What is solar tiles vs panels and Why Do We Use Them?

Aug. 19, 2024

Solar Panels vs. Solar Shingles () - MarketWatch

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.&#;

What Are Solar Panels?

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:

Roofs with asphalt shingles or ceramic tiles require penetrating mounts that your installer will drill in place.
If you have a standing seam metal roof, a solar racking system can use clamp mounts with no drilling required.

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.

What Are Solar Shingles?

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 Energy
SunPower
SunTegra
CertainTeed
GAF Energy
Luma Solar
Forward Solar

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.

Solar Panel vs. Solar Shingles Cost

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.

Comparing Solar Panels and Solar Shingles

From a financial standpoint, there are two scenarios when solar shingles may be a better option than traditional solar panels:

If you are building a home and installing a new roof or,
If your home needs a roof replacement.

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.

Pros and Cons of Solar Panels

Solar panels are the traditional option for homeowners looking to lower power bills by generating clean energy.

Pros

Cons

Pros and Cons of Solar Shingles

Solar roof tiles are a new technology that is more expensive than solar panels but also acts as a roofing material.

Pros

Cons

Installation Considerations

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.

Environmental Impact and Energy Savings

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.

The Bottom Line: Which Solar Solution Is Right For You?

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.

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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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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Shingles vs. Solar Panels

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.

Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Solar Companies

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 and payment options (20 points):
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).
Services (20 points):
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.
Reputation (20 points):
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.
Warranty (15 points):
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.
Customer Support (10 points):
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.
Industry Experience (10 points):
Providers with 10 or more years of experience in the solar installation industry earn a perfect score in this category.
Sustainability (5 points):
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 Vs. Solar Shingles (7 Major Differences)

Solar shingles and solar panels share the same principles. They absorb sunlight and convert that energy into electrical power for a home or office. However, the noteworthy differences have less to do with technology than practicality:

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1. Cost

Solar panels are less expensive than solar shingles. Shingles are a newer technology, and their installation process is more complex. Therefore, traditional solar panels have the cost advantage for people who already have a well-functioning roof. There are many providers and solar installation companies to choose from, which increases competition and drives down costs. However, for those who were already eyeing a roof replacement, solar shingles can make good long-term sense. Rather than getting a new roof and solar panels, the combined cost of solar shingles could be more cost- and time-effective.

2. Efficiency

Although solar panels and solar shingles work on the same principle of photovoltaic effect, solar shingles are less efficient. That&#;s because solar shingles are directly attached to the roof and there&#;s no airflow underneath them. This results in more heat dissipation and less efficiency.

Also, solar panels are installed facing the sun, and they can later be removed and repositioned. However, solar shingles are built into the roof, so their location is fixed. Depending on the climate or home design, shingles may not always be positioned to capture maximum sunlight. This, too, reduces efficiency.

3. Flexibility

Replacing asphalt tiles, solar shingles are tailored to fit tilted or sloped roofs. However, solar panels can be installed on any roof type &#; including flat roofs. Moreover, once installed solar shingles as asphalt tiles get affixed in their position, they cannot be removed or detached from the roof. On the other hand, if you move to a new residence, solar panels can be easily relocated and attached at the new location. So, solar panels offer much more flexibility in mounting and repositioning.

4. Dimensions

Solar shingles are similar in shape and size to traditional roofing tiles. The average size of a standard solar shingle is about to 86 inches long,12 inches wide and less than one inch thick. A typical solar tile&#;including all mounting equipment&#;puts about 15-20 pounds per square foot of weight on your roof. Alternatively, the average size of a typical residential solar panel is about 65 inches long, 39 inches wide and less than two inches thick. A typical solar panel weighs around 40 pounds and puts 3-4 pounds per square foot of weight on the roof. While you might think solar shingles are heavier, remember, shingles essentially are the roof. This means solar panels put dead weight on the roof. This is extra weight beyond the roof&#;s own weight.

5. Aesthetics

Solar panels are primarily designed for functionality not aesthetic. They look bulky and can sometimes take up the entire area of a building&#; roof. The overall curb appeal of your home or office building may seem awkward after adding solar panels. Solar shingles are specifically made to look seamless. Their slim design gives your roof a nice and attractive look, just like traditional tiles on a fresh roof. Aesthetics is one of the main reasons why many people are interested in buying solar shingles.

6. Longevity

Generally, the solar cell structure is made to offer durability for both solar panels and solar shingles. Both are designed for an average lifespan of 25 to 30 years. Although the technology is new, compared to traditional asphalt shingles, solar shingles are consider a better choice for roof longevity.

7. Warranty

Another important thing you need to know before installing a solar system is what kind of warranty each manufacturer offers. Solar panels and shingles are both great ways to go green, but it&#;s important to know what kind of warranty you can expect from each type.

Solar panels typically come with a warranty that protects your investment. The product warranty provides coverage against manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship and typically lasts 25 years. If any issues arise due to such defects, the manufacturer will repair or replace the panels.

Solar shingle warranties provide essential protection and peace of mind for your solar energy system. The product warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship and typically lasts up to 20 years. During this period, the manufacturer will address any manufacturing defects.

It&#;s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of these warranties to understand what is covered and any limitations that may apply before making a purchase decision. Opting for solar systems from reputable manufacturers known for honoring warranty claims can provide peace of mind and protect your investment in solar energy.

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