So you’ve decided to go green–Congratulations!
You can now join the 2 million Americans, both residential and commercial, who have switched to solar power.
And you’ve probably seen the conversation over solar shingles vs solar panels.
Scroll down for a quick guide on the difference between solar panels and solar shingles and a look into their pros and cons!
What Are Solar Shingles?
Introduced by Tesla in 2005, solar shingles are exactly as they sound. They look like ordinary asphalt shingles that permanently attach to the roof of a home.
How Do They Work?
Solar shingles operate the same way solar panels do. They use the same technology, but in a sleeker, more seamless style. This is the biggest difference between solar shingles and solar panels.
Solar panels sit on top of the roof, but solar shingles are built into the roof. They keep the roof’s normal flat shape.
The Pros
Solar shingles are made to look like normal asphalt shingles. They integrate seamlessly onto your roof. Replacing your solar shingles is easy, making them more cost-efficient.
Solar shingles also give you all the same energy savings as traditional solar panels.
The Cons
Because solar shingles are new, not every company has them available so there could be a long wait time. Solar shingles cost about 10 times more than conventional roofing materials. And nearly 3 times more than a solar panel array.
Since solar shingles aren’t positioned at the top of your roof. If it’s prone to shade, you risk not getting enough sunlight, which can be money lost on your investment.
Pros and Cons of Solar Panels
Since 1954, solar panel efficiency has increased to over 45%. Efficiency rose 15% in one year from 2016 to 2017.
The Pros
Installation costs for solar panels can range from $10,000-$20,000. This may seem like a lot, but the reality is: they’re still cheaper than their newer counterparts. Solar panels have been around longer, making it easier to get a quote for your solar installation.
Solar panels sit on top of the roof and can easily be adjusted to be in the best position to get the most sunlight.
The Cons
If you are a fan of the sleek integrated design of shingles, the bulky, cluttered solar panel may not be for you.
The process to install your solar panels can stretch from a couple of days to a couple of months. It all depends on the number of panels, size of the home, and the installation team.
To get the most out of your solar panel, you are going to need adequate space on your roof, especially if you are looking at more grid-scale panels.
Deciding Between Solar Shingles vs Solar Panels
Now that you’ve got an overview of the pros and cons of solar shingles vs solar panels you can start planning.
Find the option that works best for you and see how choosing between solar panels or solar shingles is just as easy as deciding to go green!
Keep tabs on our blog for more information!