Performance Comparison: Solar Shingles vs. Solar Panels

Aesthetics is one major issue that Littleton, CO homeowners have that prevents them from installing solar panels. However, solar roofing shingles might be the game-changer that convinces them to establish their set of sunlight-driven electricity for their property.

Solar shingles look like your regular asphalt shingle roofs. But, instead of asphalt, it uses a smaller solar panel version complete with silicon photovoltaic cells and other components. Then, roofers will wire them to your inverting unit that turns it into usable residential electricity.

Performance-wise, solar shingles can perform about 70-80% of a standard solar panel set. Plus, your entire roof's sunlight exposure eliminates the solar panel angling requirement. In short, you have quicker and faster installation labor time.

Solar shingles do have their set of cons, such as the limited number of experienced solar shingle roofing installation specialists, dependable manufacturers, and local availability. However, we believe the technology will quickly spread throughout Littleton, CO, once homeowners become much more affordable and palatable.

EcoWatch has an excellent rundown on everything that pertains to solar shingles and solar panels. Read more about them here.

If you live in an area that gets consistent, year-round exposure to the sun, then you may be a good candidate to install a residential solar system. Installing solar panels on your roof is by far the most common way to harness the sun's energy, but solar shingles are another option that's becoming increasingly popular.

So how, exactly, do solar shingles work, and how do they compare to traditional solar panels? In this article, we'll explain the answers to these questions and more.

What are Solar Shingles and How Do They Work?

You can think of solar shingles like small solar panels that integrate with your existing roof shingles or a new roof (if you need one). They work the same way standard types of solar panels do, but where solar panels are assembled on top of your roof, solar shingles are used to build a roof.

The most obvious benefit to this type of solar energy system is simple aesthetics; while photovoltaic solar panels tend to be pretty obtrusive, solar shingles allow you to have a completely normal-looking roof.

Like solar panels, solar shingles absorb energy from the sun, some of which may be stored in a solar battery and some of which is converted into useful alternating current. This allows you to power appliances and devices throughout your home with renewable energy.

Note: Those who prefer the appearance of a "tiled" roof to a shingled one may wish to consider solar tiles. These work in roughly the same way that photovoltaic shingles do but integrate with roofing tiles rather than asphalt shingles.

As you consider your options for residential solar power, it's worthwhile to note the pros and cons of both solar shingles and conventional solar panels. Both PV systems can supply your home with energy, but with its own advantages and drawbacks.

Solar Shingles: Pros and Cons

Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding whether solar shingles are the best choice for your residential solar system: (Continued)

You can always count on us at Roper Roofing & Solar for the best solar panel installation and roofing services you need. Contact us today to learn more about everything that we can do for you.