When the electricity consumption is greater than the energy generated, the missing part of the energy will come from the battery storage, so the energy stored in the battery will drop.
For many homeowners, embracing residential solar power typically conjures images of photovoltaic solar panels perched atop rooftops. However, an alternative and innovative option has emerged in the form of solar shingles, offering a unique blend of aesthetics and functionality.
As a relatively recent development, solar shingles present a visually appealing alternative for homeowners seeking to integrate renewable energy into their homes without compromising on style. While solar shingles may appear more attractive than traditional PV panels, it’s essential to weigh various factors when determining the ideal renewable energy solution for your needs.
Continue reading to explore the potential of solar shingles and decide if they constitute the perfect renewable energy choice for your home.
What are Solar Shingles?
Solar shingles are an innovative roofing solution that incorporates photovoltaic cells to harness sunlight and a balance of system components to transform solar energy into usable electricity. Functioning similarly to PV solar panels, these shingles are designed to resemble and operate like conventional slate or asphalt shingles.
In contrast to traditional rooftop solar panel installations, which rely on mounting hardware and frames, solar shingles are seamlessly integrated into the roof during construction, replacing ordinary shingles. Consequently, they are also referred to as Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV).
As solar shingles are designed to be incorporated into a home’s structure, they are generally more suitable for new constructions or when replacing an aging roof. Retrofitting solar panels onto an existing building is comparatively more straightforward.
Offering dual functionality, solar shingles not only protect your home against the elements but also generate electricity to power your household. In some cases, they can prove more durable than traditional roofing materials like asphalt, potentially lasting longer before necessitating replacement.
Due to their embedded nature within your home’s roof, solar shingles are less likely to dislodge during windstorms or sustain damage from hail and other severe weather events when compared to PV panels. However, it’s worth noting that they tend to be less efficient and more expensive to purchase and install than a rooftop solar panel system.
How Do Solar Shingles Work?
Solar shingles operate using the same principles as other photovoltaic technologies. These photovoltaic cells capture sunlight and facilitate the flow of electrons, generating solar energy in the form of direct current (DC) electricity. A power inverter or balance of system then converts this DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity suitable for household use.
Unlike solar panels, which require mounting hardware for installation on top of your roof, solar shingles are an integral part of your roofing structure, replacing traditional asphalt or slate shingles. Designed to mimic the appearance and functionality of conventional roofing materials, solar shingles blend seamlessly into the roof, making them particularly beneficial for angular residential roof designs.
However, the placement and angling of solar shingles to maximize sunlight capture are constrained by your roof’s design and construction. This limitation, along with the available roof space that receives direct sunlight, can impact the overall efficiency of solar shingles in comparison to their panel counterparts.
How Many Types of Solar Shingles Are There?
There are two primary categories of photovoltaic shingles: silicon-based and CIGS-based.
- Silicon Solar Shingles: These shingles are constructed from the same material as most PV panels and function in a similar manner. Designed to be thin and emulate the size and shape of standard asphalt or slate roof shingles, silicon solar shingles offer a familiar aesthetic.
- CIGS Solar Shingles: Standing for copper-indium-gallium-selenide, CIGS solar shingles employ a thinner, lighter, and more cost-effective material than silicon. The appealing balance of affordability and durability offered by these shingles has led to an increased adoption of this technology in the PV shingle market.
While silicon panels currently enjoy greater availability, CIGS panels continue to maintain and expand their market presence, providing consumers with additional options to consider when selecting a solar shingle solution.
What Are the Differences Between Solar Roof Shingles and Solar Panels?
Size:
Photovoltaic shingles typically measure 12 x 86 inches (990mm x 1,651mm), making them smaller than an average rigid solar panel, which can be 68 x 45 inches (1,722mm x 1,134mm). PV shingles are also considerably thinner and lighter, adding less weight to your roof. However, due to their lower efficiency, they may require more space for a complete installation compared to solar panels.
Materials:
Solar panels are predominantly made of silicon, with monocrystalline silicon cells being the most efficient type currently available. Monocrystalline panels consist of a single silicon crystal, while polycrystalline panels comprise multiple crystals fused together. In contrast, PV shingles can be made from either silicon or copper indium gallium selenide, with the latter being lighter and more durable. This thinner design allows shingles to integrate into the roof structure rather than being mounted on top.
Output:
Under ideal conditions, solar panels can generate up to 400W of electricity per panel per hour. Factors that can impact output include angle, air temperature, cloud cover, and obstructions such as tree branches casting shade. PV shingles, on the other hand, are smaller and less efficient, yielding between 13-70W of electricity per shingle. To generate sufficient electricity to partially power your home, expect to purchase more shingles and utilize a larger portion of your rooftop space than you would for a traditional PV panel array.
Aesthetics:
While solar panels are mounted on your roof, solar shingles are integrated directly into the building structure, offering a more seamless visual appearance. Shingles are designed to blend into the roof, with their black color complementing most roof designs. As a result, many people find PV shingles more aesthetically appealing than rooftop panels. Although the price for enhanced aesthetics may be steep, it could be worthwhile for some homeowners, particularly if their homeowners association (HOA) imposes restrictions on rooftop installations.
Efficiency and Rated Power
Solar panels boast higher efficiency levels than PV shingles, with panels reaching up to 23-24% efficiency, while shingles generally achieve only 14-18%.
Efficiency in solar power refers to the proportion of direct sunlight that is converted into electricity by PV panels or solar shingles. Rated power, on the other hand, represents the maximum amount of electricity a solar panel or shingle can produce in one hour under ideal conditions.
Standard Test Conditions are used to determine both efficiency and rated power. However, it’s essential to remember that these ideal conditions rarely occur in real-world situations. Therefore, when planning and purchasing a solar power system, it’s crucial to keep this in mind.
A solar panel with a rated power of 400W and 23% efficiency will not necessarily achieve that level of electricity generation during every daylight hour. Efficiency and power output are influenced by design, but they are also heavily impacted by the unit’s position and angle relative to the sun. Solar panels can be positioned and angled to optimize sunlight capture, while photovoltaic shingles must work within the constraints of the existing roof angle and orientation.
Versatility
Solar shingles are generally more suitable for residential installations where aesthetics are a top priority. Due to their cost and integration into a building’s structure, shingles are ideally suited for new constructions and full rooftop replacements.
In contrast, photovoltaic panels offer much greater versatility. Rigid solar panels can provide on-the-go power when installed on vans or RVs, while portable solar panels can be folded and used to generate electricity for off-grid activities such as camping. Flexible solar panels can be molded and adhered to virtually any type and shape of surface, further expanding their potential applications.
Pros and Cons of Solar Shingles
Solar shingles provide a sleeker look that some homeowners find more aesthetically pleasing, but when it comes to performance and price, PV panels continue to be the preferred choice for residential solar power.
Pros:
- Aesthetics: Since PV shingles integrate seamlessly into your home’s roof structure, many people find them more visually appealing. This factor can be crucial if your homeowners’ association (HOA) has restrictions on photovoltaic panel usage.
- Durability: Both PV panels and PV shingles have a long lifespan, with high-quality PV shingles able to withstand various weather conditions, including hail, which not all PV panels can endure during extreme weather events.
Cons:
- Cost: Solar shingles are significantly more expensive than photovoltaic panels, with installation and purchase costs ranging from $60,000 to $75,000—often more than double the price of PV panels.
- Efficiency and Power Production: Solar panels are far more efficient than shingles and generate more electricity per unit, requiring fewer panels and less overall space compared to PV shingles.
- Positioning: Solar panels can be set up at the optimal angle to maximize direct sunlight throughout the day. However, PV shingles do not offer this flexibility; you must work with the existing roof angle and purchase more shingles to meet your home’s power needs. If you’re planning a new construction, consider the roof’s position and angle relative to the sun during the design phase to optimize your solar shingle system’s efficiency and output.
How to Make the Switch From Solar Panels to Solar Roof Shingles
Transitioning from solar panels to PV roof shingles can be challenging and costly. First, you’ll need to remove the solar panels. Then, a professional installer or roofer should be hired to remove your existing roof tiles and install the shingles one by one. This process involves connecting the tiles to each other and linking the entire array to your balance of system.
Given the complexity of this process, it’s most practical to consider PV shingles when you’re due for a roof replacement. Doing so will align the cost more closely with that of a standard roof replacement.
However, due to the higher efficiency and longer lifespan of solar panels, it’s difficult to identify situations in which switching from panels to PV shingles would be a financially sound decision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, solar shingles present an aesthetically pleasing and durable alternative to conventional solar panels. However, they also involve higher costs, lower efficiency, and more complex installation processes. While they can increase your home’s value and boast a long lifespan, solar shingles are best suited for new constructions or roof replacement projects. For most homeowners, solar panels remain the more practical and cost-effective choice for harnessing renewable solar energy. To make the most of your solar investment and ensure dependable energy storage, consider incorporating POMCube’s energy storage systems. These systems can smoothly integrate with your solar power setup, providing consistent power whenever you need it.
FAQs
Is It Easy to Install Solar Shingles on a Roof?
Installing solar shingles on an existing roof is a complex process. The installation involves fitting the shingles into place, connecting them, and connecting the entire array to your balance of system. Professional installers are necessary, and the time and labor costs can be substantial. Solar shingle installations are best suited for new construction or during a roof replacement. In contrast, solar panels are much simpler to retrofit onto your home’s existing roof.
Will Solar Shingles Increase Your Home’s Value?
Yes, solar shingles can increase your home’s value. On average, in the US, solar power adds $20 to your home value for every $1 you save on your electricity bills. PV shingles are less visually obtrusive than solar panels and offer a durable rooftop that generates electricity while providing structural stability.
What’s the Lifespan of a Solar Shingle?
Solar shingles typically have a lifespan of at least 25-30 years. With proper maintenance and care, they can last even longer. Solar shingles can be an appealing option for new home builds and roof replacements, as their longevity compares favorably to the 15-30 year lifespan of a traditional asphalt roof.
