The latest on solar shingles, solar roofs and solar tiles
There are many words used to describe unconventional solar PV technologies used on rooftops. Within the “building-applied” category — basically anything that isn’t traditional solar panels attached to racks — terms like solar roofs, solar shingles and solar tiles are becoming more common, especially after Elon Musk and Tesla announced their solar roof idea in 2016. While the Tesla solar roof has yet to show successful application besides a few pilot installations, there are plenty of building-applied solar products on the market right now for homeowners looking for something different than the status solar quo.
Rackless solar systems
CertainTeed’s Apollo II solar shingles
There are two building-applied solar veterans that make what they call solar shingles but may be better described as small, rectangular solar panels that are installed without traditional racking systems. CertainTeed’s Apollo II solar shingles are installed alongside asphalt shingles. The 63-W monocrystalline solar panels are about 46 in. long and 17 in. wide — bigger than asphalt shingles but smaller than traditional solar panels. SunTegra has two building-applied products, also using monocrystalline solar panels that are bigger than the surrounding shingles. The SunTegra Shingle is about 52 in. long and 20 in. wide and rates at 110 W. The SunTegra Tile is also about 52 in. long but 14 in. wide and produces 70 W. The CertainTeed and SunTegra products are attached to the roofing deck for a sleek solar look not often achieved by elevated racks.
GAF Energy’s DecoTech product
GAF Energy has a solar system that similarly attaches to the deck. GAF Energy’s DecoTech system installs full-sized solar panels without traditional racking in the middle of a roof, while normal asphalt shingles are still used along the perimeter. The GAF Energy system offers low-profile aesthetics with a more traditional solar power output.
Dow was a leader in “solar shingles” until it dropped out of the business in 2016. The original Dow Powerhouse product used CIGS thin-film solar cells mounted to the roof decking, with traditional roofing shingles or tiles around the perimeter. One of the larger problems with Dow’s design was that the thin-film solar cells got very hot with little ventilation that close to the roof, so power output decreased. In 2017, national solar installer RGS Energy bought the Powerhouse brand from Dow and began marketing improved solar shingles, this time made with monocrystalline solar cells. The 41-in. long, 13-in. wide Powerhouse 3.0 solar panels have been rated at about 55 W. RGS Energy announced in 2019 it was ditching its residential installation arm to FOCUS exclusively on Powerhouse solar shingle sales. (2020 UPDATE: RGS Energy has filed for bankruptcy.)
Sunflare’s prototype solar shingles on display at SPI 2018
One company that is still trying the CIGS thin-film route is flexible panel manufacturer Sunflare. The company brought prototype four-cell solar shingles to Solar Power International 2018 and expects to have a finalized product by 2021 (as confirmed to Solar Power World). It’s unclear by looking at the prototype shingles whether the product would be installed with traditional roofing shingles or as a full roof, but Sunflare said it will FOCUS on new roof installations.
Solar shingles and tiles
When solar shingles and solar tiles are sized to look like traditional roofing products, the result can be a more uniformly designed solarized roof. Luma Solar designs custom solar roofs, using 54-in. long and 15-in. wide, 65-W polycrystalline solar panels (or 75-W monocrystalline panels) connected together for the entire roof span. Similarly sized metal panels are used along the roof perimeter or where solar cells can’t perform. The Luma solar shingles blend in with the non-solar metal panels for a uniform look.
DeSol Power Tiles also has a solar roof but uses individual polypropylene tiles similar in shape to traditional roofing tiles. An entire roof is installed, with some of the tiles having 17-W monocrystalline solar cells embedded. The tiles are screwed to battens on the roof plywood level. The roof looks uniform in design, although the solar tiles are shinier than the solid, polymer tiles.
A DeSol Power Tiles installation
Hanergy is rolling out two CIGS thin-film solar tile products: the curved HanTile and the flat Thin Film Flat SOLARtile. Both are installed among other non-solar-generating tiles. The HanTile roof installation looks less obviously like solar than the flat tiles. (2020 UPDATE: Hanergy subsidiaries have been working through bankruptcies.)
Tesla’s solar roof — if we see more installations soon — is definitely the more aesthetically pleasing solar tile choice. The company is manufacturing solar cells hidden behind tempered glass, and matching non-solar tiles are used along the roofing edge. Tesla’s tiles are 14 in. long and about 8.5 in. wide, with an unknown power output. The solar tiles are manufactured in Tesla’s Gigafactory in Buffalo, New York, that it also shares with Panasonic. It’s assumed that the Solar Roof tiles use crystalline silicon cell technology from Panasonic. Similar to other true solar shingle and tile products, Tesla’s solar tiles replace an entire roof, so other, more traditional roofing tiles are not used.
Another Silicon Valley hopeful, Forward has a unique solarized roof product that isn’t solar shingles nor just deck-attached solar panels. The company claims to make what it calls “solar roof panels” — long, skinny monocrystalline silicon solar panels that (in the case of Forward’s metal roof offering) have optically enhanced glass fronts to camouflage into the roof or (in the case of Forward’s tile roof offering) have individual glass tiles over top that concentrate the sun’s rays. The solar roof panels, which have traditional aluminum frames, polymer-based backsheets and junction boxes, are about 21.5-in. wide and can be up to 18- to 20-ft long — all custom to the individual home’s roof size, Forward CEO Zach Taylor told Solar Power World. The solar panels can’t be seen from the ground, and the roof just looks like a normal metal or tile roof, with the invisible added benefit of solar generation.
It is unknown how many actual Forward solar roofs have been completed in the San Francisco Bay Area since installation began in July 2018, and no photos of the roofs are available for publication. Solar Power World did speak with the company about its solar production methods but cannot confirm if installations have been completed. Since publication of this article in April 2019, there have been multiple claims of fraud against the company.
One thing is for sure, solar customers who prefer to have integrated roof designs have plenty of options, with more on the way in the near future.
About The Author
Kelly Pickerel
Kelly Pickerel has over a decade of experience reporting on the U.S. solar industry and is currently editor in chief of Solar Power World.
Комментарии и мнения владельцев
Kelly, You should look into “Easy Roof”, which is a product that makes standard solar panels waterproof. This product works with most 60 cell solar panels. Because of this, the cost is much lower than all other building integrated products. It also allows ventilation which means it experiences less energy losses due to heat. Every other roof product I have seen doesn’t have a way to keep the solar cells cool unless you build a false roof for ventilation purposes which adds a substantial cost. You can get some basic info on our website at http://www.empirecleanenergy.com
Hi Kelly, Please, Please help get the word out about Forward Roofs! We, too lost our 1,000 deposit made in May…calls go directly to voicemail, calls NEVER returned…emails NEVER responded to…frustrating! Hoping Capital One will come through and refund our deposit. If not, looks like we have to get in line to sue for our refund. Too bad, seemed like such an awesome product, we were excited to have a Forward Metal Roof! Who do we contact about their web site still being up? Please look into a product called Smart Flower. This is what we are going with instead of a Forward Roof. Your readers can rest assured the Smart Flower really exists…we saw it in Philly. Thanks, Robyn Betterly
Never understood why we should give a 1000 deposit for the needed information of details installation cost, kw per our production, battery system, and transformer. The so call Giga factory of Tesla in Buffalo last year actually was reported to dismissed a large number of worker and chaos reigned in the factory. The idea of photo-voltaic roof shingles is great, Mr Musk should concentrate on letting the consumer know what it cost install such system to become independent from the grid. I would welcome complete information for a project using 27 kw/hr.
We also had an experience with that Forward Labs they are scammers! We contracted to them but failed to do the job description. We are considering to sue them.
Jordan, Don’t bother suing them as they will just ignore the complaint. Instead, contact the State Contractors Licensing Board as they have already investigated Zach and Forward and as a result criminal charges have been filed against Zach. Forward is not a licensed contractor.
I had put down a 1000 deposit last July and had Zach out here last month not knowing that there were all these issues with him and the company. Luckily, I decided not to accept his contract but now I have been chasing Zach for my deposit back. Looks like there may be quite a few people that they have scammed out of their money. I will contact the State Contractors Licensing Board but if they are not licensed contractors, then I don’t know if they can do anything. But it looks like there are criminal charges, so I will reach out to Contra Costa County as well. In the meantime, word needs to get out that this company is a scam because it looks like their website is still active and therefore probably collecting more deposits.
Great, informative article. I too have been looking into 3-in-1 solar tiles and wondered if you knew anything about them. Thank you, Geoff
Can I invite a review of solteq.eu for what appears to be the truely functional solar tile? We welcome your research and reader Комментарии и мнения владельцев.
Great article. As a still-working senior with a business in northern NJ, I see solar, in some more fashionable form than now being used, as a way to significantly cut back on residential operating expenses as state real estate taxes continue to rise.
For a long time I have wondered when someone would come up with “chameleon” shingles. During the winter shingles would be dark (absorb sun’s rays and keep crawl space warm) and during the summer would be capable of becoming a lighter color (reflect sun’s rays and keep crawl space cooler).
Kelly, Please review Forward Labs in your article. They are a scam solar company. They have people sign up for 1000 deposits and then don’t return the money. Forward Labs doesn’t have a Contractors License in California, plus they are involved in 3 lawsuits. As of now, they don’t have a physical address and their phones only go to recording. Your readers need to be aware of this sketchy business.
Thanks, Jim. As I was unable to confirm if Forward roofs have been installed, I made sure to reference that in the article. I have been following online coverage of the company for awhile and fear you may be right. I will continue to look into their claims.
Where can one find information about the lawsuits against Forward Labs? We are also in the same boat having made a deposit. Voicemails perpetually full and emails not returned. One user said they were in contract with the company in July 2018 and had put a large sum down only to have Forward disappear. They continue to do very well in presenting their product in review magazines.
I was contacted by Zach, from Forward Roofing, earlier in the year but I did not move forward due to large amount of deposite required and why CEO is running around to make a sale to me. I also did research on Zach and found him to be a roofing guy and had complains about his company in the New York area, if I remember correctly. I called credit card company to get my money back after months of not answering their phone.
One ‘other’ complaint of the “solar tiles” is the number of piercings through the roof. Then once inside the attic of the home, some sort of raceway where the individual panels will be wired in series/parallel to get the proper voltage to the house inverter. With the larger tiles being produced now, I imagine that it is still difficult to troubleshoot a panel wiring or panel power output problem. Look at the many ‘standard’ solar PV panel installations on roofs that have micro-inverters or conditioners attached to each panel. Devices that are individually addressable and can be monitored by a gateway one can purchase from the solar company. From a internet site one can tell which panel/converter or inverter is having a problem. A lot easier to troubleshoot than individual tiles and hard wiring. Now with packaged systems that include solar PV with energy storage, system monitoring and power use modeling will help the customer to program the best use of their solar PV with energy storage, for maximum payoff of their investment.
Kelly, this is finally exciting! Now that the marketplace has options, the competitive landscape will allow the strong to survive. The consumer will benefit. I’m still waiting to hear about OM because if something breaks (things fall on roofs) or just doesn’t work, who’s going to fix them….
CEO Carmen Bellavia- is a former roofer. He developed the product to be install friendly and extremely durable. Great guy and product, 3in1.com Not affiliated in anyway, would love to see a good product from a small company succeed.
Great information on the panels and options but, what about the energy output and storage systems with each option. Can you point me to that information? I own a townhouse and so far haven’t been able to find a product that can power my home even though I get full direct sun. Have been told that roof area not large enough.for the number of panels needed, shingles are the answer, I’m sure but haven’t found a local company that installs them. It really is a huge untapped market, wish I had the brains and money to tap it.
The latest on solar shingles, solar roofs and solar tiles
There are many words used to describe unconventional solar PV technologies used on rooftops. Within the “building-applied” category — basically anything that isn’t traditional solar panels attached to racks — terms like solar roofs, solar shingles and solar tiles are becoming more common, especially after Elon Musk and Tesla announced their solar roof idea in 2016. While the Tesla solar roof has yet to show successful application besides a few pilot installations, there are plenty of building-applied solar products on the market right now for homeowners looking for something different than the status solar quo.
Rackless solar systems
CertainTeed’s Apollo II solar shingles
There are two building-applied solar veterans that make what they call solar shingles but may be better described as small, rectangular solar panels that are installed without traditional racking systems. CertainTeed’s Apollo II solar shingles are installed alongside asphalt shingles. The 63-W monocrystalline solar panels are about 46 in. long and 17 in. wide — bigger than asphalt shingles but smaller than traditional solar panels. SunTegra has two building-applied products, also using monocrystalline solar panels that are bigger than the surrounding shingles. The SunTegra Shingle is about 52 in. long and 20 in. wide and rates at 110 W. The SunTegra Tile is also about 52 in. long but 14 in. wide and produces 70 W. The CertainTeed and SunTegra products are attached to the roofing deck for a sleek solar look not often achieved by elevated racks.
GAF Energy’s DecoTech product
GAF Energy has a solar system that similarly attaches to the deck. GAF Energy’s DecoTech system installs full-sized solar panels without traditional racking in the middle of a roof, while normal asphalt shingles are still used along the perimeter. The GAF Energy system offers low-profile aesthetics with a more traditional solar power output.
Dow was a leader in “solar shingles” until it dropped out of the business in 2016. The original Dow Powerhouse product used CIGS thin-film solar cells mounted to the roof decking, with traditional roofing shingles or tiles around the perimeter. One of the larger problems with Dow’s design was that the thin-film solar cells got very hot with little ventilation that close to the roof, so power output decreased. In 2017, national solar installer RGS Energy bought the Powerhouse brand from Dow and began marketing improved solar shingles, this time made with monocrystalline solar cells. The 41-in. long, 13-in. wide Powerhouse 3.0 solar panels have been rated at about 55 W. RGS Energy announced in 2019 it was ditching its residential installation arm to FOCUS exclusively on Powerhouse solar shingle sales. (2020 UPDATE: RGS Energy has filed for bankruptcy.)
Sunflare’s prototype solar shingles on display at SPI 2018
One company that is still trying the CIGS thin-film route is flexible panel manufacturer Sunflare. The company brought prototype four-cell solar shingles to Solar Power International 2018 and expects to have a finalized product by 2021 (as confirmed to Solar Power World). It’s unclear by looking at the prototype shingles whether the product would be installed with traditional roofing shingles or as a full roof, but Sunflare said it will FOCUS on new roof installations.
Solar shingles and tiles
When solar shingles and solar tiles are sized to look like traditional roofing products, the result can be a more uniformly designed solarized roof. Luma Solar designs custom solar roofs, using 54-in. long and 15-in. wide, 65-W polycrystalline solar panels (or 75-W monocrystalline panels) connected together for the entire roof span. Similarly sized metal panels are used along the roof perimeter or where solar cells can’t perform. The Luma solar shingles blend in with the non-solar metal panels for a uniform look.
DeSol Power Tiles also has a solar roof but uses individual polypropylene tiles similar in shape to traditional roofing tiles. An entire roof is installed, with some of the tiles having 17-W monocrystalline solar cells embedded. The tiles are screwed to battens on the roof plywood level. The roof looks uniform in design, although the solar tiles are shinier than the solid, polymer tiles.
A DeSol Power Tiles installation
Hanergy is rolling out two CIGS thin-film solar tile products: the curved HanTile and the flat Thin Film Flat SOLARtile. Both are installed among other non-solar-generating tiles. The HanTile roof installation looks less obviously like solar than the flat tiles. (2020 UPDATE: Hanergy subsidiaries have been working through bankruptcies.)
Tesla’s solar roof — if we see more installations soon — is definitely the more aesthetically pleasing solar tile choice. The company is manufacturing solar cells hidden behind tempered glass, and matching non-solar tiles are used along the roofing edge. Tesla’s tiles are 14 in. long and about 8.5 in. wide, with an unknown power output. The solar tiles are manufactured in Tesla’s Gigafactory in Buffalo, New York, that it also shares with Panasonic. It’s assumed that the Solar Roof tiles use crystalline silicon cell technology from Panasonic. Similar to other true solar shingle and tile products, Tesla’s solar tiles replace an entire roof, so other, more traditional roofing tiles are not used.
Another Silicon Valley hopeful, Forward has a unique solarized roof product that isn’t solar shingles nor just deck-attached solar panels. The company claims to make what it calls “solar roof panels” — long, skinny monocrystalline silicon solar panels that (in the case of Forward’s metal roof offering) have optically enhanced glass fronts to camouflage into the roof or (in the case of Forward’s tile roof offering) have individual glass tiles over top that concentrate the sun’s rays. The solar roof panels, which have traditional aluminum frames, polymer-based backsheets and junction boxes, are about 21.5-in. wide and can be up to 18- to 20-ft long — all custom to the individual home’s roof size, Forward CEO Zach Taylor told Solar Power World. The solar panels can’t be seen from the ground, and the roof just looks like a normal metal or tile roof, with the invisible added benefit of solar generation.
It is unknown how many actual Forward solar roofs have been completed in the San Francisco Bay Area since installation began in July 2018, and no photos of the roofs are available for publication. Solar Power World did speak with the company about its solar production methods but cannot confirm if installations have been completed. Since publication of this article in April 2019, there have been multiple claims of fraud against the company.
One thing is for sure, solar customers who prefer to have integrated roof designs have plenty of options, with more on the way in the near future.
About The Author
Kelly Pickerel
Kelly Pickerel has over a decade of experience reporting on the U.S. solar industry and is currently editor in chief of Solar Power World.
Комментарии и мнения владельцев
Kelly, You should look into “Easy Roof”, which is a product that makes standard solar panels waterproof. This product works with most 60 cell solar panels. Because of this, the cost is much lower than all other building integrated products. It also allows ventilation which means it experiences less energy losses due to heat. Every other roof product I have seen doesn’t have a way to keep the solar cells cool unless you build a false roof for ventilation purposes which adds a substantial cost. You can get some basic info on our website at http://www.empirecleanenergy.com
Hi Kelly, Please, Please help get the word out about Forward Roofs! We, too lost our 1,000 deposit made in May…calls go directly to voicemail, calls NEVER returned…emails NEVER responded to…frustrating! Hoping Capital One will come through and refund our deposit. If not, looks like we have to get in line to sue for our refund. Too bad, seemed like such an awesome product, we were excited to have a Forward Metal Roof! Who do we contact about their web site still being up? Please look into a product called Smart Flower. This is what we are going with instead of a Forward Roof. Your readers can rest assured the Smart Flower really exists…we saw it in Philly. Thanks, Robyn Betterly
Never understood why we should give a 1000 deposit for the needed information of details installation cost, kw per our production, battery system, and transformer. The so call Giga factory of Tesla in Buffalo last year actually was reported to dismissed a large number of worker and chaos reigned in the factory. The idea of photo-voltaic roof shingles is great, Mr Musk should concentrate on letting the consumer know what it cost install such system to become independent from the grid. I would welcome complete information for a project using 27 kw/hr.
We also had an experience with that Forward Labs they are scammers! We contracted to them but failed to do the job description. We are considering to sue them.
Jordan, Don’t bother suing them as they will just ignore the complaint. Instead, contact the State Contractors Licensing Board as they have already investigated Zach and Forward and as a result criminal charges have been filed against Zach. Forward is not a licensed contractor.
I had put down a 1000 deposit last July and had Zach out here last month not knowing that there were all these issues with him and the company. Luckily, I decided not to accept his contract but now I have been chasing Zach for my deposit back. Looks like there may be quite a few people that they have scammed out of their money. I will contact the State Contractors Licensing Board but if they are not licensed contractors, then I don’t know if they can do anything. But it looks like there are criminal charges, so I will reach out to Contra Costa County as well. In the meantime, word needs to get out that this company is a scam because it looks like their website is still active and therefore probably collecting more deposits.
Great, informative article. I too have been looking into 3-in-1 solar tiles and wondered if you knew anything about them. Thank you, Geoff
Can I invite a review of solteq.eu for what appears to be the truely functional solar tile? We welcome your research and reader Комментарии и мнения владельцев.
Great article. As a still-working senior with a business in northern NJ, I see solar, in some more fashionable form than now being used, as a way to significantly cut back on residential operating expenses as state real estate taxes continue to rise.
For a long time I have wondered when someone would come up with “chameleon” shingles. During the winter shingles would be dark (absorb sun’s rays and keep crawl space warm) and during the summer would be capable of becoming a lighter color (reflect sun’s rays and keep crawl space cooler).
Kelly, Please review Forward Labs in your article. They are a scam solar company. They have people sign up for 1000 deposits and then don’t return the money. Forward Labs doesn’t have a Contractors License in California, plus they are involved in 3 lawsuits. As of now, they don’t have a physical address and their phones only go to recording. Your readers need to be aware of this sketchy business.
Thanks, Jim. As I was unable to confirm if Forward roofs have been installed, I made sure to reference that in the article. I have been following online coverage of the company for awhile and fear you may be right. I will continue to look into their claims.
Where can one find information about the lawsuits against Forward Labs? We are also in the same boat having made a deposit. Voicemails perpetually full and emails not returned. One user said they were in contract with the company in July 2018 and had put a large sum down only to have Forward disappear. They continue to do very well in presenting their product in review magazines.
I was contacted by Zach, from Forward Roofing, earlier in the year but I did not move forward due to large amount of deposite required and why CEO is running around to make a sale to me. I also did research on Zach and found him to be a roofing guy and had complains about his company in the New York area, if I remember correctly. I called credit card company to get my money back after months of not answering their phone.
One ‘other’ complaint of the “solar tiles” is the number of piercings through the roof. Then once inside the attic of the home, some sort of raceway where the individual panels will be wired in series/parallel to get the proper voltage to the house inverter. With the larger tiles being produced now, I imagine that it is still difficult to troubleshoot a panel wiring or panel power output problem. Look at the many ‘standard’ solar PV panel installations on roofs that have micro-inverters or conditioners attached to each panel. Devices that are individually addressable and can be monitored by a gateway one can purchase from the solar company. From a internet site one can tell which panel/converter or inverter is having a problem. A lot easier to troubleshoot than individual tiles and hard wiring. Now with packaged systems that include solar PV with energy storage, system monitoring and power use modeling will help the customer to program the best use of their solar PV with energy storage, for maximum payoff of their investment.
Kelly, this is finally exciting! Now that the marketplace has options, the competitive landscape will allow the strong to survive. The consumer will benefit. I’m still waiting to hear about OM because if something breaks (things fall on roofs) or just doesn’t work, who’s going to fix them….
CEO Carmen Bellavia- is a former roofer. He developed the product to be install friendly and extremely durable. Great guy and product, 3in1.com Not affiliated in anyway, would love to see a good product from a small company succeed.
Great information on the panels and options but, what about the energy output and storage systems with each option. Can you point me to that information? I own a townhouse and so far haven’t been able to find a product that can power my home even though I get full direct sun. Have been told that roof area not large enough.for the number of panels needed, shingles are the answer, I’m sure but haven’t found a local company that installs them. It really is a huge untapped market, wish I had the brains and money to tap it.
The 7 Best Solar Roof Options for 2023
Leigh Matthews is a sustainability expert and long time vegan. Her work on solar policy has been published in Canada’s National Observer.
Tesla may have been the first company to introduce a full solar roof, but they weren’t the first to make solar shingles. Here, we give you the basics of solar roofs, as well as our top picks for the best solar roof options, including Tesla, with pros and cons for each.
Table of Contents
- How a solar roof works
- The benefits of a solar roof
- The look
- Cost-effective roofing and solar combined
- A high-performance roofing solution
- Effective use of space
- No external wiring
- Easier to repair and replace
Solar Roofs vs. Solar Panels
- Solar shingles and tiles
- Little change in home appearance
- Costs 20,000 – 100,000
- No drilling into your roof (with some options)
- Easier to repair
- Less efficient
- Shorter warranty (10-20 years typically)
- Shorter lifespan (commonly, 20 years)
- Fewer skilled installers
Solar Panels:
- Solar panels
- Solar array mounted to roof
- Costs 15,000 – 40,000
- Typically requires drilling into roof
- Harder to repair
- efficient
- Longer lifespan (25-40 years)
- Longer warranty (25 years)
- installers available
How a solar roof works
Tesla introduced its solar roof in 2016, shaking up the solar industry forever. But how does a solar roof work?
The Tesla roof uses tempered glass shingles to replace all the standard shingles on your home’s roof. Some of these shingles are also solar panels, meaning that nearly every inch of your roof could, in theory, generate electricity.
Because most roofs have a few spots that don’t get much sunlight, Tesla Roofs also include a few inactive panels. These look the same as the solar shingles but don’t produce energy, which helps to keep down the cost of installation and saves resources.
Tesla Roofs are the only full solar roof currently available, but they’re not the only option for going solar without solar panels. In fact, the first solar shingles were brought to market in 2009 by DOW Company, and several other companies also make solar shingles.
What’s the difference? Solar shingles are just that: shingles. They’re designed to either integrate with your existing or new roof shingles or tiles or to sit on top of them. Either way, the look isn’t quite as seamless as a full Tesla Roof.
Go solar at home
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The benefits of a solar roof
There are many benefits to going solar, and solar roofs and shingles offer all these and more.
The look
Solar roofs provide all the benefits of a rooftop solar array without dramatically changing the appearance of your home. That’s because solar shingles are designed to look as much like regular roof shingles as possible. Most solar shingles can be integrated into an existing tile or shingle roof, or can be laid over top as a sort of second skin for your roof. Even if they’re attached on top of your roof’s regular tiles, the profile of solar shingles is a lot lower than with mounted solar panels.
With a Tesla Roof, all the tiles look the same, regardless of whether they’re active solar shingles or inactive tiles. This makes a solar roof or solar shingles a great fit for homeowners who don’t like the look of more conventional solar panels. A solar roof may also enable homeowners to benefit from solar without invoking the ire of homeowner associations.
Cost-effective roofing and solar combined
A new roof can be a costly proposition, as can a solar installation. What if you could combine the two and save some cash?
If your roof is due for an upgrade, consider a solar roof. Sure, it will cost more than a regular roof, but it will typically cost less than a regular roof plus a conventional solar array with similar power output.
A high-performance roofing solution
Worried that a solar roof won’t be as good as a regular roof? There’s no need for concern. These roofing shingles perform just like regular shingles, only they produce electricity while keeping your home watertight and safe from the elements.
The key here is that solar shingles combine solar cells with the roof sheathing. In more conventional solar arrays, solar modules are mounted on top of shingles (or other roofing material).
Effective use of space
Solar shingles can be a great way to go solar if you have a small roof that makes a standard solar set-up difficult or even impossible. For the same reason, solar shingles can be a good choice for a roof with awkward space constraints, such as dormers, skylights, and so forth.
After all, a shingle is far smaller than a solar panel. This means you can squeeze a few shingles onto a small area and maximize your rooftop real estate. You might even decide to skip your rooftop entirely and instead install a solar roof on your garage, shed, or an auxiliary dwelling, especially if these get more sun exposure than your home.
No external wiring
Standard solar panel installations require external wiring that connects the mounted solar panels to the inverter and main service panel inside your home. With a solar roof and most solar shingles, all the wiring is internal and hidden. This reduces the risk of damage from wind, rain, birds and other wildlife, and so forth.
Standard solar arrays also have to be mounted on top of roofing material, which usually means drilling into the roof. Some metal roofs allow for solar modules to be clicked into place, but regular roof shingles and tiles require solar installers to penetrate the roofing material, which can cause damage and create weak spots.
These problems are unlikely if you use an experienced and skilled solar installer, but they’re still a risk with regular arrays.
Some solar shingles are direct to deck, acting like both a solar panel and a roofing shingle. Others attach to existing roofing shingles or tiles. As such, the potential for damage to an existing roof varies greatly between differing solar roofing options.
Easier to repair and replace
Another key benefit to solar shingles is that they’re lightweight and relatively easy to repair and replace. If one or two get damaged, you can quickly replace these with fresh solar shingles or inactive shingles as needed. It’s much harder and more costly to replace or repair an entire solar panel.
Solar shingles are also built to withstand rain, snow, and wind. And if something does go wrong, most companies offer a good warranty, so you can get your shingles replaced for free. Tesla even offers a lifetime warranty for its physical shingles, which is great if you’re planning on staying in the same home for a long time. If you think you’ll move home in the next 25 years or so, though, that lifetime warranty might not be all that useful, given it’s hard to take your solar roof with you (unlike solar panels).
Are there any downsides to solar roofs?
So far, so good, but what about the disadvantages of solar roofs?
Cost and efficiency
As discussed, solar shingles aren’t cheap, despite being more cost-effective per watt. Compared to the price of a standard rooftop solar installation (15,000 to 40,000), the Tesla solar roof has been reported as ranging from 30,000 to nearly 100,000. What’s more, Tesla has shifted its dramatically, and without warning, several times, catching customers off guard. Tesla also now insists that solar roof customers buy the Tesla Powerwall battery, which raises the cost even more.
Tesla isn’t the only name in town, though, and you definitely pay a premium for the brand.
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High-efficiency shingles from other companies tend to be less expensive and just as efficient as Tesla’s shingles, but they’re all less efficient than the best solar panels. In general, a solar shingle typically produces between 13 and 63 watts. They need high sun exposure and a good slope to meet their maximum output, though.
Why are solar shingles less efficient than solar panels?
The main reason is that building-integrated solar panels (BISPs, or BIPVs) don’t typically allow for air to circulate underneath, which means they overheat quickly, which impairs electricity production.
This lack of efficiency combined with higher upfront costs can mean a longer payback period for solar roofs. In fact, solar roofs don’t offer anything like the return on investment of a standard solar array, unless you’re in need of a new roof anyway.
Lifespan and flexibility
Solar roofs and shingles also have a shorter lifespan than most regular solar panels. While a standard solar panel can usually keep producing electricity at around 80% of original output for 25 years or more, solar shingles usually maintain that level of output for just 20 or so years. They also produce less electricity to start with.
One other downside of a solar roof is that it can be hard to take with you if you move. Unlike solar panels, solar roofs are custom-made to fit your home. Solar shingles or DecoTech integrated panels may be able to go with you if you move, depending on the type of roof at your new home.
Other downsides to solar roofs
While solar roofs are increasingly popular, you might not be able to find a skilled installer in your area. In contrast, conventional solar installers are easy to find, which also means the labor cost of an installation is typically lower than for a solar roof.
The same goes for solar shingles. While there are more installers for these than for Tesla Roofs, it’s still very hard to find a credentialled installer in most places, especially if you live outside of a big city.
Finally, you’ll want to consider the environmental cost of installing a solar roof. Chances are you’re interested in these products because you want to live a greener lifestyle. Sending your current, perfectly respectable roof to a landfill just so you can install a solar roof isn’t very sustainable.
The best solar roofs: our top picks
CertainTeed
Highlights: Solar shingle option with an impressive amount of experience in the roofing industry making products that integrate well into your existing roof, negating the need for a total roof upgrade.
- Excellent reputation and roofing experience
- Company offers full roofing solution incorporating solar tiles/shingles
- Works with asphalt and concrete roofs
- Well-established brand
- Much lower cost than a Tesla Roof
- Water, wind, and fire resistant
- Excellent, transferrable warranty
- Quick and easy installation and maintenance
- No waitlist!
- High-efficiency monocrystalline solar cells
- Includes inverter and wiring as needed
- Not a full solar roof
- Solar shingles/tiles look different to regular roofing
- No specific pricing available on website
CertainTeed has been offering solar shingles for longer than Tesla and has more than one hundred years of experience in the roofing industry. The company currently offers two designs for solar roofs:
Apollo Shingle 11 can be installed as part of a new roof or with an existing asphalt roof. These shingles are all-black and can be placed in strips or patches on part or most of the roof. Each shingle measures 46.75 inches wide and 17 5/8 th inches deep.
Apollo Tile II is suitable for concrete tile roofs. These tiles have a black laminate look and come with a custom frame color to match various earth-tone concrete tile colors. Each tile measures 47 inches wide and 17.25 inches deep.
What we like about CertainTeed solar roofs
Unlike with a Tesla Roof, you can easily integrate solar shingles from CertainTeed into your existing roof. This avoids the need for a total roof upgrade and makes for a much lower cost installation. (In some situations, Tesla might be able to add its Solar Roof on top of your existing roof.)
A CertainTeed solar roof is typically a lot less expensive than a Tesla Roof. CertainTeed solar shingles are also more widely available in the U.S. The company has been in the roofing business for more than a century and has hundreds of service personnel ready to install its solar shingles. With no waitlist and more roofing experience than any other solar shingle manufacturer, CertainTeed is a great choice if you need a new roof or just want to add a few solar shingles to get started.
CertainTeed makes its solar shingles and tiles in the U.S. Every installation includes fire-resistant underlayment (where relevant), flashing accessories, starter strip and wind clips, home run wiring, an optional string inverter, and an optional monitoring system.
Both types of solar shingles are easy to install as they use the same low-tech system as regular asphalt and concrete tiles. That is, your installer will attach the shingles to the roof’s sheathing using standard deck screws. This makes for a far speedier and more straightforward installation than with more complex solar shingles.
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The tiles are also easy to maintain, with open space under the modules and built-in wire clips allowing for easy wire management and installation.
Specifications
CertainTeed uses higher-efficiency solar technology than most solar shingle companies (and is transparent about specifications!). Every active tile has 14 high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells. These tiles have a power rating of 70 watts each, which is higher than most solar shingles. The efficiency rating of Apollo Shingle 11 is 17.2%, while Apollo Tile 11 has a 17.8% efficiency rating.
CertainTeed shingles are very lightweight and just as flexible as regular shingles. The Apollo Shingles weigh just 2.7 lbs. per sq. ft., which is around the same as a standard asphalt shingle. The Apollo Tiles weigh 3.1 lbs. per sq. ft., which is far less than a concrete roof tile.
While lightweight, these solar shingles can withstand an impressive 250 lbs. per square foot. They’re also resistant to water, fire, and wind and even carry Florida Building Code High Velocity Hurricane Zone rating (Vult 194mph).
The Apollo Shingles 11 and Apollo Tiles 11 have a power temperature coefficient of.0.37%. While nowhere close to the coefficients of REC solar panels, this is actually fairly similar to many of the best solar panels. Not bad for a solar shingle or tile packed tight to a roof!
Both types of roofing materials have an operating temperature between.40 and 194 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 and 90 Celsius).
CertainTeed also offers a comprehensive warranty that covers all system components. This includes a 25-year warranty on power output and a 10-year warranty covering the inverter, all other system components, and a 110-mph wind warranty.
Given the company’s long history, there’s also a good chance CertainTeed will be around to honor that warranty in 25 years. If you work with a CertainTeed-credentialed solar installer, the professional installation of your system is also covered for up to 25 years. You can even transfer the warranty if needed, which is a huge plus when trying to sell your home.
What we don’t like about CertainTeed solar roofs
The main downside to CertainTeed solar shingles is that they’re not a ‘hidden’ solar installation. While these tiles and shingles can be integrated, the color mismatch with non-solar shingles and tiles is very obvious on most roofs. That said, if a low profile is your main concern, CertainTeed is a great choice.
The second key downside to CertainTeed is that the company doesn’t offer any specific pricing information on its website. To get a sense of how much your installation will cost, you’ll need to contact the company or find a local installer that works with these shingles or tiles.
It’s reasonable, however, to assume that a fairly standard installation would cost somewhere between a full Tesla Roof and a standard solar panel setup. The cost will largely depend on the size, shape, and type of roof, its age, and whether you plan on replacing the whole roof, integrating a few solar shingles, or packing as many solar tiles or shingles as you can into the space you have.
Tesla Solar Roof
Highlights: Seamless, sleek, and inconspicuous design with a brand name attached at the cost of a lengthy waitlist, and a pricetag to match.
- The complete package, with matching shingles throughout
- 25-year tile and power and weatherization warranty
- Sleek, modern designs (four styles of tile available)
- Well-established brand
- Can add significant curb appeal and value to your home
- Backed by ANSI standard tests for durability
- Typically takes just 5-7 days to install
- Can be installed on top of some existing roofs
- Tesla offers a payment program (loan) and upfront payment options
- You may be on a waitlist for years
- Now only available with Powerwall battery storage
- You pay for the name
- Not as efficient as solar panels
- Hard to customize or reconfigure with non-Tesla products (such as a wind turbine or microhydro system)
- Can take up to 14 days to install (versus a day for some solar panel projects)
- Requires permits in some locations / not allowed by some Homeowner Associations
- Very expensive compared to a regular roof, regular solar panels, and other solar shingles
Tesla first presented its Solar Roof in 2016, wowing onlookers with its sleek, futuristic look. These days, there are at least four styles of Tesla Solar Roof tile to choose from. Each roof is custom-made and incorporates glass solar tiles, glass roofing tiles and architectural-grade steel tiles.
The three types of tile are indistinguishable from each other, creating a seamless design. All of the tiles act as roofing material, though only some generate solar power. This helps avoid wasting resources by installing solar shingles in areas of your roof that get very little sun.
Once you place your Solar Roof order, Tesla asks you to upload a recent utility bill. This helps the company size your solar roof according to your electricity needs. Tesla will also schedule an on-site assessment to determine the complexity of installing a solar roof. The more mounting planes, obstructions (chimneys, skylights, vents, and fans), and peculiar pitches, the trickier and more expensive the roofing project.
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Tesla Solar Roofs include the shingles themselves, all the wiring and the inverter, and a Powerwall battery to store excess energy produced by your array. This provides backup power should the main electricity grid go down.
What we like about Tesla Roofs
The best thing about a Tesla Roof is that it’s a full roof. Unlike most other companies making solar shingles, Tesla offers the full package and a seamless, inconspicuous design. If money is no object and you want a full roof upgrade, a Tesla Roof is a great choice.
Other good things about Tesla roofs include a generous 25-year warranty for defects in design and materials from the date of installation. Tesla also offers a weatherization warranty which states that “Your Solar Roof will remain in place and prevent damage to your home caused by the passage of wind and rain through your Solar Roof for 25 years”.
Tesla also offers a module warranty promising that your Solar Roof will still operate at 95% or more of its Rated Peak Power at the 5-year mark, with production declining by no more than 0.5% annually for the next 20 years. All-in, that puts operating capacity at 85% or more after 25 years. Pretty good!
Despite these warranties, Tesla Roof tiles are built to last. The shingles are tested for durability by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and hold up well against wind, hail, fire, and rain. You can also choose to install a Tesla Roof on top of your existing roof, assuming it meets certain conditions.
Tesla also uses higher-efficiency monocrystalline solar cells for its shingles.
What we don’t like about Tesla Roofs
Tesla Roofs are expensive. There’s no getting around the fact that you pay for the name. To make matters worse, Elon Musk announced on in April 2021 that “Tesla Solar Panels Solar Roof will only be sold as an integrated product with Tesla Powerwall battery.” So, if you were looking for just a Tesla Roof, your cost outlay just got a lot higher (and you’ll need somewhere to store that battery).
The idea is that solar power from the Tesla roof would feed exclusively to Powerwall and that Powerwall will then interface with utility meters and a home’s main service panel. The trouble, of course, is that some customers want a grid-connected system without battery storage. After all, batteries are expensive, require regular maintenance, and typically need replacing every 5-15 years.
This also gets to another downside of a Tesla Roof: inflexibility. Sure, the shingles themselves might be quite flexible, but the system isn’t. The whole thing is designed for seamless integration with other Tesla products, meaning you’re going to struggle to MacGyver anything. If you do, you’ll likely invalidate any warranties. So, if you’re thinking you might want to eventually go off-grid, hook up a generator, or even add a wind turbine or microhydro system, a Tesla Roof, inverter, and Powerwall system can make that far trickier.
Tesla Roofs can also take a while to install, especially if your roof is complex. This means greater disruption and a higher installation cost. And that’s assuming you can install a Tesla Roof where you live. Some homeowner associations won’t allow these roofs and even if they do, you might be on a waitlist for years before finding out your roof isn’t suitable.
Installers are also hard to find, with Tesla Roofs most readily available in California and a handful of other test markets.
Finally, Tesla continues to be shady about the specifications of its solar roof. It has never published efficiency ratings or temperature coefficients, for instance, which are important factors when choosing solar equipment.
SunTegra
Highlights: Low-profile solar shingle option that can integrate into existing rooftops, but with significantly larger shingles.
- Quick and easy installation and maintenance
- No waitlist!
- Works with asphalt and concrete roofs
- Much lower cost than a Tesla Roof
- Water, wind, and fire-resistant
- Low profile makes shingles/tiles barely visible from the ground
- Not a full solar roof
- Solar shingles/tiles look different from regular roofing
- No specific pricing available on website
- Much lower efficiency than solar panels and some solar shingles/tiles
- Bigger size may make for less flexible installs
- Less generous warranty than CertainTeed, Tesla, and Forward
- Poor temperature co-efficient / unsuitable for very hot climates
SunTegra is another good option for a solar roof. This company, like CertainTeed, offers solar shingles that can be installed in an existing roof or as part of a full roofing package.
SunTegra offers both asphalt and concrete tile options for solar roofs. Like CertainTeed’s Apollo systems, these tiles can be placed on, or integrated into, a new or existing roof.
The shingles are significantly larger than CertainTeed’s shingles at 53 5/8 th inches wide and 23 1/8 th inches deep. The tiles are also a lot larger at 52 3/4 th inches and 16 7/8 th inches.
While there’s no pricing information available on SunTegra’s website, the company offers free, no-obligation estimates based on where you live and your home’s solar potential.
What we like about SunTegra
SunTegra, formerly known as Integrated Solar Technology (IST), is fully dedicated to solar solutions. The company’s founder, Oliver Koehler, previously worked at BP Solar and SunPower and branched out to provide more innovative solar solutions for homeowners, buildings, and businesses.
While a smaller business than CertainTeed, SunTegra is expanding rapidly in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. There is currently no waitlist for a SunTegra installation, so this is a great choice if you’re looking to add a few solar shingles or tiles to your roof right away.
SunTegra solar tiles and shingles are rated to withstand 112 lbs. per sq. ft. and a maximum wind speed of 130 mph. The operating temperature range is the same as CertainTeed’s at.40 and 194 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 and 90 Celsius).
SunTegra’s tiles and shingles are barely visible from ground level, thanks to their low profile. The lightweight design avoids the need for structural engineering and building permits. SunTegra also claims that their installation process is much simpler and faster than for Tesla or Forward and uses “50% fewer parts than conventional rack-mounted systems.” Integrated wiring makes for fast and easy installations and maintenance.
SunTegra also plans to introduce new solar products for garden and patio spaces and for the sides and facades of commercial and community buildings.
What we don’t like about SunTegra
While low-profile, the all-black aesthetic is very apparent on most roofs. If you’re looking for something more seamless, a Tesla Solar Roof or Forward installation is your best option.
SunTegra is only a solar company; it doesn’t offer a full roofing service. As such, if you need to replace your roof, you’ll have to coordinate installations with two companies. Both products come with a 10-year product warranty and a 25-year power output warranty, which is less generous than the warranties offered by CertainTeed, Tesla, and Forward.
SunTegra’s solar tiles have 16 monocrystalline cells each and a power output of 64 to 70 W. Their efficiency ratings are 13.9%, 14.5%, and 15.1% for the STT 64, STT 67, and STT 70, respectively. These are much lower than most solar panels. In fact, you may need to cover 50% more of your roof to produce the same amount of electricity as a standard solar array.
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The solar shingles are more efficient than their tile counterparts but less efficient than CertainTeed’s shingles. There are three shingle models available, with outputs between 105 W and 114 W. The higher wattage is because all of the shingles have 24 monocrystalline cells. The efficiencies, however, are just 15.9%, 16.6%, and 17.2% for the STS 105, STS 110, and STS 114 respectively.
SunTegra’s solar tiles and shingles also have a poorer temperature co-efficient (-0.404%) than CertainTeed’s products. If you live somewhere very hot, these tiles are unlikely to be a great option currently.
Based on reports in the press, SunTegra shingles appear to cost around 15% more than conventional solar panels, or about 3.65/Watt. For a 5 kW installation, then, this would amount to 18,250. However, because the tiles and shingles are less efficient at converting sunlight into electricity, their payback period would be longer than a standard solar panel system.
Forward Solar Shingles
Highlights: The very first complete solar roofing solution offering a metal solar roof as a viable and attractive alternative to the Tesla Solar Roof.
- A complete solar roofing package
- Much lower cost than a Tesla Roof
- Modern, standing seam metal roof design
- Available in 8 colors
- 30-year weatherization warranty and 40-year roof guarantee
- Can add significant curb appeal and value to your home
- Typically takes just 2-3 days to install
- No data on cell efficiencies
- No data on temperature co-efficient
- You may be on a waitlist for years
- Currently only being installed in a small part of California
- No further details available about the warranties
- Not as efficient as solar panels
- No payment program (loan) option available, unlike with Tesla
Forward began life in New York State through an unsuccessful Kickstarter, around the same time as Elon Musk started talking about his Solar Roof idea. So, while Forward is still far smaller than Tesla, this company actually pipped Musk to the post in publicly launching the first complete solar roofing solution.
Fast forward to 2022 and the now California-based company offers its Metal Solar Roof as a viable and attractive alternative to a Tesla Solar Roof. This galvanized metal standing seam type of roof comes in eight colors and must be installed as a complete roof solution.
Forward uses tempered glass-metal monocrystalline solar roof panels on portions of the roof exposed to the sun. On shaded areas or other parts not suited to solar, Forward uses roll-formed metal with a baked-on enamel in a similar color and matching style.
If you’re interested in a Forward roof, you can pay a deposit of 1,000 to reserve a spot on the waitlist. The company then offers a free consultation that includes hard numbers on anticipated total costs and expected energy output. You have a 90-day window to decide to move ahead with your order, during which time your price is locked in.
If the product doesn’t seem like a good fit after the consultation, your deposit is returned in full. If you go ahead, you’ll get an expected installation date and regular updates through an assigned representative. You can also opt to change the color of your roof up to a month before installation is scheduled.
Forward offers a 30-year weatherization warranty and the roof is guaranteed for 40 years.
What we like about Forward
The solar sections of a Forward roof are made with tempered glass over high-efficiency solar cells. These sections are the same size and shape as a standing seam metal roof. The cells are designed with a transparent optical layer below the glass (to let sun in) but look opaque when viewed from the ground below. This makes for a more modern, seamless aesthetic than solar shingles or tiles from CertainTeed or SunTegra.
Forward is the only solar roofing company currently offering an integrated solar roof based on a metal standing seam design. This makes Forward a good fit not only for homes but also for barns, garages, and even industrial type roofs.
Forward solar roofing can be installed in just two to three days and is suitable for roofs with at least a 1:12 pitch. This makes Forward a good fit even for flatter roofs which may be unsuitable for other types of solar shingles. All of the wiring runs through your attic space and you can ask for optional snow guards to prevent snow from shedding in areas such as over doorways.
Forward combines inactive and active roofing components with pricing at 9.75 per square foot for non-solar portions. The solar sections come in at 3.75 per Watt, with an energy density of 19 W per square foot. For a 5 kW solar roofing system, then, you’d be looking at a cost of 18,750 for the solar cells. Assuming this occupied around 263 sq. ft. of a 1200 sq. ft. rooftop, the total cost would come in at around 17885.75 (18,750 plus 9135.75).
Forward acknowledges that asphalt shingles are a major problem for landfills. So much so, the company has partnered with emerging asphalt recycling facilities to repurpose the asphalt shingles it removes and turn these into road surfacing material.
What we don’t like about Forward
Forward isn’t very forthcoming with technical specifications or other important details. For instance, it doesn’t reveal the efficiency ratings of its solar cells, though it claims to have a higher energy density than standard solar panels.
According to Forward, its roof offers more efficient use of roofing space to increase opportunities for electricity production. Given the eight color options, however, it’s worth noting that each one would block a different part of the visible light spectrum, which would affect the cells’ ability to create electricity.
Forward also offers no information on its temperature coefficient, nor any additional information on its warranties. It’s also not clear how robust the roofing material is against hail, wind, snow, water, or fire.
Finally, even six years after its Kickstarter, Forward is still only installing solar roofs in a test area around San Francisco. One might surmise, then, that the current waitlist is quite lengthy. In fact, Forward actually recommends reserving your spot years in advance of when you think your roof might need replacing. Basically, if you’re interested in a Forward solar roof, don’t wait until your roof leaks to get in line.
What are solar roof tiles and how do they work?
Fact Checked
Not sure what a solar tile is or how it works? Canstar Blue’s energy experts breakdown all you need to know, from brands to pros and cons below.
Rooftop solar panels certainly aren’t fit for every property. Whether it’s due to the positioning of the roof, a heritage listed building or just simply the bulky, mounted panel design, some Aussies may miss out on the benefits of solar power. But there may be a solution and alternative many didn’t know existed. Enter solar tiles.
Sleek and compact with an aesthetically pleasing finish, solar tiles are causing a stir in the market, particularly as Tesla’s solar roof is about to hit Aussie shores. But, what is a solar roof tile and how does it work? In this Canstar Blue guide, we uncover the benefits of solar roof tiles as well as share some of the top brands that work with these products.
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What are solar roof tiles?
Solar roof tiles are like regular solar panels; however, they are much more compact and can be securely fitted within the roofline due to their tile-like design. Where a solar panel requires mounting and optimal positioning on the roof to be effective, solar tiles can be incorporated either on top of or among existing shingles on the roof.
Solar tiles are classified as building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) as they become a part of the roofing. There are two main types of solar roof designs that you can get: tiles or shingles.
How do solar roof tiles work?
Solar tiles work in a similar fashion to conventional photovoltaics (PV) panels in that they capture sunlight and convert it into electricity (with the help of a solar inverter ). The main difference between a solar panel and a solar roof tile however, is the appearance. Where a panel is mounted to a roof, the solar tile becomes a part of the roofing, potentially making it easier to cover a larger surface area. Solar tiles can also offer the same protections as regular roofing shingles, in addition to generating solar power. With a solar tile, you might also find that they have a more visually appealing finish than a regular panel.
What are the advantages of solar roof tiles?
There are few notable advantages to using solar roof tiles. These include:
- Can be used in hard-to-reach places: If you are unable to install solar panels on your property due to the positioning of your roof, you may be able to add some solar tiles to this area instead.
- Limited damage to roof: As the tiles act as part of the roofing, you don’t need to worry about drilling holes or mounting equipment on top of the roof.
- protective of the roof than panels: With panels, there is the additional concern of strain on the roof during storms and strong winds. Tiles, however, become a part of the roof and protect the house.
- Visually appealing: Roof tiles are a lot more aesthetically pleasing than mounted panels and can easily blend in with the design of the house.
Solar Plans Prices
Some energy plans are marketed towards customers with solar panels and offer a higher feed-in tariff (FiT) than standard plans. Below, we have listed a handful of these deals available in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. Keep in mind that a higher FiT may only benefit customers who export leftover power back into the grid, in exchange for a credit on their bills.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Top brands for solar roof tiles in Australia
While solar tiles are still an emerging renewable energy generation product within the industry, there are a few retailers who offer these solar solutions. Some solar tile brands include:
Monier claims to have launched the first integrated solar roofing system in Australia, with its product InlineSOLAR – which is recess-mounted within the roofline. These tiles, however, are a custom fit design and can only be used in conjunction with other tiles from the Monier range.
Tractile is another prominent Australian-owned company that offers solar tiles. It uses an interlocking design, which has the added benefit of thermal solar, meaning that these tiles can also create solar hot water to be used in the home. Tractile roof tiles are also claimed to be non-corrosive, hail-proof and rated to withstand extreme winds and cold, wet climates. Tractile’s solar tiles though will also need to be used alongside other Tractile non-solar tiles.
As for Tesla, its solar tiles have only recently become available to Australians and on a reservation basis only. Tesla’s solar tiles look to follow a similar design to those mentioned above, in that they are only interlock able with other non-solar tiles from Tesla. According to the Tesla Solar Australia website though, its solar tiles are more than three times stronger than standard roofing tiles and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Are there any disadvantages of solar roof tiles?
While there are some obvious benefits to using solar tiles over mounted panels, there are also a few potential drawbacks. Some things to consider include:
- Initial cost: Being a newer technology, solar tiles are significantly more expensive than regular solar panels to install. Not only this, but they also require compatible tiling to fit onto the roof, which could become costly, depending on how much of the roof you are tiling.
- Installations to roof: As solar tiles become a part of the roof, you may find that you will need to re-tile a large portion of the roof with both solar and non-solar tiles from the same company. This will require the work of both licensed electricians and roofing contractors.
- Repairs and maintenance: Where solar panels are quite an established product in the solar industry, solar tiles are still breaking their ground. This means that fewer installers and solar companies will have the products or knowledge to help service, repair or maintain your tiles.
- Efficiency dependent on surface area: The positioning and number of tiles added to a roof will very much influence the efficiency of the solar tiles. Where a solar panel mount can be re-adjusted to help improve performance, once these tiles have been placed, it will be a big effort to remove and re-lay them.
Should I install solar tiles over solar panels?
The choice between solar tiles or panels will ultimately depend on the circumstances of your property. For homeowners moving into an existing property, it may be financially viable to install a solar panel system over solar tiles, purely to avoid having to re-tile the roof. But, for those who are in the process of building a new home, it may be worthwhile considering a solar tile setup over a panel system, especially if you plan to stay at the property for a long period.
Either way, if you are keen to install solar on your rooftop, be sure to check out our ratings report below. This guide shows you which solar installation companies Aussies rate the best for customer service, set-up cost, overall satisfaction and more.
Kelseigh Wrigley covers Australia’s retail energy market, growing her industry specific expertise over the last 2 years. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism at the Queensland University of Technology and has contributed her skills to online publications Hunter Bligh and local radio station 4ZZZ.