Solar Shingles Vs Solar Panels: Which is Better?
- Sarah Lozanova
- Apr 15
- 10 min read
Updated: May 11
When Elon Musk unveiled Tesla solar shingles in 2016, the promise was bold—a beautiful, seamless solar roof that would power your home and turn heads in the neighborhood. The media buzzed with excitement, and many homeowners were intrigued by the idea of ditching bulky solar panels for a sleeker, more stylish solution. But as costs rose and installations lagged, the reality fell short of the hype.
Today, Tesla solar panel roof shingles are still rare and best suited for new builds or full roof replacements. Still, the story put solar shingles—also called solar roof tiles—on the map. For homeowners who want the benefits of solar power without compromising their home's aesthetics or worrying about roof work later on, photovoltaic shingles offer an intriguing alternative to traditional solar panels.
So, how do solar shingles vs solar panels really compare? With more than a decade of solar design and engineering experience, Greenlancer has seen firsthand these technologies evolve. Let's take a closer look.
What Are Solar Shingles?
Solar panel shingles, also known as photovoltaic shingles, are roofing materials designed to generate solar energy while blending seamlessly with your home's aesthetic. As a type of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system, solar shingles combine the function of a traditional roof with the power of solar technology.
Some designs fully conceal the solar cells for a clean, modern look, while others subtly reveal the active areas but still maintain a low-profile appearance. Whether you're comparing solar shingles vs solar panels or looking into solar tiles vs panels, this innovative technology is all about form meeting function.
How Do Solar Panel Shingles Work?
Photovoltaic shingles operate like conventional solar panels and produce renewable energy from the sun. Thus, they are a complete roofing solution, provide the same function as a traditional roof, and protect the home from the elements. When comparing solar shingles vs solar panels, remember both systems require inverters and are suitable for grid-tied and off-grid solar applications.
Are Solar Panel Shingles and Solar Roof Tiles the Same?
Yes, solar panel shingles and solar tiles are essentially the same—they’re both building-integrated photovoltaics that generate electricity while serving as roofing. These photovoltaic shingles are designed to look like traditional materials and blend into the roof. The terms solar shingles, solar panel shingles, and solar roof times are often used interchangeably, depending on the style and manufacturer.
Key Differences: Solar Shingles Vs Solar Panels
Let's explore the two photovoltaic technologies side-by-side.
Feature | Solar Shingles | Solar Panels |
Appearance | Blend with roof design | Mounted on structures |
Installation | Integrated with roofing | Mounted on rooftops |
Efficiency | Typically lower | Generally higher |
Cost | Higher initial cost, especially for Tesla solar roof shingles | Lower initial cost |
Energy Production | May be less efficient | Higher efficiency |
Aesthetics | Seamless integration | Visible on rooftops |
Durability | Less durable | Durable and robust |
Integration with Battery | Possible, but complex | Easily integrated |
Maintenance | More challenging | Easier maintenance |
Availability | Limited market options | Widespread availability |
Comparing Solar Shingles Vs Solar Panels
If you're weighing the pros and cons of solar panel shingles versus traditional systems, there are numerous factors to consider.
Efficiency
In the comparison of solar shingles vs solar panels, conventional solar panels typically come out on top when it comes to efficiency. Their standalone design allows for better airflow and cooling, which helps them convert more sunlight into electricity. Premium monocrystalline solar panels can exceed 20% efficiency, while photovoltaic shingles—which integrate solar technology directly into roofing materials—tend to range between 14% and 18%.
This difference in performance means solar roof tiles often have a lower energy output per square foot, making traditional panels a better fit for homeowners with limited roof space or higher renewable energy needs.
Solar Panel Shingle Installation
Installing solar shingles generally costs more than replacing a roof or installing traditional solar panels. However, these shingles offer the advantage of serving two purposes: they generate renewable energy and provide the same protective function as a regular roof. When considering solar shingles vs solar panels, homeowners should weigh the added benefits of seamless aesthetics and dual functionality that solar shingles provide.
During installation, the solar contractor often replaces or installs a new roof, especially for new builds. Many solar shingle systems feature both active and inactive shingles, with the inactive ones placed where there is less sunlight exposure. The durability of solar shingles varies by product, but they typically have a lifespan of around 25 years.
Home Aesthetics
When comparing solar shingles vs solar panels, aesthetics is a key consideration, especially for homeowners concerned about the visual impact of their solar systems. Solar shingles are designed to integrate seamlessly with traditional roofing materials, providing a sleek, low-profile look. They are often indistinguishable from conventional asphalt shingles, offering an elegant, cohesive appearance that enhances the overall design of the home.
In contrast, traditional solar panels are more conspicuous, mounted on top of the roof, and are typically bulkier, making them stand out visually. For homeowners who prioritize curb appeal, solar shingles present a clear advantage by blending effortlessly into the roofline, offering a more harmonious balance of functionality and style.
Cost of Solar Roof Tiles Vs. Panels
Cost is a significant factor when choosing between solar shingles vs solar panels. Solar panels are generally more affordable per watt installed due to their established technology and mass production efficiencies. The cost-effective nature of traditional solar panels is one of the reasons they remain the most popular choice for homeowners.
However, solar shingles, especially high-end products like Tesla solar shingles, often come with a higher upfront cost. This is due to their dual functionality as both roofing materials and energy generators, as well as their innovative design, which is still developing. As a result, the expense of installing solar shingles can be more than installing traditional solar panels, especially for homeowners not in need of a roof replacement.
Environmental Impact
Both solar panels and solar shingles contribute to a cleaner environment by generating renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The production and installation processes of both technologies, however, carry environmental costs. Traditional solar panels are highly efficient but require materials and manufacturing processes that can be resource-intensive.
In the case of solar shingles, the integration into the roof could help reduce the need for additional roofing materials, potentially lowering the overall environmental impact. However, the lower efficiency of solar shingles means that more material may be required to produce the same amount of energy as solar panels, which could offset some of the environmental benefits. Nonetheless, the integration of solar shingles into the roof can still reduce waste and resource consumption compared to installing both a new roof and separate solar panels.
The Different Types Of Solar Shingles
There are two different designs for solar shingles: interlocking and integrated. Although they aren’t quite as sleek, the interlocking shingles are relatively simple to install. They provide protection, so no additional roofing materials are needed underneath.
The solar shingle array has a low profile because the solar cells are close to the roof deck and do not contain a frame. GAF Materials Corporation and Suntegra Shingles offer an interlocking solar shingle product. Unfortunately, with this product, the solar shingles look different from the remainder of the roof.
By contrast, integrated solar roofing mimics the size and shape of shingles or roof tiles. This means it tends to blend in well with the roof and can have a very sleek appearance.
Tesla solar roofs are among the most well-known products in the solar shingle market, thanks to the company’s reputation for innovation and the high-profile backing of Elon Musk. Tesla offers a 25-year warranty on both the tiles and their performance, providing homeowners with a sense of security. However, the installation process requires specialized training due to the unique design and integration of Tesla solar shingles with the existing roofing system. Understanding the specific electrical connections and the need for compatible inverters is crucial to ensure optimal performance and customer satisfaction.
Despite the significant media attention, Tesla solar panel shingles have faced some challenges. Production delays, high costs, and legal issues, including lawsuits related to defective products and installation delays, have impacted the product’s adoption rate. Nevertheless, Tesla continues to refine its solar roof technology and remains a key player in the quest for sustainable, aesthetically pleasing solar solutions.
CertainTeed provides another popular solar shingle option with its Apollo II system. This system is designed to replace only part of the roof, and while it offers excellent functionality, it does not perfectly match the appearance of traditional roofing materials. The Apollo II system can be installed with new or existing roof shingles, offering flexibility for homeowners. Although CertainTeed's solar shingles are highly effective in energy generation, they do have a distinct look compared to the non-solar parts of the roof.
GAF Materials Corporation, one of North America's oldest and largest roofing materials manufacturers, offers an interlocking solar shingle system that combines traditional roofing protection with the ability to generate energy. The design of this system features solar cells that are integrated into the roofing material, although the energy-generating parts look different from the non-solar sections. GAF's solar shingles are an efficient solution for homeowners looking for a more traditional roofing appearance combined with renewable energy generation.
For homeowners in search of a robust, high-performance option, Luma Solar offers a product designed to withstand severe weather, including Category 5 hurricanes. Luma solar shingles are three times stronger than traditional roofing tiles and generate 80 watts of electricity per shingle. This cutting-edge product is also marketed as the only upgradable roof shingle system available on the market. With sleek aesthetics and superior durability, Luma Solar's shingles are a premium option for homeowners prioritizing both resilience and energy efficiency.
SunTegra offers an interlocking solar shingle system that provides a low-profile design with both solar roof tiles and shingles options. These shingles are designed to attach directly to roofing materials, but they may not offer a perfectly uniform appearance across the entire roof. One of the key benefits of SunTegra solar shingles is their ability to reduce the overall weight on the roof structure, making them a suitable option for older homes or buildings with limited load-bearing capacity. By offering both solar roof tiles and solar shingles, SunTegra provides flexible solutions to suit a variety of roofing needs.
How Much Do Solar Shingles Cost To Install And Maintain?
The cost of PV shingles varies based on the size of the roof, the solar roof shingle product, the capacity of the solar power system, and the complexity of the roofline. As a result, it is difficult to provide a ballpark price for PV shingles.
For example, the price of a Tesla solar roof has fluctuated considerably in the last few years. Currently, an 8.3 kW solar energy system in Massachusetts with a Powerwall solar battery costs about $50,000 before incentives for a 1,600-square-foot roof. However, the price could increase by thousands for homes with complex roofs.
Solar roof shingles commonly qualify for solar incentives and rebates, such as the investment tax credit and net metering through the electric utility. However, because solar shingles tend to be less efficient, they may produce less electricity, resulting in smaller energy bill savings than standard solar panel systems.
Solar shingles require similar maintenance to solar panels, and most systems have a design life of 25 – 30 years. In addition, many products come with 25-year warranties.
Pros And Cons Of Solar Shingles
When comparing solar shingles vs solar panels, the key difference lies in aesthetics and installation. Solar panels are typically added to an existing roof, while solar shingles replace the roof itself. This makes shingles a more integrated solution, but panels may still offer a better performance-to-cost ratio for some homeowners.
Pros of Solar Shingles
Solar shingles offer several advantages for homeowners looking for a sleek and efficient way to incorporate renewable energy into their homes, blending aesthetics, functionality, and long-term savings.
✅ Aesthetic Appeal: Many people consider traditional solar panels unsightly, making solar shingles an attractive option. These shingles blend seamlessly into the roof, making them ideal for homeowners who want a more discreet solar solution.
✅ HOA Approval: In communities with strict homeowners association (HOA) rules that restrict solar panel installation, solar shingles are often allowed. This makes solar energy more accessible to homeowners who want to comply with aesthetic or neighborhood guidelines.
✅ Cost Efficiency: Although solar shingles are initially more expensive, they can reduce overall roofing costs. The average cost to replace a roof with asphalt shingles in the U.S. is between $5,100 and $10,000. When combined with the cost of solar shingles, the total lifecycle cost may be comparable to traditional solar panels and roofing materials.
✅ Roof Replacement Integration: Solar shingles last as long as the roofing materials, so there’s no need to remove solar panels during a roof replacement. This can save homeowners the additional cost (around $2,000-$3,000) and the hassle of reinstalling panels after replacing the roof.
✅ Long-Term Durability: For homes with metal roofs, solar panels can also be installed directly onto the roof, which lasts 40-70 years. This eliminates the need for roof replacements while maximizing the lifespan of solar PV systems.
Cons of Solar Roof Shingles
Solar roof shingles offer a unique alternative to traditional solar panels, blending seamlessly into the roof for a sleek, integrated look. However, when comparing solar shingles vs solar panels, there are several drawbacks to consider.
❌ High Initial Cost: Solar shingles are still a relatively new technology, making them more expensive than traditional solar panels. They can be particularly costly if the home doesn't require a new roof, and achieving net-zero energy with solar shingles alone can be more difficult.
❌ Lower Efficiency: Solar roof shingles typically have lower conversion efficiency compared to traditional solar panels. As a result, they may produce less of a home's electricity, leading to higher utility bills and increased carbon emissions if the home relies on grid electricity from fossil fuels.
❌ Limited Capacity Expansion: Expanding a solar system with shingles is more difficult than with panels, as the tilt angle of shingles is fixed to the roof's slope. This can limit the system's overall energy production potential, especially for homeowners looking to expand their solar capacity.
❌ Consumer Education: Since solar shingles are less common than traditional panels, potential buyers may need extra education on the differences and benefits of solar shingles vs. solar panels. This can add complexity for homeowners considering this technology.
❌ Longer Installation Time: Installing solar shingles takes longer than a typical roof replacement or solar panel installation. Additionally, because fewer solar installers have experience with shingles, finding qualified contractors can be challenging. This can result in higher costs and longer lead times for installation.
Solar Shingles Vs Solar Panels: Which Is Best For Your Clients?
Ultimately, whether solar shingles are a good fit for your customers depends on their home, goals, and project budget. As solar roof shingles become more common, the prices may decrease, creating more widespread appeal.
The solar permitting process is tedious for installers. GreenLancer’s marketplace was built to help you breeze through it with permit design, engineering stamps, solar proposals, feasibility studies, and more. Sign up today for a free consultation, or complete the form below to learn more.
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