There are two main types of photovoltaic (PV) systems you can use on residential rooftops: solar panels or solar shingles. You can install traditional solar panels held in place by a racking system or you can use roof shingles with built-in solar cells.
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In this article, we at the MarketWatch Guides team will provide a detailed comparison of both solar panels and solar shingles. Learn about the pros and cons of each, the cost differences and compare the best solar panels for homes.
*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 solar panel is a device composed of PV cells that generate electricity when exposed to sunlight. Most of the panels used in home solar systems have a 60-cell design, while 72-cell panels are more common in commercial and utility-scale projects.
With a traditional solar system, an installer attaches solar panels to your roof using a racking system. The types of mounts required depend on your roof material:
You can classify solar panels into three main types based on the solar cell material: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film.
Solar Panel TypeEfficiency RatingAverage LifespanCost per Watt*MonocrystallineUp to 22.8%25+ years$1&#;$1.50PolycrystallineLess than 20%25+ years$0.90&#;$1Thin-film6%&#;15% depending on the material10&#;20 years$0.70&#;$1*Cost figures are sourced from Architectural Digest.
The above cost figures do not include installation costs, which are similar for all types of panels. On average, a complete solar system has an installed price of $2.85 per watt.
All types of solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, while your home appliances require alternating current (AC) electricity to run. Regardless of the panel you chose, you will need a solar inverter to convert the power output from DC energy to AC energy.
Solar roof shingles are roof shingles with integrated solar cells. Solar shingles are part of a broader technology known as Building Integrated Photovoltaics, or BIPV. Since solar roof shingles include PV cells, you do not need separate solar panels. However, a solar shingle installation is more expensive since it includes both roofing material and a renewable energy system.
There are several solar roofing companies in the U.S., including:
Tesla, GAF Energy and Forward Solar only offer complete roof replacements, so you must remove your entire roof to use these products.
SunTegra, CertainTeed, SunPower and Luma Solar offer solar roof systems that are compatible with traditional roofing materials. This means you can upgrade roof areas suitable for PV cells without a complete replacement.
As mentioned previously, solar panels cost $2.85 per watt on average. Based on our March survey of 1,000 homeowners with solar, an average system costs $15,000 to $20,000.
The cost of a solar roof does not only depend on photovoltaic capacity but also the complexity of your roof design. The cost of solar shingles can range from $4 to $7 per watt, with brands like Tesla averaging around $6.40 per watt.
In most cases, conventional solar panels are less expensive than a solar roof.
From a financial standpoint, there are two scenarios when solar shingles may be a better option than traditional solar panels:
In both cases, the cost of a new roof is unavoidable. If you are also considering solar panels, you can combine both installations into a single project by using solar shingles. Regular PV panels are more cost-effective if your roof is in good condition and expected to last for 25 years or more. In this case, the higher cost of a solar roof extends your payback period.
Solar roofing materials make the PV cells nearly invisible, which can be an attractive option for homeowners who don&#;t like the appearance of solar panels. But keep in mind the increased cost of a solar roof offers no added benefits unless you need a roof replacement.
In terms of warranty coverage and durability, solar shingles and traditional PV modules are evenly matched. For example, the Tesla solar roof comes with a 25-year product warranty, which is comparable to warranties offered by leading solar panel brands.
Solar panels are the traditional option for homeowners looking to lower power bills by generating clean energy.
Solar roof tiles are a new technology that is more expensive than solar panels but also acts as a roofing material.
In general, solar panel installation is easier than that of solar roof shingles. To use solar shingles, you must remove the existing roof material, which makes installation more timely and expensive.
On the other hand, if you need a roof replacement, installing solar shingles is easier than replacing your roof and adding solar panels. The same applies to new construction &#; installing a solar roof is a quicker option than installing a regular roof plus PV modules.
In both cases, your installer should position solar cells in an unshaded roof area for maximum productivity. When using standard solar panels, the installation company will use roof areas that see the most sunshine. With a solar roof, the installation company uses a combination of solar shingles and traditional roofing materials. The installer will place solar shingles on sections that receive the most sunshine and use regular shingles for the remainder of the roof.
Solar PV systems and solar roof shingles offer comparable savings and environmental benefits when comparing systems of the same size. With favorable site conditions, a 6 kilowatt (kW) solar energy system can generate more than 8,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy per year. If your utility company charged a rate of 20 cents per kWh, your energy bill savings could exceed $1,600 annually.
Solar panels and solar PV shingles are both eligible for financial incentives like the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). However, in the case of solar roofs, some incentives will only cover components directly involved in renewable power generation. So you could only claim product costs for solar shingles, not the remaining roof shingles.
Solar power systems have an initial carbon footprint due to manufacturing, transportation and installation. Once a solar product is operational, it generates electric power with zero emissions. By comparison, a coal-fired power plant generates 2.26 pounds of carbon dioxide CO2 per kilowatt-hour of energy generated, while a gas-fired power plant generates 0.97 pounds of CO2 per kilowatt-hour.
As with any home improvement project, there are pros and cons to installing solar panels versus solar shingles. Solar panels are more affordable and the recommended option if you want to achieve a maximum return on investment. With solar shingles, you must replace your existing roofing material to use solar tiles, which increases upfront costs.
However, solar roof shingles are cost-effective under certain conditions. If you are considering solar panels and also need a roof replacement, solar shingles may achieve a lower cost than buying a new roof and traditional solar panels.
The average cost of a solar panel system is $2.85 per watt, while solar roofs range from around $4 to $7 per watt. Both systems qualify for the federal solar tax credit but you can only claim photovoltaic components, meaning your total solar roof project costs may not qualify for full tax credits or rebates.
Some solar companies such as Tesla Energy, SunPower and Green Home Systems offer both traditional solar panels and solar roof installations.
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No. Solar panels offer an energy efficiency of up to 22.8%, while most solar roof shingles operate at around 14% to 18% efficiency.
Solar shingles are more expensive than solar panels since they also act as your roofing material. Solar panels are only designed for power generation and can be installed with minimal roof modifications.
Yes. The installed cost of solar shingles is generally two to three times higher than the cost of solar panels.
Solar panels are designed exclusively as power generation devices and installed on top of your roofing material using a racking system. Solar shingles also act as roofing elements, meaning you must replace your home&#;s existing shingles or tiles.
We closely evaluate solar installation companies with a focus on the factors most important to homeowners like you. We based our solar company methodology on input from multiple homeowner surveys, discussions with industry experts and research into the renewable energy market. Our review process involves assessing each company on the following criteria, which we then use to calculate a rating out of 5 stars.
Cost is one of the most important factors when installing a solar energy system. Solar providers that offer cash purchases and in-house loan financing earn full points in this category. Companies also receive bonus points for offering solar panel leasing or power purchase agreements (PPAs).
In addition to solar installations, companies offering backup battery and electric vehicle charger installations, energy efficiency audits and system monitoring earn the most points in this category. Companies can also receive points for completing installations in-house, as opposed to using third-party contractors.
To assess the reputation of each company, we consider Google star ratings, Better Business Bureau (BBB) scores and reviews, and
NABCEP certification status
. We also look at customer complaint rates on sites like the BBB and weigh how the company responds.
We verify that each company offers workmanship, product and performance warranties on all of its solar installs. A provider earns more points for extending warranties that meet or exceed industry standards, including 10 years for system workmanship and products and 25 years for panel performance.
Solar companies that offer virtual consultations, a mobile app, 24/7 customer support and high customer satisfaction with backend support earn the most points in this category.
Providers with 10 or more years of experience in the solar installation industry earn a perfect score in this category.
To measure sustainability, we assess each company based on whether it shares a detailed sustainability statement or ESG disclosures on its website. We also conduct research to see if companies offer end-of-life panel disposal programs or have eco-friendly community partnerships.
Solar panels are becoming a more and more common sight on UK homes as the technology becomes both more affordable and more effective at generating renewable energy. However, a newer technology known as solar roof tiles has been growing in popularity in the US as an alternative to panels, and the UK market looks set to go the same way.
Here we explore the differences between solar tiles and solar panels including the key considerations, advantages, disadvantages and costs of each option.
Both solar panels and solar tiles include photovoltaic (PV) cells which capture energy from the sun so it can be converted into electricity, enabling you to power your home using more free, renewable energy, lower energy bills and reduce your reliance on energy suppliers and fossil fuels.
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Solar panels are well established in the UK and are fitted to mounting brackets which sit on top of the roof tiles or slates. There is usually a gap between the panels and the roof, and they can be installed and angled on the best side of the roof to ensure they receive maximum sunlight.
Solar tiles are like mini solar panels, but they are installed as part of a roof alongside traditional roof tiles rather than sitting on top of them. They are designed to blend in with the roof's aesthetics and can only be installed if you're fitting a completely new or replacement roof.
Solar tiles are a relatively new product and as such only a limited number of manufacturers offer them in the UK. Tesla are the biggest brand offering solar tiles and you are able to pre-order in the UK via their website (with a deposit), but Tesla are yet to confirm when installations will begin.
Energy Generation and Efficiency
Energy efficiency is important as the higher the efficiency level the better the panels or tiles are at producing electricity for your home. The more electricity they produce the less you'll need to spend on energy bills. Currently solar panels are able to generate more energy, meaning they can take up less roof space and are more cost effective.
However, solar roof tile technology is developing all the time and there have been increases in their generation levels with some CIGS models able to reach conversion efficiency close to traditional panels.
Solar tiles have a typical efficiency of 10 &#; 20% (on average) while panels usually have efficiencies of at least 16%. The best solar panels can achieve efficiency levels of up to 22% which means you'll see a faster return on your investment.
Installation & Roof Suitability
Firstly, if you don't want to replace your whole roof then solar tiles aren't the option for you. And, even if you are replacing your roof, not all homes are suitable for a solar roof as the pitch and angle must be ideal for the tiles; they cannot be angled and adjusted like traditional solar panels.
Installing solar panels is a much simpler process as they are mounted on brackets on top of the existing roof. They also offer more flexibility in terms of placement and can be arranged for maximum exposure to sunlight.
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Aesthetics
One of the biggest selling points for solar roof tiles is how they look. Traditional panels are labelled an 'eyesore' by many people due to their bulkier design; they protrude out from the roof and are usually black or blue in colours whilst solar tiles are designed to blend with or even replicate tiles.
Another consideration with solar panels could be that there is a gap between the panel and roof which could become a nesting area for birds or small animals. This can be prevented with mesh or wire, but again this may not be ideal in terms of maintaining a good-looking roof.
However, there is another option if you are looking for solar panels with a more subtle, integrated solar panel look. Some companies are now offering in-roof solar panels which sit much flusher to the roof.
Durability
Solar panels have an expected lifetime of 20-25 years and have proven to be very durable.
Solar tiles on the other hand have not been used long enough for us to know their average lifetime although many suppliers offer them with a 20 year guarantee. Tesla have gone as far as to claim their solar tiles will last as long as your home is standing!
Solar panels are also easy to replace if they are damaged or develop a fault, but solar tiles are built to withstand the elements and act as functional tiles or shingles, protecting the roof underneath. There are lots of claims that solar tiles are even stronger and more durable than standard tiles.
The cost of both solar panels and solar tiles continues to fall, but solar tiles are considerably more expensive. One of the big reasons for this is clearly because the installation is a more complex total roof replacement, but the other is that the technology is newer and the market less competitive.
This table illustrates the potential costs of installing a solar panel system and compared to a solar roof:
Size of System (Capacity for Energy Generation) Example Roof Space (m²) Average Cost of Solar Panel Installation Average Cost of Solar Tile Roof 1kW 8+ £2,000 &#; £3,000 £5,000 &#; £6,000 2kW 12+ £3,000 &#; £4,000 £6,000 &#; £8,000 3kW 20+ £4,000 &#; £6,000 £8,000 &#; £12,000 4kW 25+ £6,000 &#; £8,000 £12,000 &#; £16,000Solar tiles are roughly around twice the price of solar panels and, as they're less energy efficient than panels, it will take longer to see a return on your investment in terms of energy savings. The average family home of 3 or more people needs at least a 3kW system so a solar roof could cost in excess of £10,000 &#; 12,000.
These costs are estimations. The actual cost will be unique to your home and energy needs and will also vary depending upon your location, the complexity of job and the installer you choose.
However, the cost of solar tiles shouldn't necessarily be a dealbreaker for everyone.
If you're replacing your roof anyway, the cost of a solar roof could be comparable to the cost of a traditional roof. So you get the new roof you're planning on buying anyway, but with the added benefits of solar energy for your home and, potentially, a stronger and more weatherproofed structure.
It's also worth noting that the Energy Saving Trust estimate a solar roof could add as much as 10% to the value of your house which could be a big payback should you wish to sell in the future.
When solar tiles become widely available in the UK, your choice will be determined by the factors that matter to you. Every homeowner's priorities and motivations are different but broadly speaking&#;
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Whether it's tiles or panels you go for, you'll be benefiting from free, renewable energy for your home, lowering your energy bills and carbon emissions. Remember, solar technology is a long term investment for your family and the planet.
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