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.
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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.
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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 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:
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.
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%.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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Find a Solar Panel InstallerSolar 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.
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.)
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 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.
Here is a rundown of the advantages and disadvantages of solar shingles for your home:
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.
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Find a Solar Panel InstallerHere are a number of brands that manufacture solar shingles for use in residential installations:
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 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 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 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 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.
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