Solar Panels vs Solar Shingles | Complete Guide For 2023

Many property owners are interested in going solar to enhance energy efficiency and reduce costs.

Not so long ago, solar panels were the only option.

This changed with the rise of solar shingles, which can help property owners save thousands of dollars and maintain an appearance similar to ordinary roof shingles.

Learning more about solar shingles vs solar panels can help you make an informed decision.

What Are Solar Panels And Solar Shingles?

Before discussing the price, advantages, and drawbacks of solar panels vs solar shingles, we first need to define them.

Solar panels, also called PV panels or modules, are devices that collect sunlight and convert it to electric current.

The panels are only one element of a photovoltaic system.

Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells arranged into panels and come in various shapes.

The main component of solar panels are the solar cells, which absorb photons from the sun and produce electricity thanks to the photovoltaic effect.

Solar panels are widely available and can be installed on just about any roof, which makes them a flexible option.

Solar shingles are smaller versions of photovoltaic panels.

Solar shingles look similar to traditional roofing materials like asphalt, with the added benefit of electricity production.

Simply put, solar shingles have the appearance of roof shingles and use the technology of solar panels.

solar shingles are an excellent choice for those who want a sleek, clean look.

There are two types of cells used for solar shingles: monocrystalline silicon cells and CIGS cells.

CIGS cells are made of copper indium gallium selenide and offer flexibility and high conversion efficiency.

Monocrystalline silicon cells are also used for solar panels and represent a natural semiconductor. They’re usually more expensive than CIGS cells.

Did you know? Solar power is the most abundant energy source on Earth. One hour of potential solar energy that falls on Earth equals the annual energy consumption of everyone on the planet.

Solar Shingles vs Solar Panels Cost

Both solar shingle and solar panel installations are usually eligible for different tax incentives and rebates, which significantly reduce total costs.

Solar Shingles Cost

The average cost of solar shingles depends on your roof’s size and complexity, the selected product, and the solar power system’s capacity.

Average prices are usually around $1,990-$2,375 per square (a roofing term meaning 100 square feet, or a 10-foot x 10-foot section), which means the cost per square foot ranges between $19.90 and $23.75.

Keep in mind these are the prices for standard-sized, single-story houses and include materials and installation.

Some manufacturers price their solar shingles depending on how many watts they have.

One watt typically costs between $3.33 and $7.60.

Solar Panels Cost

Solar panels are usually more affordable than solar shingles, and their average cost is $24,686 in total.

Most homeowners pay between $17,095 and $32,633.

When it comes to price per watt, you can expect to pay anything between $2.38 and $3.33.

Solar Shingles vs Solar Panels Cost Breakdown

As mentioned, total costs depend on several factors like labor, electrical system, manufacturer, roof complexity and size, location, and more.

When it comes to labor costs for installing solar panels, you can expect to pay around 15% of the total project cost.

On average, professionals charge around $0.48 per watt.

Labor costs for installing solar shingles are much higher, usually between $4.27 and $7.60 per watt.

If you’re installing a 3kW (3,000-watt) system, you’ll need around $1,440 for solar panel installation and $12,810-$22,800 for solar shingle installation.

Amount of Kilowatt	Solar Panels	Solar Shingles
2kW	$4,760-$6,660	$6,660-$15,200
3kW	$7,140-$9,990	$9,990-$22,800
5kW	$11,900-$16,650	$16,650-$38,000
10kW	$23,800-$33,300	$33,300-$76,000

Other expenses to keep in mind are permits and inspections, extra costs due to the roof’s inaccessibility, and equipment type needed.

Most costs depend on your location.

Solar Shingles vs Solar Panels Brands

Here’s a short overview of the most popular traditional solar system and solar shingle brands.

Solar Shingle Brands

Tesla Solar Roof

One of the most popular solar shingle brands is Tesla Solar Roof.

Although the company’s solar shingles are still not widely available, their quality, reliability, and superior warranty conditions are well-known.

Besides manufacturing solar shingles, the company oversees and manages every step of the process, from design to installation, including removing your old roof.

Tesla solar shingles come with a 30-year power output warranty.

The company is one of the first to offer an app that connects to the shingles and allows homeowners to control their performance.

CertainTeed

CertainTeed is a popular American manufacturer of building materials that also makes high-quality solar shingles.

CertainTeed offers two solar shingle options: the Apollo II and the Apollo Tile II.

Both feature monocrystalline cell technology and offer high efficiency.

The Apollo II series combines with asphalt shingles, while the Apollo Tile II matches with concrete tiles.

GAF Energy

GAF is a popular brand in the roofing industry.

Their solar shingles combine quality and efficiency and come with a transferable warranty.

GAF Timberline Solar shingles are water-shedding and can sustain winds up to 130 miles per hour, making them highly resistant.

GAF’s shingles meet strict industry-leading standards, such as the UL7103, which confirms a product has been tested by a third party that’s been around for more than 100 years.

Solar Panel Brands

SunPower

SunPower is an American brand that got into the solar panel industry long before it became popular.

The company was founded in 1985 and has remained one of the most popular solar panel manufacturers.

The quality of SunPower’s products is confirmed by numerous certifications, including those issued by the Solar Energy Industries Association and the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

SunPower offers four lines of products: M Series, A Series, E Series, and X Series.

They manufacture solar panels with monocrystalline cells, and every product has an efficiency rating of at least 20%.

Panasonic

Panasonic is one of the world’s largest consumer electronics manufacturers, and many are surprised to learn that this Japanese company also makes solar panels.

Panasonic’s solar panels are made of top-quality materials and typically have an efficiency rate between 19.1% and 21.7%.

One of the reasons Panasonic’s solar panels are popular is their warranty.

Many solar panel manufacturers issue 10- or 12-year warranties, which isn’t bad. Panasonic takes it a step further and stands behind its product’s quality with a remarkable 25-year warranty.

Did you know? Panasonic was formerly known as Matsushita Electrical Industrial Co. The company changed its name in 2008.

Silfab

Although Silfab is a relatively young company (founded in 2007), it has quickly positioned itself as one of the most reliable solar panel manufacturers.

This company’s entire manufacturing process is automated to ensure the utmost precision and quality. It offers three lines of products: Silfab Prime, Silfab Elite, and Silfab Commercial.

All three lines feature top-quality, reliable, and efficient solar panels.

What makes the company stand out?

Before it’s placed on the market, every panel undergoes rigorous third-party testing to ensure it meets the highest standards. Plus, the company offers comprehensive warranties.

How Are Solar Panels And Solar Shingles Similar?

Solar panels and solar shingles have numerous similarities. Let’s review the most important ones.

1. Photovoltaic Technology

Both solar panels and solar shingles feature photovoltaic technology, which allows for converting sunlight into electrical energy.

These devices are connected to the power grid and paired with solar inverters to harness sunlight and supply clean energy to residential and commercial properties.

Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll enjoy renewable energy and reduce your carbon footprint.

2. Incentives

The government encourages homeowners who want to go green by offering different rebates and incentives for the installation of solar panels and solar shingles.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), also known as the Federal Solar Tax Credit.

Thanks to this, homeowners can recoup 26% of the price of the entire solar system and installation.

You can take advantage of this incentive if:

• Your PV system was installed between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2034.

• Your PV system is located at your residence in the U.S.
• Your PV system is being used for the first time.
• You own the PV system or have purchased an interest in an off-site community solar project.

Besides the federal solar tax rebate, you can take advantage of numerous policies, credits, and incentives offered by different states and municipalities.

For example, in Washington, utility companies offer up to $2,000 in rebates. In New York, you can get a 25% tax credit for installing a PV system, while Florida offers a permanent sales tax exemption for solar energy products.

You can take advantage of these incentives for both solar panels and solar shingles.

3. Net Metering Policies

Every building-integrated PV system is subject to the same net metering policies.

What does this mean?

If your system produces excess electricity, you can send it to your utility and receive credit on your bills.

How Are Solar Shingles And Solar Panels Different?

While solar shingles and solar panels have numerous similarities, they differ in certain respects.

1. Cost

Solar shingles are significantly more expensive than solar panels.

The most expensive solar panels usually cost much less than the most affordable solar shingles.

Did you know? One of the reasons for the large price difference is availability. There are few solar shingle brands available on the market, and they dictate the price. Installing solar shingles is more challenging than installing solar panels.

2. Efficiency

As mentioned, both solar shingles and solar panels use photovoltaic technology.

However, solar shingles are often less energy-efficient because there’s less airflow under them than under solar panels. Due to this, solar shingles can’t cool as quickly.

If you have a large roof, you can install more solar shingles and avoid the efficiency issue.

3. Flexibility

Most solar shingles replace standard asphalt shingles or overlay them, and this limits their use.

Solar panels are much more versatile and can be installed on almost any roof type.

What Are The Advantages Of Solar Shingles?

Here’s why solar shingles are becoming more popular.

Durability

Although it may not seem logical, solar shingles can actually be more durable than regular asphalt shingles.

The average lifespan of asphalt shingles is around 15-25 years, while solar shingles can last longer than that if maintained properly.

Numerous solar shingle manufacturers have designed shingles that resist fire and weather, which further enhances their durability.

Weight

Solar shingles are much lighter than solar panels.

Solar shingles weigh around 13 pounds per square foot, and don’t require additional structural support.

Solar panels are heavier, and if you have an older roof, you may need to install additional support to withstand the weight.

Appearance

One of the key advantages of solar shingles is their appearance.

Many consider solar panels bulky and unappealing. Solar shingles have a modern, sleek design that can easily blend in with your roofing materials.

Enhanced Property Value

A solar shingle installation can count as a home renovation.

The efficiency and pleasant appearance of solar shingles on your roof can attract buyers and help you get a better price for your property.

Low Maintenance

Solar shingles require minimal maintenance.

You’ll only need to clean them every once in a while to ensure there’s no dust, grime, or debris buildup, as this can affect the shingles’ efficiency.

Convenience

Modern solar shingles come with built-in programs that let you track energy production.

For example, the Tesla app gives you constant information about how your shingles operate. The app enables you to control energy production, which is an added benefit.

Stability

Solar shingles can’t be as easily detached from the roof as mounted solar panels. This guarantees their stability even when they’re exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Repel Birds and Rodents

When you install solar panels, there’s a gap between them and the roof. This gap is the perfect place for birds, particularly pigeons.

Having birds on your roof may seem cute at first, but it can create significant problems.

For example, the buildup of nesting materials and feces can damage the roof.

Birds can also attract other pests.

Are Solar Shingles A Good Investment?

Since solar shingles cost a lot, it’s natural to wonder whether they are a good investment.

At the time of this writing, solar shingles are unlikely to pay for themselves.

This doesn’t mean solar shingles can’t be a wise investment.

Solar shingles are durable, elegant, and can significantly reduce your energy bills.

Solar shingles enhance the property value of your home. Therefore, they can be a good investment.

Of course, it all depends on your budget, the roof’s position, and personal preferences.

Keep in mind that the price of solar shingles will likely decrease as they become more available.

What Is The Life Expectancy Of Solar Shingles vs Solar Panels?

Both solar shingles and solar panels are designed with an energy-efficient lifespan of 25 years.

They can last even longer if you maintain them properly.

Are Solar Panels Better Than Solar Roof?

Some people think solar panels are a better option, while others say solar roofs are superior.

Solar panels can be a better option because they are more efficient than solar shingles.

Solar panels can have an efficiency of 22-23%.

Solar shingles usually have an efficiency of 14-18%, which is significantly less.

If you have a large roof and don’t use a lot of electricity, the lower efficiency won’t be a problem. If you have a smaller roof, solar shingles may not be enough.

Another significant reason solar panels could be considered a better option is price. solar panels are much more affordable than solar shingles.

Some may say solar shingles are a better option than solar panels because of their sleek appearance. They don’t stick out from the roof like solar panels, and blend perfectly with the existing roofing material.

Pro Tip: Since both solar shingles and solar panels have their drawbacks, talk to professionals, ask your family and friends for recommendations, and read online reviews before making a decision.

How Much More Expensive Are Solar Shingles As Opposed To Solar Panels?

One watt of solar shingles costs between $3.33 and $7.60.

Solar panels feature a price of $2.38-$3.33 per watt.

Therefore, the most affordable solar shingles cost more than the most expensive solar panels.

At first glance, the price difference may not seem like much. So, let’s look at an example.

If you have a 4kW (4,000-watt) system, you’ll pay between $9,520 and $13,320 for solar panels. However, you’ll need approximately $13,320 to $30,400 for the same project if you want solar shingles.

As you can see, solar shingles can be around three times more expensive than panels.

Are Solar Shingles As Effective As Solar Panels?

No, solar shingles aren’t as effective as solar panels.

Solar shingles mostly rely on your roof’s orientation and direction.

If your roof isn’t facing the sun at all times, the shingles won’t be as efficient.

Solar shingles can produce 13-63 watts of power, while solar panels produce between 250 and 400 watts.

Shingles can reduce your bills by around 40-70%, while this percentage is about 90 for solar panels.

Go Green

Since both solar panels and solar shingles have their advantages and drawbacks, it’s up to you to decide which option is a better fit.

Either can be a great choice for those who care about the environment and want to reduce their energy bills.

If you’re not sure which is the better option for your home, discuss the pros and cons with a professional roofing and solar expert to help you make an informed decision.