Many big cities and even small towns are now going green with an economic as well as sustainable approach. And the best way to do this is to shift to solar energy. If your building is in a region that receives consistent sunlight all year, then solar panel installation should be really useful to you. Solar panels installed on rooftops are the most common and popular way of harnessing solar energy from sunlight. But these days, a new alternative, i.e. solar shingles are into trend and gaining popularity.

Solar shingles have sparked a new discussion among solar energy consumers, due to their features and advanced technology. These days, Solar shingles are a new and advanced option available to users for making choices. solar Shingles are an innovative solar technology that, like standard solar panels, can help property owners save money on their energy costs.

What are Solar Shingles?

Solar Shingles are small, photovoltaic replacements for a roof existing shingles or roof tiles. These are small panels, that are installed on the roof. Solar shingles create solar energy in the same way as solar panels by utilizing a photovoltaic system. These shingles are connected to an inverter.
Silicon solar cells are used to make photovoltaic shingles, which allow a roof to generate its own energy. These shingles are complete roof replacement to the traditional roofings, as these are installed permanently and not just propped-up on the top.

Solar Shingles and Solar Panels: Similarities

Many people are curious about the difference between solar shingles and solar panels, as they are very similar in functionality. Solar shingles are similar in size and form to traditional roof shingles and employ the same technology as standard solar panels.

Solar shingles, like solar panels, are connected to the grid and partnered with inverters. Many similar incentives (similar to solar panel systems) are applied to solar shingles installations. Furthermore, the same metering policies are applied to the building-integrated PV systems, as they do to the standard solar panel systems.

Solar Shingles: Pros and Cons

When choosing whether solar shingles are the best option for your home solar system, keep the following in mind:

Solar Panels: Pros and Cons

Now, let’s consider Solar panels.

Solar Shingles and Solar Panels: A Quick Comparison

Solar Shingles are a fascinating product, with a few key advantages over Solar Panels. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of both – solar shingles and solar panels

Aesthetics

Solar shingles have the greatest advantage over solar panels in the terms of aesthetics and elegance. If you have doubts about installing bulkier solar panels on your roof, then Solar shingles might be a good replacement for it. Products like Tesla Solar Roofs are much sleeker and appropriate in appearance as compared to Solar Panels.

Availability

Besides the hype from Tesla, many new companies have announced and introduced new solar roof products. However, these options are very limited and are not widely available across all geographies. While, Solar panels will keep retaining their popularity, by being available in all products across the globe. These panels are produced on a large scale, while this is not the same case for Solar Shingles. The production is very compact and limited to certain areas.

Price

The biggest sticking point for solar shingles is that they are really expensive. Solar panels however are affordable and convenient to buy. Solar Shingles cost significantly more than solar panels. This huge gap is likely to shrink over time but not anytime soon. As long as solar shingles are new and experimental products, they are likely to remain expensive in markets.

Limited Mobility

Mobility is a very concerning factor for technologies. Compared to solar panels, solar shingles are more difficult to transfer or replace. Solar shingles are permanent roof replacements, hence these cannot be replaced or removed easily. On the other hand, solar panels can be easily removed, for replacement or in case it needs to be replaced.

Efficiency and Energy Production

The slope and angle of the roof are taken into consideration when installing solar tiles. The solar tiles will become less efficient if a portion of the roof receives little sunshine. Solar panels, on the other hand, can be individually placed and adjusted to capture the maximum amount of sunshine.

Conclusion:

Should you invest in Solar Shingles or Solar Panels?

Both Solar shingles and solar panels share some pros and cons. One very important factor that should be considered is – cost, considering the high cost of Solar Shingle installation, there is no possibility that it will cost you less. While solar panels are comparatively economical this can be a wise choice. The cost of installing a normal solar panel array will largely determine whether solar shingles are worthwhile for you. Hence, before making an abrupt decision, consult an advisor and get the best quotation and then step up for investment.