Solar Shingles: Turn Your Roof a Power Source (5 Brands)
In the U.S., residential solar installations have been continuously increasing during the last few years, reaching 1GWDC in the Q4 of 2021.
This solar energy adoption is driven by many factors, such as the cutting-edge technologies that are being developed, like instance solar shingles.
Out there in the market, there are many solar shingle manufacturers. To help you decide which brand and product is best for your needs, we chose 4 different solar shingle companies as an alternative to Tesla solar shingles. For each brand, we will check out the products they offer, breaking down their characteristics and more importantly let you know if a solar shingle might be a good match for you.
Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made from our affiliates through links in this article. (Learn )
At are solar shingles and how do they work?
Solar shingles are basically solar cells that convert the sun’s radiation into usable electricity, but also, they work as the roofing material for your home. These roofing solar cells are commonly shaped into shingles or tiles which are seamlessly arranged to provide structural support for the house roof and other types of buildings.
Using solar shingles allows you to have a roof that achieves two functions: generate clean energy and give your home, office or any other of your buildings, an aesthetic look.
Composition/Structure
Solar shingles or tiles are made of solar cells that are commonly manufactured using semiconductor materials, such as monocrystalline silicon and copper-indium-gallium selenide. The cells are assembled in bands or strips to form the shingle or tile shape.
In addition, since solar shingles are quite thin, this allows them to have greater flexibility and be lightweight.
How do solar shingles work?
Solar shingles or tiles perform as roofing material for your home. The main idea is to combine the solar cells with the roof sheathing rather than mounting solar modules on top of the shingles.
Solar shingle’s basic principle works just the same as with conventional solar panels. In other words, the PV cells absorb sunlight in order to produce a flow of free electrons, which results in generating an electrical current that can power electrical equipment. The difference between solar shingles and solar panels is mainly their construction.
Why should you choose solar shingle technology?
In order to help you analyze whether choosing solar shingles for your photovoltaic system is the right option, we summarize and list the pros and cons of having them:
Pros
- Perfect solution for those cases in which a roof replacement is required.
- Elegant and sleek design provides a futuristic look to your roof.
- No obstructions from solar panels will be visible on the roof.
- No external wiring that could be exposed to damage and cause potential hazards.
- No weak spots on the roof from roof penetrations as with conventional solar systems.
Cons
- Higher upfront costs and lower return of investment (ROI) than conventional rooftop solar panels (unless roof is to be replaced).
- Solar shingles generally have less energy efficiency than standard solar modules.
- Few companies perform solar shingle installation.
What is the average cost of solar shingle technologies?
The amount of money you are going to pay for installing solar shingles in your roof is going to depend on your energy usage, the conditions, and age of your roof, the solar shingle manufacturer, and other factors.
However, the cost of going with solar shingles can go anywhere from 20,000 to 70,000 whereas Tesla’s solar roof is generally located in the high-end scenario.
Reviews of the best solar shingle brands
Tesla’s Solar Roof
Elon Musk presented the Solar Roof back in 2016. Since then, the product has gained huge popularity across the U.S. and other countries.
It’s clear that the Solar Roof provides a futuristic and sleek look for homes and other types of buildings. Although, the Solar Roof is quite an expensive product and still not as efficient as conventional solar panels.
Tesla’s Solar Roof consists of a rooftop built with solar shingles that contain solar cells. There are two types of shingles used in the final product design: the active ones, those which produce electricity, and the inactive ones, which just act as a roofing material. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using the Solar Roof.
Advantages
- Aesthetics: Solar Roof offers 4 different styles of tile. All have a modern and distinguished looking design.
- Durability: It is claimed to be resistant to hail, wind, and fire, as well as to mechanical forces. Solar Roof is backed by ANSI standard tests.
- Warranty: Offers a 25-year tile and power and weatherization warranty.
- Renowned brand: Who is not excited to have a product of a brand like Tesla? Claimed to be one of the leaders of a zero-carbon emissions future.
Disadvantages
- High upfront Cost: Compared to building a new roof or replacing an existing one plus adding a regular solar system mounted on the rooftop, it can be 2 to 3 times more expensive to buy the solar roof of Tesla. Depending on the complexity of your roof, you could end up paying a total of somewhere between 40,000 to 70,000 to install the solar shingles.
- Low ROI: Depending on many factors like your energy usage habits, the size of the system, your location, and others, the solar roof may have a very low payback in a 25-year lifetime compared to conventional solar systems. In some cases, it could simply be not economically viable.
Considering the previous facts, it would be interesting to look for possible alternatives to buy and install solar shingles. Let’s check out some of them.
CertainTeed Solar Shingles
Another important brand that has been leading the roofing technology in the US for a long time is CertainTeed. It offers two different product alternatives related to solar shingles.
Design Choices
- Apollo Shingle ll: This design has solar shingles that can be installed in a new or existing asphalt shingle roof. The result is a combination of regular asphalt shingles and active solar shingles.
- Apollo Tile ll: This product offers a more integrated design by using tiles that are embedded to a new or an existing concrete tile roof.
Performance
In both Apollo Shingle II and Apollo Tile ll systems, 14 high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells are used in every tile/shingle with a power rating of 70 watts per piece. The conversion efficiency of the shingles and the tiles are 17.2% and 17.8% respectively. In addition, both have an operating temperature that can go anywhere between.40˚C and 90˚C.
Both systems are relatively easy to install, they are placed directly into the roof sheathing using standard deck screws, just as conventional asphalt and concrete tiles are installed.
Their weight is much less than conventional tiles at three pounds per square foot. over, they are long-lasting withstanding up to 250 pounds per square foot. Also, they are waterproof and can resist high wind velocities of 140mph.
Aesthetics
Apollo II provides all-black solar shingles which look like suitable solar stripes or bands placed over the roof.
On the other hand, Apollo Tile II matches the profile of flat concrete tiles. These tiles look like black solar laminate with a custom-colored frame that can complement a wide variety of earth-toned concrete tile colors.
Cost
The cost might change depending on your energy requirements, the difficulty of installation, your roof inclination, and roof age. However, some estimations are shown in the following table.
These figures are estimated and subject to changes depending on the specifics of the project, which can elevate the costs by 25%.
Warranty
CertainTeed offers a 25-year limited power warranty claimed to be all-encompassing. The coverage includes 25 years on installation workmanship, PV cells, microinverters, and mounting system. Also, comprises 12 years on optimized inverters, 10 years on wind, and 5 years on data monitoring hardware.
Suntegra Solar Shingles
Another important player in the solar roofing industry is Suntegra, which claims to give a 2-in-1 roof and solar solution by providing solar cells that generate electricity and a roofing material that protects your home or building. It gives installers a cutting-edge way to integrate solar directly into the sloped roof of a house, commercial building, or carport.
Additionally, Suntegra products are regarded to be constructed with 50% fewer materials than conventional rack-mounted PV systems and thus, they might be an alternative to adjust efficiently to your budget.
Available Options
- Suntegra shingles: Like the Apollo ll system, Suntegra also includes a solar shingles that are placed on a new or existing roof composed by asphalt shingles.
- Suntegra tiles: Similar to the Apollo tile design, this system integrates to the existing concrete tiles that are inserted in combination with inactive concrete tiles. They can also be used when a new roof is to be built.
Performance
The solar shingles of Suntegra offer 3 different models with a range of power output between 105W and 114W. All of them use 24 monocrystalline cells per piece, capable of achieving an electrical efficiency from 15.9% to 17.2%.
On the other hand, Suntegra tiles have lower efficiency than the shingles, ranging from 13.9% to 15.1%. Also, the tiles have 16 monocrystalline cells per piece.
Both tiles and shingles have a maximum wind rating of 130mph and a maximum static load rating of 112 pounds per square foot or 5,400Pa. In addition, the temperature operating range is the same as the Certainteed product (between.40˚C and 90˚C).
Aesthetics
Both Suntegra shingles and tiles offer a low-profile, all-black, and pleasing-looking. They are characterized for being a discrete installation, almost hidden and barely noticeable from the ground level, which makes them an elegant design for any home or building.
Price
Just as we did with the CertainTeed shingles and tiles, estimations on the cost are shown in the table below, which are subjected to variations depending on the conditions of your roof, energy requirements, and location.
Warranty
For both shingles and tiles, Suntegra offers a 10-year product warranty and a 25-year power output warranty.
Forward Solar Shingles
In the few recent years, Forward startup company has had significant growth in the solar shingles market. Forward offers an engineered integration of the roof and the solar cells by the means of state-of-the-art technology and a unique aesthetic that matches the classical U.S. home.
They offer their star product called Forward Metal Solar Roof, claimed to be a cost-effective and efficient solution that harvests a great amount of clean energy while it gives a sleek and futuristic appearance using shining metal standing seam type of roof. The system comes in 8 different possible colors to cover all requirements.
It has a non-solar portions cost of 9.75 per square foot and a 3.75 per watt cost related to the solar parts, which are quite competitive compared to the previous brands mentioned. Also, it has a weatherization warranty of 30 years.
The product is claimed to achieve an energy density of 19 watts per square foot while having an excellent thermal performance by the means of a passive ventilation system, which optimizes the heat dissipation and the airflow between shingles and your roof deck.
Additionally, this design is claimed to be reliable, robust, long-lasting, and can withstand powerful mechanical forces. The most interesting fact about Forward is that they are probably the only valuable brand available that offers a solar-roof integrated solution based on metal standing seam roof type, making it perfect not only for homes but also for garages, barns, and other industrial types of roofs.
Luma Solar Shingles
Luma Solar is another important interesting solar shingle company that has been gaining momentum for many years in the US. It’s recognized by having solar shingles products with a high rate of electrical efficiency while also having a futuristic, seamless, and luxurious looking. Luma offers results in your house that have combinations between active and inactive solar shingles.
The price changes depending on the conditions, roof complexity, energy requirements, and others. However, estimations set the average cost of the solar shingles of Luma at 4.5 per watt and could go up to 38 per square foot.
Additionally, it offers a 25-year limited power warranty at 80% and a 5-year limited product warranty.
Performance
Luma Solar Roof claims to have solar shingles with an incredible conversion efficiency of 22,1%, which is even higher than standard solar panels. It uses 16 monocrystalline 80W cells per shingle.
It handles a temperature operation range between.40˚C to 85˚C, having a great thermal and airflow management that maintains excellent levels of energy yields.
Additionally, every shingle weighs 19.8 lbs., and they are designed to withstand mechanical forces of 2,400 Pa for static wind loading and 5,400 for static load snow loading.
Aesthetics
Luma offers a distinguished good looking for your house, not only because of its futuristic appearance but also because of the Matte black finish, which gives a sleek line.
Are these “solar shingle technologies” right for you?
All the products mentioned above will provide an extraordinary aesthetic view for your home. Not to mention that some of them will offer the functionality of performing as the roofing material and act as the structural support by the means of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV).
Replacing roof or just adding solar?
If you are only looking for a solar PV system, installing solar shingles in the roof of your home can be an interesting alternative to go with if your requirements are more focused on aesthetical objectives than on cost-effective and efficient goals. From an economical point of view, it is still hard for solar shingles to compete with conventional solar panel systems.
However, in cases where changing your roof is necessary, solar shingles may present themselves as a more economically viable choice that combines both approaches into one for a cost similar to a solar panel system plus roof installation. In some other cases, replacing your roof may not be what you need, but the structural engineer may require you to replace the roof to make the solar panel installation feasible. If you find yourself in a situation like that, you may want to reconsider going with a solar shingle installation.
New Home?
Another situation where solar roof shingles can definitely be a great choice is for new houses. Choosing solar shingles since the construction process can drastically reduce the cost impact, increase your ROI, and ease the installation process.
Compare Quotes!
In any case, if you are interested in solar shingles, it is advisable for you to get a quote for your roof-specific layout and compare it with other conventional solar panel systems plus roofing installation quotes. This will allow you to find out which approach would best suit your needs. However, keep in mind that in the end, the house will always look better with solar shingles, which is a plus to consider for the value of your property.
Shingled solar panels: A must-consider solar shingle alternative
Finally, shingled solar panels are an innovative technology which is carrying out a wide range of advanced features in terms of solar energy optimization.
They should not be confused with solar shingles, which are part of BIPV, whereas solar shingled panels are more similar to standard solar panels but with cells that are cut into several strips that are subsequently connected to form modules by the means of an electrically conductive adhesive (ECA).
Major developments on this technology have taken place in the residential sector so far. Solar shingled panels are a promising technology that is much less expensive and more efficient technology than solar shingles.
Final Thoughts
We have examined multiple solar shingle products and brands with the objective to show you some of the best brands available in the market today. We learned that a solar roof shingle investment is a solution that must balance aesthetics and functionality where the new shingles of your roof will actually be generating electricity.
However, we also learned that the decision to install it must be balanced with the costs for such type of project since they can be considerable depending on the house. New houses or cases where a roof replacement is required due to structural stability reasons, are probably the best ones for solar shingle installations. In these cases, the economics can definitely be balanced with the benefits of a high-end finish.
Solar shingles still have a long way to go and with the variety of products available for multiple roof types that go from shingles, concrete standard tiles, and even metal standing seam, there are plenty of choices that you can consider to start generating clean energy and potentially improve the look for your house. comment
Last updated: February 15, 2022
Affordable Residential Solar Roofing in California
Solar roofing solutions like tiles and shingles are taking over many parts of the world.
It is a newer technology and one that has more promise in terms of lifespan and aesthetics.
It is an ideal choice for someone looking to have functional roofing that serves as a solar power generator besides its regular uses.
Cali Solar is one of the companies that handles and installs solar roofing to fulfill your needs.
Is Solar Roofing Worth It?
To date, there are two types of solar roofing. You can embed these with the existing rooftop covering and have the durability of traditional roofing materials.
These two types are:
- Solar tiles: These are multilayer tiles that have thin-film solar cells. These durable tiles contain silicon solar cells.
- Solar shingles: Solar shingles are a replacement for typical roofing shingles. They contain monocrystalline silicon solar cells, much like solar tiles.
The first solar roofing made its debut in Colorado in 2011.
Since then, its adoption has become more common, especially in California.
Its popularity increased following the large-scale program by Tesla in creating the Tesla Solar Roof.
This roofing consists of higher quality materials made to replace roof shingles.
The adoption of solar roofing is widespread and tested throughout the world.
In some parts of the country, we even see vehicles that have solar roof capability. Solar street lights, garden lights, and outdoor lights help lessen electricity costs within a city.
Since 2018, more California residences and commercial establishments have adopted this new technology. A Tesla roofing consists of around 60% non-solar shingles, and 40% solar generating ones. Other brands followed suit, and since then, solar roofing has become the new thing to grace the evolving world of renewable energy.
Solar Roofing Vs. Solar Panels
Due to being a new technology, there are many arguments against solar shingles and tiles. Weighing each advantage and disadvantage can help you decide if solar roofing is the option for you. Here are the main points to consider:
Installation And Efficiency
We recommend the installation of solar roof tiles and shingles for new homes. Unless you have the extra money for it, removing your old roof for a replacement may prove too costly.
Since it is a new technology, effectiveness is still a question. Only time will tell if solar roofing has the advantage over its panel counterpart.
One distinct advantage that panels have is their orientation. You can adjust the panel to hit the right angles and generate the most energy when the sun is at its brightest.
For roofing, you have to make adjustments in areas where they can generally gather the most sunlight.
Another option is to install more solar shingles to generate more electricity.
A solar roofing system has an inverter to help generate the most electricity possible, much like panels.
It also connects to a monitoring system for any maintenance work or upgrades. You always have access to your solar roofing from your smartphone.
Visual Appeal
Solar shingles look like asphalt shingles, giving them the feel of a traditional roof.
They can come in shades of blue and black, with more design options on the way. A lot of homeowners dislike the fact that solar panels stand out.
For those that want an integrated design, solar roofing is the best option available.
Price
Solar roofing is much more expensive than traditional roofing. The added expense can lead to gains later on as your solar power generation helps offset electricity bills.
A solar-powered home gains its return on investment (ROI) on an average of six years.
The most expensive solar roof available is Tesla’s, which costs around 21.85 per square foot.
There are alternatives available if you can’t afford the most expensive one in the market.
Here are some other popular options that we offer:
- Exasun X-Roof: X-Roof is a roof replacement option much like Tesla. The company also offers the X-tile, which resembles terracotta roofing.
- Forward: Much like Tesla, Forward’s solar tiles are available in PV and non-PV. They have a terracotta style tile and a metal style to help give a steel roof effect.
- SunTegra Tile and Shingle: You can place SunTegra shingles atop existing shingles. The tile version is a full-replacement type.
- Luma Solar Roof: This is another roof replacement product.
- Hanergy HanTile: The HanTile uses thin-film PV and has a look that resembles dark terracotta.
- CertainTeed Apollo II: The Apollo is one of the most affordable solar roofing alternatives in the market.
Lifespan
Tesla and other companies expect solar roofing products to last for at least 30 years.
With proper maintenance, solar roofing can last even longer.
One of the best things about it is that solar roofing needs very little in terms of maintenance. You’ll only clean it the way you would regular roofing.
Solar panels, in comparison, only average a lifespan of 20 to 25 years.
Even then, solar roofing is new technology.
Since we are still in the middle of testing solar roofing, only time will tell if they can last more than solar panels.
For now, the material of solar roofing is stronger than the usual tiles.
Tesla shingles have three times the strength and durability of regular roofing shingles.
New Technology
Since solar tiles and shingles are new technology, there is a lot of growth potential. We could see more efficient and affordable roofing solutions soon.
Companies that are pushing new developments signal faster growth.
It’s Time For A New Roof
Cali Solar has handled many residential solar roofing installations since its rise to fame a few years ago.
The new technology is a hit among those looking to blend beautiful roofing and clean renewable energy.
It is an ideal time to make the switch with all the incentives and rebates around solar technology.
We can help you find a roof that matches your budget! We’ll help you during the design process and recommend you the best products available.
A solar roof is a worthwhile investment that can help save you money in the long run. It cuts down energy bills and protects your home from harsh elements.
Contact Cali Solar today to start your solar roofing journey!
Homeowner’s Guide To Solar Shingles
Solar shingles are an alternative to traditional photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that some people believe could be the future of renewable electricity generation for homes and businesses.
If you’re wondering what solar shingles are, how you can get them, and if they are worth it, we will examine the answers to all of those questions and more in this comprehensive guide.
What are solar shingles?
Solar shingles, also known as solar tiles, solar roof, or solar roofing, are a product with the shape of traditional roof tiles and the functionality of solar panels, able to turn sunshine into electricity. Solar shingles can either partially or completely replace the materials on a home roof with subtle, electricity-generating devices.
Many people know of solar shingles from the Tesla Solar Roof product, which made headlines a few years back when Elon Musk debuted them on stage. recently, companies like GAF Energy have started to compete against the Tesla Solar Roof with products like their Timberline Solar panel, which can be installed just like traditional roofing material without additional solar power expertise.
Essentially the blend of thin-film solar panels and building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), solar shingles are a relatively new product in the residential renewable energy industry, and are among the most exciting technologies to watch in the 2020s. Helping to shape the appearance of a solar-powered future, homeowners may be able to install solar shingles and save money on their long-term electricity costs with renewable power.
Solar Shingles vs Solar Panels
Solar shingles and solar panels are very similar. They both harness sunlight, produce electricity, and can qualify homeowners for solar tax credits upon installation. Each technology is designed for durable long-term performance, with both modern panels and solar roofing expected to last for 25 years or more.
However, there are also a few major differences between solar panels and solar tiles. Most importantly:
- Solar shingles are much thinner than rigid solar panels
- Solar panels can be ground-mounted, while shingles always require rooftop placement
- Solar shingles can be integrated into building materials, while panels can only be mounted on top of a roof
When choosing between a new solar roof or a traditional solar panel system, the costs, availability, and value of each technology are highly location and customer-specific. If you’re considering an installation, here are the pros and cons of solar shingles vs. rigid solar panels to help you determine the best choice for your property’s power.
Advantages of A Solar Roof
In 2022, solar shingles and solar roofing products are emerging from a variety of manufacturers, with ongoing improvements in efficiency and durability. Compared to ordinary solar panels, building-integrated solar tiles have two main advantages: superior aesthetics and dual-functionality.
Low Profile: Despite their ability to reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions, some homeowners still think solar panels are “too ugly” for their roof. While we can see the beauty in both black and blue solar panels, there is no arguing that solar shingles can provide building owners with familiar roofing aesthetics, thus creating a less invasive installation. Sleek, modern, and even futuristic, solar shingles certainly win the aesthetic battle compared to traditional solar panels.
2-in-1 Functionality: importantly, solar shingles offer 2-in-1 functionality as both a building material and an energy-generating device. Even though solar shingles tend to be more expensive than ordinary panels alone, this does not account for the costs associated with roofing materials. When replacing an old roof and adding solar shingles simultaneously, homeowners may be able to save money by combining two upgrades at once.
Disadvantages of A Solar Roof
Despite all of the hype around solar shingles, the technology is still experiencing many growing pains when compared side by side with PV solar panels. With that being said, solar roofing is still finding its footing in the residential market, and many of its disadvantages could be overcome by the end of the decade with further advancements.
Cost: Unless you also account for the cost of a new roof replacement, solar shingle installations are almost always more expensive than solar panels, with higher upfront costs and slower returns on investments. The average cost to install a solar shingle system can be between 60,000 and 75,000, which is significantly more than the price of a similar solar panel system. Of course, when the timing is right, there are instances in which a solar shingle installation can cost less than a total roof replacement and a solar energy system combined.
Availability: No matter how much you want a solar roof, the availability of a high-quality installation is still very limited nationwide. While Tesla famously paused solar roof installations amid supply chain shortages, other providers are also struggling to deploy their products, largely due to a lack of local installers. As a result, anyone looking to purchase solar shingles may experience long waiting periods due to an imbalance of supply and demand.
Power Efficiency: With less surface area and depth to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity, solar roofing tiles are generally less efficient than solar panels. Today, the average home solar panel has an efficiency of 15% to 20% and higher, while solar shingle efficiency tends to be on the lower end of this range. Knowing this, more roof space is required to install solar tiles than rigid panels.
Installation Flexibility: Unlike rigid solar panels, solar shingles are designed to physically replace roofing materials, which limits their overall installation flexibility. While solar panels can be installed on nearly every roofing material, and even angled to maximize power generation, building integrated solar shingles can only be installed on roofs that are specifically compatible with the product’s make and model.
Solar Tiles vs Thin-Film Solar Panels
While “true solar shingles” are installed directly into your roof, some companies will also market thin-film or flexible solar panels as a less invasive alternative to rigid PV panels.
In cases like this, your thin-film or flexible solar shingles would simply be overlaid on top of existing roofing materials, rather than built into the roof. Without dual-functionality, this limits one of the main benefits of solar roofing vs PV panels.
Solar Shingle Installation: Solar Roof Replacement vs. Partial Building Integration
When buying a solar roof there are two different installations a homeowner can consider: total replacement or partial integration.
In a total solar roofing replacement, every single piece of your new roof will be generating electricity and powering your home. Although this can produce tons of power, a full-roof replacement limits homeowners to one specific system size. Depending on the installation, this may be either too expensive or not large enough to offset a home’s electricity demand.
Alternatively, with partial building integration, solar shingles or solar tiles are designed to seamlessly integrate with existing (or brand new) roofing materials. Here, your roof would contain a combination of solar shingles and other materials to best meet your home’s electricity demand. In this kind of installation, homeowners can potentially save money by choosing to not install solar tiles on roof faces with less sun exposure or limited power generation potential.
Top Solar Shingle Manufacturers
In 2022, American homeowners can choose from a handful of popular solar shingle companies. Emerging from cleantech and roofing companies alike, here are some of the top solar roofing manufacturers currently on the market, in alphabetical order:
As we mentioned earlier, finding a solar shingle contractor can be difficult in many parts of the country. So, even if you can get your hands on an order of shingles directly from the manufacturer, your local solar installer may not have the experience to help install them.
As mounting and interconnection methods for different makes and models vary, some manufacturers like GAF Energy are aiming to make installation as easy as possible. They claim their new Timberline Solar product can be installed by any roofer with a nail gun.
Of course, unless you are an experienced electrician AND a roofer with a nail gun, we highly recommend talking to a professional before ever attempting to install solar shingles yourself.
Is Solar Roofing the Future of Home Solar?
In the right scenario, solar shingles are worth it for homeowners looking to replace their roof and install a renewable energy system at the same time. With two-in-one functionality, a Smart solar roof consisting of building integrated photovoltaics allows you to generate green electricity for your home without losing any curb appeal.
Unfortunately, price and availability are still very strong limiting factors for the short-term expansion of solar shingles in the United States. As a result, many homeowners may find that an investment in traditional solar panels can be quicker, cheaper, and easier to achieve.
No matter where you are in your solar journey, Palmetto can help you find answers, products, and contractors you can trust. To get started, you can request a Free Solar Design and Savings Estimate today, and find out how much you can save by going solar.
Puerto Rico moves into seventh place for residential solar per capita
Luma Energy supports more than 54,000 customer connections in its 21 months as grid operator.
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Luma Energy, the company responsible for power transmission in Puerto Rico, announced that it has supported more than 5 4 ,000 customer connect ions to rooftop solar in 21 months, representing 330 MW added to the grid.
As a result of this progress, Puerto Rico now rank s seventh among all U.S. states and territories in residential solar energy adoption per capita. according to net metering data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Luma fully supports the growth of clean renewable energy; in fact, in a range of activities from connecting customers to rooftop solar, to interconnecting utility-scale renewable plants, to rebuilding and modernizing the electric grid, the over 3,000 men and women of Luma are accelerating the clean energy transformation for Puerto Ricans. Looking ahead, we are committed to working together with our customers, our regulator, elected leaders and other partners to establish Puerto Rico as a sustainable, clean energy leader for generations to come, said Wayne Stensby, president and CEO of Luma
Luma Energy became the operator in Puerto Rico in 2021, replacing the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) in that role. The company launched an accelerated solar connection program that the company says provides customers with shorter wait times for approval. The program has increased customer connections to an average of 3,400 each month, Luma reports. In the 2 1 months since Luma assumed operations of the electric system, the company says that the number of interconnected residential solar customers ha s tripled compared to what was achieved in the previous decade. growing from approximately 24 ,000 to over 78 ,000 total solar connections.
“Luma has streamlined the net metering process, shortening average wait times to under 30 days. Luma’s centralized approach and collaboration with the solar and storage industry have driven steady growth in solar installations, ensuring energy resilience and savings for tens of thousands of Puerto Rican families. We look forward to our continued collaboration and expanding the adoption of renewable energy across the island,” said P.J. Wilson, executive director of the Solar and Energy Storage Association of Puerto Rico (SESA).
In addition to advancing more home solar connections for customers, Luma reports it is working toward more than 1.3 GW of utility-scale renewable generation to Puerto Rico’s electric grid.
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Anne Fischer
Anne Fischer is a senior editor at pv magazine USA. Anne is a seasoned writer, editor, and journalist.