Solar panel costs vary based on the system size, panel type, and wattage you need. Learn about solar panel installation costs, so you can budget with ease.
Are Solar Shingles Worth It?
These alternatives to solar panels generate a lot of interest
Photo: fotomolka / Adobe Stock
Photo: fotomolka / Adobe Stock
Highlights
Solar shingles generate energy from the sun without traditional bulky panels.
Solar shingles are more expensive than solar panels and are a fairly new technology.
While solar panels are widely available, solar shingles have more limited availability.
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Many homeowners are turning to solar power for eco-friendly energy savings, but not everyone likes the look of large solar panels on their roofs. Solar shingles offer a lower-profile alternative to traditional solar panels. But are solar shingles worth it? Learn more about solar shingles and if they’re the right choice for solar energy in your home.
What Are Solar Shingles?
Solar shingles, like solar panels, convert sunlight into energy that can be used in your home. Unlike solar panels, solar shingles are small and unobtrusive, around the same size and shape as traditional roof shingles. They offer an aesthetically pleasing alternative to solar panels for homeowners who don’t want bulky solar panels on their roofs.
Solar shingles are a relatively new technology, introduced in the U.S. in 2011. Because they’re so much newer than solar panels, they aren’t as widely available, and some areas may not have installers with experience installing solar shingles.
Pros and Cons of Solar Shingles
Before investing in solar shingles for your roof, consider the following benefits and drawbacks:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Blend into the roof | Cannot adjust the position |
| Durable and come with a warranty | Not as efficient as solar panels |
| Higher cost | Limited options |
| Increases home value | Requires specialized installation |
Solar Shingles vs. Solar Panels
Photo: Negro Elkha / Adobe Stock
If you’re trying to decide between solar panels and solar shingles, there’s a lot to take into consideration beyond appearance. These two technologies have a lot of similarities but also some significant differences.
| Factor | Solar Shingles | Solar Panels |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 12 in. by 86 in. | 39 in. by 65 in. |
| Power Output | Up to 70 watts | Up to 400 watts |
| Longevity | 20 years | 25–30 years |
| Material | Copper indium gallium selenide or monocrystalline cells | Silicon cells |
| Efficiency | Up to 18% | Up to 24% |
"Metal shingle roofing has reflective pigments to act as radiant barriers and their shape creates an air gap or thermal break between the metal and the roof deck, stopping conductive heat transfer, making them great for summer efficiency."
— Todd Miller, President of Isaiah Industries, Piqua, OH
How Much Do Solar Shingles Cost?
The aesthetic advantage of solar shingles comes at a premium price. Solar shingles are more expensive than solar panels, costing $20 to $25 per square foot. An average solar shingle installation can cost between $21,000 and $75,000. In comparison, a standard solar panel system costs between $18,400 and $36,400, and the cost to shingle a roof with traditional shingles averages between $7,500 and $18,000.
How Are Solar Shingles Installed?
Solar shingles can replace or be attached to a portion or the majority of your existing shingles. Most solar shingle installations require 300 to 350 shingles, but the total number of shingles needed will depend on your home’s energy needs. Solar shingle installation takes about a week, and you’ll want to hire a roofer or local solar pro with experience installing this technology. A local roofer will measure your roof for shingles to determine how many you need.
Are Solar Shingles Right for You?
Photos: kevinjeon00 / E+ / Getty Images, deepblue4you / E+ / Getty Images
Solar panels are more cost-effective, but solar shingles are valued for their aesthetics. Here are some considerations if you’re wondering if solar shingles are a good option for your home:
If you have a flat roof, you’ll need to use solar panels as solar shingles won’t work.
You can use solar energy with solar shingles without a big solar panel system on your roof.
If efficiency is a major factor in your decision, solar panels offer more efficient energy production.
You don’t have to install solar shingles on your whole roof, but you’ll need enough to meet your energy usage.
Installing solar shingles could allow you to go solar if your HOA prohibits solar panel installations.
Solar shingles require specialized installation and cost more, so you’ll spend more than you would on solar panels.
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