Solar Shingles vs Traditional Roofing: When to Choose What?

What are Solar Shingles?

Solar shingles, commonly referred to as photovoltaic shingles, are solar panels that mimic the appearance and performance of common roofing materials. They are created from thin photovoltaic (PV) sheets that can either partially or completely cover your roof. They take in solar energy and transform it into electricity.

Solar shingles are under the category of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), a type of solar technology. Compared to the typically associated enormous, bulky solar panels, they provide a more appealing aesthetic for your property. The black shingles’ sleek appearance allows them to blend in with the other tiles on your roof. This increases home value on sale. What’s more? Solar shingles also come with a 25-year warranty. Some manufacturers are even providing a lifetime warranty.

How are Solar Shingles Different from Traditional Roofing?

Solar shingles function exactly like any other shingle you may install on your roof. Even the mode of installation is quite the same. Like asphalt shingles, they prevent water from entering your home and shield it from wind and hail damage. Tests have shown that solar shingles can survive winds of 100 miles per hour and pressure of 250 pounds per square foot.

Solar Shingles are Visually Appealing than Asphalt Shingles

That is possibly the best feature that solar shingles have to offer. Solar shingles boast a sleek design, are aesthetically appealing, and come in 4 different colors. This helps them blend in quite nicely with any type of home exterior, thus, giving you that perfect combination to go with. Asphalt shingles on the other hand are bulky and come with black or grey color combinations.

Unlike Solar Shingles, Traditional Shingles Cannot Generate Electricity

Traditional roof shingles were never meant to generate electricity. Their main function is to protect your home from wind, rain, and hailstorms. Solar shingles, on the other hand, provide a 2-in-1 functionality: generate electricity while functioning as traditional roofing.

Solar Shingles are Quite Expensive than Asphalt Shingles

Of course, to counter all the benefits of solar shingles are the huge installation costs. Roughly speaking, solar shingles are approximately 7 times more expensive than asphalt shingles. This makes asphalt shingles a highly cost-effective solution for tight budgets. If you want to learn more on this, here is a complete buying guide for solar shingles: from solar shingles’ cost to installation – Read on!

Table Caption: Solar Shingles vs Asphalt Shingles: Key Differences

Choosing between Solar Shingles or Traditional Roofing All Comes Down to YOU!

Choosing between solar or asphalt shingles depends on your budget, power consumption, and your future plans. If you intend to move out when your kids grow up. Or do you just want a speedy remedy for your leaky roof? Perhaps, asphalt shingles or any type of traditional roofing will be the best possible immediate solution. If that is on your mind then looking for a home services contractor like Renoage can save you a lot of hassle. You can get a FREE quote from them right away!