maintenance: One of the disadvantages of a traditional solar panel is that homeowners will need to maintain them. However, with solar shingles, minimal maintenance is required once the roof is installed. Even with minimal maintenance, solar shingles are expected to last up to 25-30 years.
  • To properly ventilate shingles, consider adding solar roof vents to regulate attic temperature.
• Aesthetics: Aesthetics is one of the significant differences between solar panels and a shingle roof. A solar panel is often used for efficiency, whereas a roof shingle offers both efficiency and curb appeal. Because solar shingles sit on the roof and mimic a real roof design, they are a preferred option for homeowners who want a modern design.

Solar shingles offer homeowners many benefits, including efficiency, durability, curb appeal, and low maintenance.

Which Solar Choices Are Eligible For A Federal Tax Credit?

Installing a solar energy system in your home is not only a practical and efficient choice but also a financially smart one. Homeowners who opt for a renewable energy source may be eligible for a huge tax credit.

This tax credit is available to homeowners who install a photovoltaic device (PV) or solar PV system. This includes solar roof installation or solar shingle installation. It has to be substantial enough to make an energy difference (so a single solar battery charger wouldn’t cut it). Solar shingles make a huge difference in carbon output and are safer and cheaper in the long run than other power sources. Homeowners can easily claim the credit when filing their yearly taxes.

Top Companies For Solar Roofs

Fortunately, homeowners have many options for choosing the best solar roof company and residential solar installer. Here are a few of the top companies:

Tesla

Many people know of Tesla from their lineup of electric vehicles, but they are also one of the top companies for solar roofs. Tesla’s solar roof is designed to replace your entire roof. Tesla solar shingles are made with a building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) design. Essentially, this means that Tesla has found a way to take the benefits of a standard solar panel and convert them into a full solar shingle design.

The Tesla roof is a good option for homeowners who want to take advantage of the benefits of solar energy, without giving up the modern look of their home. The Tesla solar roof shingle is designed in a way to mimic a traditional asphalt roof.

Tesla solar roof tiles offer the following benefits:

• Modern design: The Tesla solar roof is typically made with quartz materials and is available in four types of patterns, including slate glass, Tuscan glass, textured glass, and smooth glass tiles. This makes it a good option for homeowners who want something that looks modern.
• Warranty: Tesla roofs have warranties that can protect your solar power investment. The warranties range from 20-30 years.
• Exceptionally durable: The materials that Tesla uses in its design are very durable. Tesla roof tiles are an excellent option for homes in geographical locations with high wind and rain.
• Smartphone integration: Tesla has designed their roofs so you can connect your smartphone to your solar shingles. Then, you can use it to gauge your energy usage.

CertainTeed’s Apollo II

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the benefits of a solar roof. The CertainTeed brand was once known as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, and they are not new to the roofing industry since they have been around since 1904. They are also one of the most affordable solar roof options.

CertainTeed’s solar roof offers the following benefits:

• Efficient: The CertainTeed Apollo II solar roof is one of the most productive choices in the market today. Their solar shingles are designed with a 14 high-efficiency solar cell that is made with durable monocrystalline materials. This translates to about 60 watts of power per shingle,
• Versatile: The Apollo II solar roof is also adaptable. It can be installed on a new or existing roof.
• Warranty: CertainTeed also stands behind its product. They offer a 15-25 year warranty on its roof.
• Trustworthy: The CertainTeed brand has been around for a long time. This means that you can expect their product to be reliable.

Luma Solar

Luma Solar roofs are another option that comes equipped with both solar and non-solar properties.

Luma solar shingles offer the following benefits:

• Versatility: Luma Solar roofs are a versatile choice because they can replace an existing roof or be partially installed on an existing roof.
• Efficiency: Luma Solar roof shingles are another excellent choice because they feature a unique and efficient design. This patented design allows airflow to move underneath the shingles, leading to a 21% conversion efficiency. Additionally, Luma shingles can activate earlier in the day because of their reduced sunlight needs, which means homeowners can benefit from solar energy for more hours per day.

SunTegra

SunTegra has become well-known for its visually appealing and efficient design.

You can expect the following benefits from the SunTegra roof:

• Visually appealing design: The SunTegra roof blends into your existing home, making it a visually appealing decision. Homeowners can choose from a solar roof tile or shingle system.
• Innovative: The SunTegra brand is always innovating and improving its current solar energy product. Currently, their roofs offer a power output between 64-67 Watts with an efficiency rating between 13.9-14.5%
• Durable: The SunTegra system requires fewer materials than a traditional asphalt shingle installation process. It uses 50% fewer materials than other energy products.
• Warranty: Homeowners will also enjoy a warranty with SunTegra products. The warranty covers up to 10 years in product defects and 25 years in power output.

Whether you are thinking about upgrading your existing roof to a solar one or are thinking about installing a solar shingle roof with your new build, there are many reasons to consider a solar system energy source. When you can generate your own power, you can reduce your carbon footprint and overall household energy costs.