5 Things to Know Before Buying integrated solar roof tiles
Integrated Solar Roofs: When to Buy and Why • - Nuway Construction
Before we delve into why you should consider an integrated solar roof (and why), let’s first cover the basics of solar power.
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You’ve probably noticed a few more solar panels on people’s roofs as of late. This makes sense since solar energy has been growing exponentially over the last few decades. And it’s only going to get more popular. In fact, solar energy is predicted to account for 40% of electricity usage in the U.S. by . Here’s why:
It’s no secret that solar energy helps reduce global carbon emissions. But have you ever thought about how solar energy can also help improve air quality and reduce water usage?
Traditional fossil fuels produce toxic air pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and mercury, which are hazardous to human health. Furthermore, power plants use a large amount of water to produce their energy, and also contribute to water contamination.
While the actual production of solar panels do require a significant amount of energy, it has been found that most solar systems can produce the same amount of energy needed to produce them within one to four years.
It’s still true that fossil fuels are more efficient than solar energy, but they’re a finite resource. And solar technology is only getting more sophisticated. You can’t outrun the impending solar wave; soon it will be the new norm.
While the efficiency of your solar system depends on how much sun your area receives, the average energy output of a standard solar panel is around 1.8 kilowatt-hours per day. To put that into perspective, the average small business uses between 15,000 kWh and 25,000 kWh a year. So, a typical small business would need roughly 30-40 panels to cover their energy costs for the year.
Regardless of size and energy output, the average time it takes to break even on a solar investment is about 7-8 years. After that, your electricity costs are all but nonexistent! Just think how much money you could save in the long run. That’s potentially tens of thousands of dollars saved, just by going solar.
Depending on what state you live in, your commitment to solar energy could also lead to incredible tax benefits. From investment tax credits (ITC) that reduce your federal income tax liability to production tax credits (PTC) based on the electricity you generate, now is the time to go solar!
If you’re interested in learning more about Federal Solar Tax Credits for your business, check out this list.
You need sunlight to make solar energy. But, as you probably know, it’s not always sunny. While this doesn’t nullify your solar system, it does somewhat lower the efficiency.
And of course there’s always the possibility that storms and other serious weather may damage you solar panels.
Yes, installing a solar system is pricey. And we understand that it’s not feasible for everyone. But if you can part with the initial cost, you will more than make it back within a decade. Like we said before, most solar systems pay for themselves within 7-8 years. Plus, your utility bill will be a tiny fraction of what it once was.
These are what you think of when you think of solar energy. You already know what they look like. But do you know what they do?
Here’s a quick science lesson: the photovoltaic cells in solar panels turn the sun’s light into electricity by separating electrons from photons (the sun’s light). Cool, right?
If you have an existing building with ample roof real estate, consider installing some solar panels for all your electricity needs! But, if you’re about to start construction on a new building, there’s a smarter investment on the market.
In a nutshell, an integrated solar roof system is a roof made of solar panels. So, instead of mounting individual solar panels onto the roof of an existing building, you use solar panels to build the roof — or a portion of it.
Unlike traditional solar roof panels, integrated solar roof panels are much lighter weight. And because they are flush with the rest of the roof tiles, they look much cleaner. But wait, there’s more!
Solar Shingles: Top 5 Brands In - SolarReviews
Solar shingles are roof shingles that are designed to look like traditional roofing materials, but they can actually generate electricity like solar panels.
Solar roofs are more discrete than regular solar panels, making them a popular choice for people building new homes, replacing their roofs, or those living in a homeowner’s association (HOA) that prohibit solar panels.
Solar shingles are a newer technology, so fewer companies sell them. But there are a few stand-out solar roof brands, including:
Tesla’s solar roof
GAF solar shingles
Luma Solar
CertainTeed
Suntegra
What are solar roof shingles?
Solar shingles are roofing shingles that contain photovoltaic solar cells so they can generate solar energy. They are designed to look like and offer the same level of protection as traditional asphalt shingles, all while producing solar power at the same time.
Homeowners can be hesitant to install solar panel systems because of the way they look on their roofs. Solar shingles allow homeowners to still get all the benefits of solar energy without having to sacrifice the aesthetic of their homes.
Just like traditional solar panels, solar shingles are also typically monocrystalline.
How much do solar shingles cost?
The average solar shingle installation costs $27,360 to over $100,000. The cost will vary depending on the brand you choose, your roof size, and where you live.
Most solar shingle installations cost somewhere between $3.80 and $7.00 per watt of solar installed. Tesla’s solar roof costs less, at just $1.80 per watt, but it requires a full roof replacement and expensive materials – making the total cost one of the most expensive options for solar shingles.
5 best solar shingles
Some of the best brands for solar shingles in include:
Tesla Solar Roof
GAF Energy
Luma Solar
CertainTeed
Suntegra
Solar shingle brand
Output (per shingle)
Warranty
Cost (per watt)
Tesla Solar Roof
72 W
25-year tile and power warranty
$1.80 + roof replacement costs
GAF Energy
45 W
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25-year manufacturing warranty
25-year performance warranty
10-year workmanship coverage
$4.00 - $4.25
Luma Solar
80 W
25-year limited power warranty at 80%
5-year limited product warranty
$4.50
CertainTeed
70 W
25-year limited power warranty
25-year limited workmanship warranty
10-year 110 limited wind warranty
$3.00 - $6.00
Suntegra
114 W
25-year power warranty
10-year product warranty
$4.00 - $6.00
Tesla Solar Roof
Out of all the products offered by Tesla’s Energy line – the solar roof has definitely generated the most buzz. Each shingle has a wattage rating of 72 W, which isn’t bad compared to other solar shingles on the market. If you want to fully invest your home in renewable energy, you can integrate a Tesla solar roof, Tesla Powerwall battery, and a Tesla EV!
As for the cost, Tesla is on the pricier side. This is because Tesla’s solar roof acts as a solar installation and a full roof replacement all in one. The solar tiles and expensive roofing materials cost about $99,500 for an average-sized home.
Installing a Tesla solar roof includes a 25-year product and power warranty, so you’ll have coverage for any faults in your system. Bottom line, Tesla products offer a one-stop-shop for solar power, EVs, and energy storage.
GAF Energy
GAF is a well-established roofing materials company that has also ventured into the world of clean energy. GAF Energy offers its line of Timberline Solar Energy Shingles, each of which has a 45 W power rating and comes with a 25-year manufacturing and performance warranty, as well as 10-year workmanship coverage.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000 for a GAF solar shingle installation, but the total cost will ultimately depend on your home’s characteristics.
GAF’s solar shingles are designed with roofers in mind. The top portion of the shingles are made of asphalt so that they can be nailed into the roof like regular shingles, simplifying the installation process and making it possible to get your roof replaced and solar installed by one company.
In , about 2,100 units of GAF’s Timberline Solar energy shingles were recalled due to fire hazard concerns. The issue has since been resolved, and GAF Energy’s response made it clear that they provide top-notch support.
Luma Solar
Luma Solar developed the first fully integrated solar roof system in the U.S., referring to their solar shingles as a luxury product that homeowners can upgrade in the future to meet advanced solar technology standards.
Luma Solar’s solar roofing is similar to Tesla’s, where you must get a full roof replacement of solar and non-solar tiles. A full end-to-end installation can cost between $70,000 to over $100,000.
Luma’s shingles have a power rating of 80 W per roof tile and come with a 25-year production warranty and a 5-year limited product warranty. The shingles are also rated to withstand winds of 200+ miles per hour, which can be useful for residents living in areas prone to major storms and hurricanes.
CertainTeed Solstice Shingle
CertainTeed is a reputable company that manufactures traditional roofing shingles and has begun offering a line of solar products. CertainTeed currently offers a line of residential building-integrated photovoltaic roofs (BIPV) and solar panels.
CertainTeed solar shingles cannot be installed over an existing roof system and are designed to be installed in new construction or during a roof replacement. There’s no indication online on how much a full installation of CertainTeed’s Solstice shingles will cost, but you can expect to pay between $210 and $420 per shingle.
CertainTeed’s Solstice Shingles offer 70 W of power output per shingle and 19.85% efficiency – all backed by a 25-year power and performance warranty. As an added bonus, CertainTeed also offers a 10-year 110 MPH limited wind warranty.
Suntegra Shingle
Suntegra is another popular brand that manufactures solar shingles. Suntegra offers solar shingles and solar tiles, so you can choose which integrates better with your existing roof material.
These low-profile monocrystalline solar shingles have three different output wattages to choose from, 105 W, 110 W, and 114 W, giving homeowners different options to support their energy production needs. The cost varies from $4.00 to $6.00 per watt, depending on which wattage you choose. Suntegra’s shingles are also backed by a 25-year power warranty and a 10-year limited product warranty.
What are the pros and cons of solar shingles?
Just like a traditional solar installation, solar shingles come with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of solar shingles
Environmentally friendly: Solar shingles are a renewable energy source that does not give off any harmful emissions.
Reduces electricity bills: Energy generated by solar shingles powers your home, so you use less electricity from the grid and save money on your monthly electric bill.
Eligible for incentives: Solar shingles are eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit and may also be eligible for other local incentives depending on location.
Good curb appeal: Solar shingles are integrated into your roof, giving a sleeker look than a bulky solar panel installation. Shingles could also be a solar solution if you live in an HOA that doesn’t allow solar panels.
Disadvantages of solar shingles
Expensive: In most cases, the total cost of installing solar shingles is about three times the cost of conventional roofing materials, and most solar shingles are at a higher price point than solar panels in the U.S.
Limited options to choose from: Solar shingles are a newer technology, so there are fewer brands to choose from.
Requires roof replacement: A traditional solar system is placed on top of an existing roof, whereas solar shingles replace the roof itself, which might require an entire roof replacement.
Not as efficient: Solar shingles can’t produce energy as efficiently as solar panels because they’re installed flat against the roof, unlike panels that can be angled for optimal performance as needed.
Solar panels vs. solar shingles: Which option is better?
The truth is that it depends on your circumstances! In general, traditional solar panels will be a better financial investment for most homeowners because they cost less to install and produce more energy. Solar shingles are more of a luxury purchase.
There are scenarios where solar shingles are the right option. For example, if you want solar but can’t install panels due to HOA restrictions, solar shingles can provide the benefits without the look of solar panels. Aside from this, solar shingles could come in handy if your roof is in desperate need of a replacement – it's a roof replacement and solar installation all in one! They might be right for you if you have the money and are interested in the technology.
But, in general, traditional solar panels will be a better financial investment for most homeowners. For starters, solar panels are substantially cheaper than solar shingles. Not only that, but solar panels can generate electricity more efficiently, meaning you’ll save more money on your bills, all while spending less upfront.
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