Solar Shingles: Pros, Cons, How to Choose
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What are solar shingles?
Solar shingles are roof shingles made of photovoltaic (PV) cells, the same electricity-generating material on solar panels. There are two main types of solar shingles: CIGS (copper-indium-gallium-selenide), which use thin-film technology to generate electricity, and silicon, which resemble traditional solar panels proportioned to fit with conventional roofing materials.
How much does it cost to put solar shingles on a roof?
Solar shingles typically cost about $35,000 to $75,000 for a full roof, making them a more expensive option than solar panels. However, for many people they are a durable and more attractive alternative to solar panels.
» MORE: Best solar companies of 2024
Solar shingle pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Does double duty as a roof and solar system. | Typically not as efficient as traditional solar panels. |
Pleasant aesthetics. | Higher upfront cost than solar panels. |
Can increase property value. | Limited style options. |
Helps you save money on energy. | May not be a good fit for all roof types or conditions. |
May be eligible for tax credits and solar incentives. | Requires specialized installation expertise. |
Easier to maintain than solar panels. | Newer technology; not as time-tested as solar panels. |
Cost-effective if you are building a new roof. | Can’t be positioned to increase efficiency. |
» MORE: Are solar panels worth it?
Solar shingles vs. solar panels
Although solar panels are mounted on your roof (or on your property), solar shingles function as your roof, providing shelter from the elements and producing solar electricity. Here’s how these two technologies stack up.
Price
Winner: Solar panels
Solar panels use an older technology and are less expensive to purchase upfront than solar shingles. If your roof is in good condition, solar panels might be a more cost-effective option. However, if you’re planning to replace your roof anyway, solar shingles might make more sense.
Appearance
Winner: Solar shingles
Solar shingles are designed to look like standard roofing materials, while solar panels are engineered to capture maximum sunlight. Your choice depends on whether you’re more concerned with getting the most efficient system possible, or stronger curb appeal.
Flexibility
Winner: Solar panels
Solar shingles only work with tilted or sloped roofs, so if you’ve got a flat roof, they’re not an option. Solar panels, on the other hand, are compatible with all roof types — and they can also be installed on the ground.
Efficiency
Winner: Solar panels
While both solutions generate solar energy, solar shingles typically aren’t as efficient as solar panels because there’s no air flow under them. Because of this, they get hotter and produce energy at a lower rate. Unlike solar panels, which can be positioned to catch the most sunlight, solar shingles are fixed and have to be positioned as your regular roof shingles would. Depending on the orientation of your roof, this may also result in less than maximum potential efficiency.
Lifespan/durability
Winner: Tie
Both technologies are designed to last for about 25 to 30 years on average. But solar shingles may be more durable since they can better withstand extreme weather conditions compared with solar panels and can also be fire-resistant.
Types of solar shingles
There are two main types of solar shingles:
CIGS (copper-indium-gallium-selenide) solar shingles. These shingles use more recently developed thin-film technology to generate home solar power. They can also be made into more flexible and lighter shingles to blend into existing or new roofs.
Silicon solar shingles. These rigid solar shingles are more like traditional solar panels and are sized to fit with conventional roofing materials.
Solar shingles providers
Here are three examples of solar shingles providers and what their shingles look like.
Luma Solar
Luma Solar says it's the first company to develop rooftop solar shingles in North America. Designed for hurricane-force winds, these shingles can withstand winds of 200 mph and higher. The company offers a power warranty of 25 years and a limited lifetime shingle warranty.
Courtesy Luma.
SunTegra
SunTegra’s solar shingles are rated for weather conditions, including snow, wind and fire. The company also offers a limited product warranty of 10 years and a 25-year limited power warranty.
Courtesy SunTegra.
Tesla
Tesla’s fully integrated solar roof shingles are designed to withstand fire, high winds and hail. They come with a power and tile warranty for 25 years.
Courtesy Tesla.
» MORE: How to compare solar quotes
Are solar shingles worth it?
Here are some factors all prospective buyers can consider when shopping for solar shingles:
Appearance. Look for shingles that go well with your home. You can find solar shingles in styles that range from modern to traditional, so there should be something out there that suits your house.
Budget. You’ll need to find a solution that you can afford. When considering the financial impact of this decision, research possible tax incentives that could offset your upfront costs, and factor in projected energy savings over the coming years.
Suitability of your roof. Evaluate your roof’s orientation, size, shape and amount of sun it receives to make sure you’d generate enough electric power from solar shingles to make your investment worthwhile.
Energy requirements. Calculate your home’s energy usage to make sure you select a solar shingle system that’s sufficient to meet or offset your energy consumption without being too powerful for your needs.
Efficiency ratings. Look for the most energy-efficient shingles within your budget to get the best return on your investment.
Provider. Choose a reputable manufacturer, known for a high-quality, durable product that comes with solid warranty protection.
» MORE: Does solar increase home values?
Can I get financing for a solar panel system?
In addition to tax incentives and rebates, there are options available. Many solar installers offer financing, but you may also be able to finance your solar investment through a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). These options may have lower interest rates than financing with an installer, future opportunities for refinancing and possible tax benefits.
Home equity loans and HELOCs are ways to borrow against the value of your home, converting equity into cash. With a home equity loan, you receive a lump-sum payment and then pay it back at a fixed interest rate over an agreed period of time, typically from five to 30 years. HELOCs are more akin to a credit card, something you use as needed. You’ll usually have 10 years to draw from the line of credit, during which time you only have to pay interest, and after that you pay both the principal and interest. HELOC interest rates typically are variable, meaning your monthly payment could rise or fall over time. And with each of these options, you're using your home as collateral.
 Quicken Loans: NMLS#3030 | ||
|---|---|---|
Max LTV85% | Max LTV90% | Max LTV90% |
Min. Credit Score640 | Min. Credit Score640 | Min. Credit Score680 |
National / regionalNational | National / regionalNational | National / regionalNational |
Another option is a solar loan. Many banks, credit unions and online lenders offer these to fund solar panels and installation, with amounts typically from $1,000 to $100,000, and annual percentage rates ranging from 6% to 36%. They function like a personal loan: you receive a lump sum and repay it in equal monthly installments over a set period, typically two to seven years. And unlike with home equity financing, there is no collateral required for a solar loan. This means your home or solar panels aren’t at risk if you miss payments, but you may have to pay late fees.
So, yes, you likely can get financing. If you go this route, compare interest rates, terms and fees with any financing package that a solar provider may offer you to ensure you get the best deal.
