Solar Roof Tiles: Advantages and Disadvantages
Solar roof tiles provide an alternative to conventional solar panels. Instead of being installed on existing roofs with racking systems, solar tiles are part of the roof itself. They can be a viable option in new constructions and major renovations, since a roof installation and a solar array can be combined into a single component. Solar roof tiles are also known as solar shingles.
In New York City, solar tiles can be used to meet Local Laws 92 and 94 of 2019, which mandate sustainable roofing systems. These can be solar power systems with at least 4 kW of capacity, or green roofs. These laws apply for new roof installations, and also for modifications and expansions in existing roofs.
In existing buildings, the main disadvantage of solar shingles is having to remove parts of your roof for their installation. They are also more expensive than conventional solar panels. However, in cases where a new roof or a roof expansion was planned anyway, solar tiles may achieve a lower cost than the sum of a normal roof and solar panels.
How Much Do Solar Roof Tiles Cost?
The cost of solar tiles varies depending on the provider, but you can expect to pay over 5,000 per kilowatt. For comparison, a residential solar panel system costs around 3,000 per kilowatt, while large commercial and industrial projects can reach costs below 1,000 per kilowatt. In terms of cost, solar shingles cannot compete with solar panels in large projects. However, they can be cost-effective in the residential sector, especially when a roof upgrade and a solar power system are being considered for the same property.
The new version of the Tesla solar roof is promising, since the company website reports an estimated price of 33,950 for a 10 kW installation. This is equivalent to 3,395 per kW, and much closer to the typical cost of a solar panel system. A 10 kW solar roof from Tesla requires an area of 2000 square feet, which leads to an installed cost slightly under 17 per sq.ft. and a power generation density of 5 watts per sq.ft.
Personal preferences also play a role when deciding between solar panels and solar shingles. Since solar roof tiles have around twice the cost of normal PV modules, their payback period is twice as long. However, both products have a typical service life of over 25 years. Long-term savings can be expected in both cases, but solar shingles need more time to reach positive cash flow.
When Are Conventional Solar Panels Recommended?
In addition to being more affordable, solar panels can concentrate more watts per square foot of capacity. High-efficiency solar panels have over 300 W of capacity within an area of 17.6 sq.ft. This means you can fit over 34 kW of generation capacity in 2000 sq.ft.
Solar panels are the recommended option if you want to maximize electricity production with the space available. On the other hand, solar shingles offer the appearance of a normal roof without panels, but the available space is used less efficiently. Using solar tiles that generate 5 watts per square foot, you need 6,800 sq. ft. to reach 34 kW of capacity.
If you are considering a roof upgrade and a solar power system, the best recommendation is getting quotes for both options: solar roof shingles, and a normal roof with solar panels. Also consider the electricity output over time. solar panels produce over three times more energy per square foot.
In New York City, LL92 and LL94 of 2019 require a minimum solar power capacity of 4 kW, or otherwise you need to install a green roof. This can be a limitation if you want to use solar shingles for a small roof, since you need around 800 sq.ft. to reach 4 kW. On the other hand, by using high-efficiency solar panels, you can fit 4 kW in less than 200 sq.ft.
New photovoltaic tiles from Estonia
Estonian startup Solarstone has developed two solar tiles with an efficiency of up to 19.5% and an operating temperature coefficient of.0.41% per C. It recently secured €10 million in funds to expand sales across Europe.
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Estonian startup Solarstone announced it has recently secured €10 million (10.1 million) in its second financing round. “With these funds, Solarstone intends to expand building integrated solar PV solutions across Europe and beyond,” the company said in a statement released. “The investment follows the 700th solar roof installation in eight countries.”
Its building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) product portfolio consists mainly of three products – two types of solar tiles with a nominal power of 90 W and 108 W, respectively, and a rooftop PV system. “We use solar panels from the world’s top manufacturers for our full solar roof. We add proprietary and patented aluminum technology, called Click-On frame, that turns a conventional solar panel into the weatherproof roofing material,” Solarstone CEO, Silver Aednik, told pv magazine. “The result is an aesthetically pleasing two-in-one solar roof.”
According to the manufacturer, the Click-On kit tackles the main issues BIPV has been facing, which are compatibility, scalability and complexity of installation. The Click-On profiles are reportedly compatible with the products of most Tier-1 solar panel manufacturers. “The profiles can be fitted on-site and even the most complex rooftop configurations can be handled with ease,” the company said.
One of the two solar tiles, dubbed Solarstone 90 W, has a power conversion efficiency of 19.5%, an open-circuit voltage of 11.22 V, and a short-circuit current of 9.58 A. It has dimensions of 1,530 mm x 395 mm x 31 mm and weighs in at 7 kg.
The tile relies on eight cells measuring 156 mm x 156 mm and 3.2 mm prismatic glass.
The second tile, called Solarstone 108 W, has a larger size of 1,824 mm x 389 mm x 22 mm and a weight of 8 kg. It features an efficiency of 19%, an open-circuit voltage of 12.9 V, and a short-circuit current of 8.39 A.
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Both solar tiles come with a 10-year product warranty and a 25-year power output guarantee. They are fabricated with an IP65 enclosure and have an operating temperature coefficient of.0.41% per C. The maximum system voltage for both products is 600 V.
The Solar Roof system consists of standard PV panels fitted with Click-on technology and aluminum composite panels (ACPs). “Its size is variable and is suitable for residential projects, carports, and facades,” the company’s CEO said, noting that the panels can be installed in either a landscape or portrait configuration.
“Right now, headquarters and factory are based in Viljandi, Estonia,” Silver noted. “As a manufacturing company, we emphasize automation, one of the main areas where we use the investment. Increasing production capacity and robotizing lines will prepare us for increasing demand.”
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Emiliano Bellini
Emiliano joined pv magazine in March 2017. He has been reporting on solar and renewable energy since 2009.
Pros and Cons of Solar Shingles
You don’t need to be Elon Musk to understand the importance of clean energy and solar power. Solar energy is free and the Earth’s most abundant energy source. Nearly 4% of U.S. homes use solar energy, and experts expect this number to grow to 11% by 2025. We looked into the pros and cons of solar shingles to help you understand what makes the material so special and whether it is right for your next roofing project.
- What Are Solar Shingles?
- How Do Solar Roofing Shingles Work?
- How Are Solar Shingles Different From Solar Panels?
- Pros of Solar Shingles
- Lower Utility Bills
- Long Lifespan
- Weather Resistant
- Fire Resistant
- Sleek Aesthetics
- Increased Property and Resale Values
- Expensive
- Limited Availability
- Lower Efficiency
- Installation
- Return on Investment
What Are Solar Shingles?
Solar shingles, also known as solar roof tiles, are thin photovoltaic sheets, or solar cells, that absorb the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity to power your home. These shingles look and perform like traditional asphalt shingles, protecting you and your home from the elements while saving you money on your electricity bill.
Solar shingles are an integrated component of your roof. A professional roofer can install them on top of your existing shingles, or they can install a new solar roof system if it is time to replace your roof. Some companies, like Tesla, only offer complete solar power systems with no re-roofing option.
How Do Solar Roofing Shingles Work?
Solar shingles work the same way as standard solar panels. The sun shines on the shingle, which absorbs the light through photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic cells lay between layers of semiconducting material like silicon. When hit with sunlight, the material energizes, creating an electric field.
All solar roofs have an inverter and generate direct currents. The direct current passes through the inverter, which converts the direct current into alternating current to be used by your home, stored in your solar battery bank, or fed back into the national electricity grid.
How Are Solar Shingles Different From Solar Panels?
Solar shingles and solar panels are building–integrated photovoltaics. All BIPVs convert the sun’s energy into electricity and have the same net metering policies – rules overseeing utility credits for excess energy sent back to the grid.
Conventional solar panels are just one component of a roof, while solar shingles are an entire roof system. Some key differences include:
| Solar Shingles | Solar Panels | |
| Availability | Limited | Most regions |
| Cost | 49,700 on average | 20,000 on average |
| Durability | 25-30 years | 25-30 years |
| Aesthetics | Modern | Bulky |
| Roof Type | Roof replacement or asphalt shingles re-roofing | Most roofing materials |
| Size | 12 inches x 86 inches and less than 1 inch thick | 39 inches x 65 inches |
| Weight | 13 pounds per square foot | 40 pounds each |
| Installation | Minimum 1 week | Less than 1 day |
| Output | 13 to 63 watts per shingle | 250 to 400 watts per panel |
Pros of Solar Shingles
Solar shingles are a great way to harness the power of the sun to produce clean, independent energy. They are sleek, weather-resistant, and have a long lifespan.
Lower Utility Bills
Reducing energy costs is the number one reason homeowners install solar roof shingles. A typical residential installation comprises 350 tiles, and the setup lowers monthly energy bills by 40% to 70%.
Long Lifespan
Solar shingles have a longer lifespan than regular shingles. They maintain maximum output and efficiency for 25 to 30 years.
Solar companies offer their own warranties, and tile longevity depends on the manufacturer. For example, Tesla solar roofs come with a 30-year warranty. Be sure to check with your shingle manufacturer to understand your warranty and maintenance requirements.
Weather Resistant
Like many traditional roofing materials, solar shingles are suitable for all climates. The outer shell comprises impact-resistant glass that is far from fragile.
Many solar tiles boast impact ratings beyond the highest available rating of four. To receive a rating of four, the roofing material must withstand hail up to 2 inches in diameter, approximately the size of a tennis ball.
In addition to impact resistance, solar tiles also can stand up to snow and ice. Snow will not damage solar shingles, however, accumulation blocks the absorption of the sun’s rays.
Soar roofs are well-suited to wind- and hurricane-prone regions like Florida. The weather-resistant material can withstand winds up to 130 mph.
Fire Resistant
The highest percentage of solar users in the U.S. live in western states prone to sunny and dry conditions. Solar roofs are manufactured to meet the highest fire rating of Class A, making the material a superb choice for fire-prone areas.
Sleek Aesthetics
Traditional solar panel systems are bulky and unattractive, and they don’t protect your home. Solar shingles protect your home like traditional shingles and have a sleek and modern aesthetic that blends into your roofing materials.
Increased Property and Resale Values
All new roofs increase property and resale values. A solar roof increases your home’s value by 20 for every 1 reduction in your annual energy costs, and according to Zillow, homes with solar power systems sell for 4% higher on average.
Cons of Solar Shingles
Solar shingles are a relatively new technology. They are expensive, limited to certain regions, and have a lower output than traditional solar panels.
Expensive
Solar shingles are the most expensive roofing material on the market. Factors affecting the cost of solar shingle installation include brand, roof type, and installation costs. A solar roof costs between 40,000 to 60,000 before the federal solar tax credit.
| Cost Per Installed Watt | Cost Per Installed Square Foot | National Average With Labor | |
| Solar Shingles | 3 to 8 | 15 to 25 | 49,700 |
| Tesla Solar Roof | Starts at 5.50 | 35 | 75,000 to 115,000 |
| CertainTeed Apollo II | 6.40 | 17 to 27 | 47,000 to 75,000 |
| SunTegra | Starts at 4.80 | 15 to 21 | 42,000 to 60,000 |
| Luma | 4.40 | Up to 38 | 43,000 |
| GAF Energy Timberline Solar | 3 to 5 | 15 to 20 | 42,000 |
Limited Availability
Solar shingles account for a tiny 1% of all solar installations. Still in their infancy, many regions do not have access to the new technology because of limited brands and production.
Lower Efficiency
It takes an average of 350 tiles to lower utility bills by 40% to 70% while the average solar panel installation reduces energy costs by 90%.
Solar shingles are less efficient than traditional panels, and constricted airflow underneath the shingles decreases energy efficiency. Most solar tiles produce between 13 to 63 watts of power.
Installation
Solar roofs require highly specialized installation, including a licensed electrician for wiring. If your existing roof is in good condition, re-roofing installation can take as little as one week. However, if you are replacing your roof, it can take two or more weeks to install, depending on your roofing company.
Return on Investment
Like most roofs, you can recover up to 100% of your investment when installing a new roof. However, because of the new technology, solar roofs are expensive.
It takes the average homeowner approximately 15 years to recover their full investment with solar shingles, while it only takes five years to recover the full investment when installing traditional solar panels.
Are Solar Shingles Right for Your Home?
Many states are requiring solar systems for all new residential construction. Solar shingles are still a relatively new and expensive technology. However, they are worth considering if you need a total roof replacement.
When deciding whether solar panels or solar shingles are right for your home, consider the following factors:
- Budget: Solar shingles are more expensive.
- Location: You cannot adjust the angle of solar shingles, and snow and ice slide off the surface of traditional panels more easily.
- Availability: Solar panels are available in most locations, but solar panel manufacturers and installers are more scarce.
FAQ About Solar Shingles
Solar shingles are eligible for the same government tax credit as solar panels. Solar roofs installed between 2020 and 2021 are eligible for a 26% tax credit, while those installed between 2022 to 2032 are eligible for a 30% credit. There is no maximum amount a homeowner can claim and expenses include:
Solar panels or cells Contractor labor costs, including permitting fees and inspection costs Balancing equipment, including wiring, mounting equipment, and inverters Energy storage devices with a capacity rating of 3 kilowatt-hours or greater Sales tax on expenses
Many states also have policies governing renewable energy, offering their own incentives and rebates.
No. Solar shingles need to be installed by a professional solar provider. Solar shingles are part of a new roof system or installed over your existing roofing materials.
Yes, solar storage batteries work with traditional panels and solar shingles. They are an upgrade to your solar roofing system and cost between 7,000 to 14,000.
Solar Roof Installation Next Steps
Solar electricity has been around since 1839. Thankfully, the technology has come a long way, and solar upgrades are more efficient than ever.
If you are in the market for a new roof or want to explore solar upgrades, contact a roofing pro to learn about the process and materials for your next big project.
Kimberly Magerl
Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Kimberly Magerl enjoys growing fruits and vegetables in her garden. When she isn’t gardening, Kimberly enjoys trying new recipes and cooking with her home-grown herbs.
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PV Roof Tiles
Solar roof tiles are made from thin photovoltaic panels that cover or replace existing tiles on your roof. They absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. For example, homeowners will save on monthly bills and eventually recoup their initial investment by relying on this energy source instead of electricity.
Solar roof tiles can replace ordinary roof tiles, and solar tiles can protect your home from the weather and other elements. As a new type of photovoltaic green building material, these photovoltaic tiles save energy and provide a more attractive aesthetic for the home than the large and bulky panels usually associated with solar energy.
Few people wanted to upset the aesthetics of their roofing just to save a bit on their energy bill in the long term. A solar roof tile on the other hand simply looks like a roof, and is highly efficient.
Work Principle
Gain Solar engineers always use international leading technology to produce pv roof tiles with a module efficiency of 14% to 20%.
solar roof tile not only respects the design of the structure it is placed upon, it generates more energy than conventional PV panels. Since the integrated PV surface is curved by nature, sunlight will always reach the roof tiles at an optimal angle. Using next-generation power optimization and monitoring technologies, energy yields are substantially higher than that of conventional PV panels.
Composition/Structure :
Photovoltaic roof tiles are available as monocrystalline or polycrystalline PV cells in laminated safety glass
The roof tile is composed of tempered glass, EVA, battery components and bottom bracket
Pros and Cons of PV Roof Tiles Technology
Solar roof tile higher energy yield
Higher energy yield than conventional systems
Solar roof tile shadowing effects
No negative shadowing effects
Solar roof tile Smart monitoring
Smart monitoring of individual tiles
Solar roof tile obstacle-free installation
Flexible and obstacle-free installation
Solar roof tile seamless integration
Seamless integration in traditional roof
Solar roof tile sustainable
Lower environmental impact than conventional PV systems
Smart grid individual monitoring
Photovoltaic roof tiles have a sleeker, more attractive aesthetic. They are particularly suitable for use with concrete and asphalt roofs.
Photovoltaic roof tiles are weather-resistant and durable.
PV roof tiles are easier to maintain than solar panels.
They have a higher return on investment if you are building a new roof.
While solar panels have been around for a long time, solar roof tiles are still young in comparison. Therefore, not every manufacturer of photovoltaic products offers them.
This technology is also constantly evolving. Not all existing roofs are suitable for installing solar tiles, as you may need to rebuild the entire roof.
Solar roof tiles are more expensive than traditional solar panels.
Pv roof tiles currently come in limited styles and colors, but gain solar are introducing new options.
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.
Average cost of solar tile technology
The average cost of solar tile technology is 290 per square meter, not including installation.
you’re probably looking at about four or five times the cost. This is due to it being a newer technology, with little competition and longer installation times (about 2 weeks compared to a day or two for traditional panels). Obviously, costs will depend on roof size, access, system size and the proportion of PV vs dummy tiles.
Do solar roof tiles generate as much energy as traditional solar panels?
solar roof tile respects the design of the structure it is placed upon and generates more energy than conventional PV panels. Since the integrated PV surface is curved by nature, sunlight will always reach the roof tiles at an optimal angle. Using next-generation power optimization and monitoring technologies, energy yields are substantially higher than that of conventional PV panels. Due to the integrated Smart electronics, shading issues are a problem of the past.
Since the main goal is to reduce energy costs, this is a major consideration for solar installations. Most photovoltaic watts produce 25 to 90 watts of power. The number of tiles in a typical home roof installation can reduce utility bills by 40% to 70%; by adding more solar roof tiles, you can increase electrical energy output. While both solar tiles and solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, there are many differences that can help you decide between the two options, such as aesthetics, longevity, power generation efficiency, cost factors, and ease of installation degree and durability.