More homeowners than ever before are interested in incorporating eco-friendly features into their design. The investment of solar systems as a primary energy source for residential homes has increased by over 40% in the past decade. Being able to power your entire home by using solar systems can help save you money, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase the value of your home.
As solar technology continues to improve, more power options are available to homeowners. Large and cumbersome solar panel arrays that were once the standard are now not the only option. Scientific innovations like solar shingles are starting to change the landscape of home solar power systems.
With more choices, many homeowners are debating what type of system is the best choice. Whether you go with solar shingles or a solar panel array, you can expect to benefit in many ways including energy savings, increased home value, tax refund benefits, and off-grid living. Talk to a trusted roofing contractor today about upgrading your home to solar power. For now, let’s take a look at the comparative aspects of solar shingles versus solar panel systems.
Aesthetics
Everyone wants their home to look great. One of the biggest drawbacks of installing a large solar panel system is that they can look unsightly and bulky. In recent years, solar panels have become smaller and more low profile so that they don’t look as obvious on your home.
If one of your primary concerns is your home’s curb appeal, solar shingles are probably the right choice for you. These flat shingles sit even with the rest of your roof and have a much more subtle appearance.
Price
Solar shingles are still new in the industry, making them the more expensive solar choice. Tesla shingles can run you up to $70,000 after purchase and full installation but are at the higher end of the price range because of the brand name.
While the initial cost is higher than traditional panels, solar shingles can save you money if you are currently replacing your roof. Using solar shingles during installation can save you money rather than having them added to your roof at a later date.
Lifespan
The average solar panel array will have a lifespan of about 25 years. As panels age, their efficiency can also be reduced. As technology improves, the solar industry hopes to produce panels that can run for over 30 years with no loss of power.
Some solar shingles currently come with a 40-year lifespan guarantee. However, since solar shingles are new to the industry that promise has yet to be tested. The average lifespan is estimated to be about 25 years.
Efficiency
Solar shingles are installed in a permanent spot on your roof. This means that they will remain in a consistent spot of collection potential. This is one of the reasons that they remain slightly less efficient than a full panel array. As technology advances, the solar cells inside shingles may have better potential. But, for now, a panel system that can be manually adjusted for optimal collection is more efficient.
Adding solar power to your home, whether via shingles or panels is a great investment with many rewards. The ability to power your home using sustainable methods, save money on your energy costs, limit your grid dependency and increase the resale value of your home are enough reasons for you to look at the right solar array for you today.
