Tesla Solar Roof: the complete review
In October 2019, Tesla Motors announced the launch of the Tesla Solar Roof V3, the company’s third version of its integrated solar glass shingle. Among several updates, version three included larger tiles, lower production costs, increased power density, and a more straightforward installation process.
Additionally, the total number of parts in the product decreased. Tesla predicted that these changes would significantly reduce the cost of the product; however, the company has continued to struggle with expediting its solar roof installations.
The Tesla Solar Roof: EnergySage’s take
While Tesla is most famous for its electric vehicles (EVs), the company’s future lies in total clean energy integration – a one-step carbon reduction process that involves pairing solar panels with your Tesla EV. For home owners who want the benefits of solar without the “look” of solar, the Tesla Solar Roof provides an enticing alternative: but is this luxury roof the right option for you?
What’s in this article?
There’s a lot in here, and we’ll try to speak to every aspect of the solar roof. Skip ahead to any of the sections below:
- What are solar shingles?
- Latest news on the solar roof
- Solar Roof key events timeline
- Solar roof specifications
- Cost estimates
- Should you wait for the Tesla Solar Roof?
- Tesla’s competitors
The Tesla Solar Roof: what you need to know
Some solar industry stakeholders believe that solar needs to be rebranded as an aesthetic and technical improvement that can be a part of a home renovation rather than a hefty module affixed to your rooftop. That sentiment was emphasized in Elon Musk’s October 2016 launch of Tesla’s first roofing product. With the Solar Roof, the company aims to bring solar further into the mainstream by removing any sort of aesthetic concerns that homeowners may have.
“I think there’s quite a radical difference between having solar panels on your roof that actually make your house look better versus ones that do not, I think it’s going to be a night-and-day difference,” said Musk in a statement before the official launch of Tesla’s first solar roof. Two months later, he unveiled the solar roof using a crowded, suburban event in California to demonstrate that Tesla’s panel design was so seamlessly integrated that the entire audience of press needed to be altered to its presence on the house in front of them.
Using a Tesla Powerwall home battery with the Tesla Solar Roof
Tesla Solar Roofs come paired with energy storage in the form of a Tesla Powerwall battery. The Tesla Powerwall boasts a maximum power rating of 7 kW with no sun or 9.6 kW with full sun to go along with 13.5 kWh of usable capacity. It can also help provide solar power to your home during a power outage. It also comes with the Tesla app that allows users to monitor their energy production in real- time. Tesla Powerwalls are eligible for the federal tax credit.
What’s the latest news on the Tesla Solar Roof tiles?
Tesla has now installed Solar Roofs across the country, though the exact number of installations is unclear. This solar product has been gaining popularity among some consumers, leading to long installation wait times for customers who sign contracts. In April 2021, many of these customers were shocked when they received emails from Tesla quoting higher installation costs than their contract prices. The lack of explanation and transparency caused confusion and frustration among consumers, especially if they could no longer afford the hefty price tag.
During Tesla’s quarterly earnings call in April 2021, CEO Elon Musk affirmed that demand “remains strong” for the Tesla Solar Roof, despite increases in Solar Roof pricing. He did concede that Tesla “basically made some significant mistakes in assessing the difficulty of certain roofs.” Tesla has added roof complexity information to its website and a roof complexity disclaimer to its Solar Roof calculator; however, Tesla notes that your roof complexity won’t be determined until after you place an order for a Solar Roof. Tesla divides the complexity into three categories–simple, intermediate, and complex–based on the following criteria:
- Simple: single-level roof, uncrowded mounting planes, few obstructions (pipes, chimneys, skylights), low pitch
- Intermediate: multi-level roof (roof sections built on multiple stories of your house), more crowded mounting plane, more obstructions (pipes, chimneys, skylights), higher pitch
- Complex: multi-level roof (roof sections built on multiple stories of your house), heavily crowded mounting plane, many obstructions (pipes, chimneys, skylights), steep pitch
Based on previous reports, the price of a Tesla Solar Roof varies substantially depending on your roof’s complexity.
Timeline of key Tesla Solar Roof news and announcements
Tesla seems to have a pattern of overpromising and underdelivering in regard to its solar roof. Here’s a breakdown of what the past several years have looked like for the company and its customers.
- April 2016: Tesla purchases Solarcity and begins production on solar panels and the solar roof.
- May 2017: Tesla began taking orders for its Tesla solar tiles
- August 2017: Elon Musk revealed that he and another Tesla executive already had the roof installed on their respective properties.
- January 2018: The company announced it was ramping up production of the roof product at its Buffalo Gigafactory. Tesla then started initial installations with customers at the top of its waitlist in the California area in mid-March, roughly eight months after its initial estimate.
- May 2018: Tesla had about 11,000 orders for the solar roof and it was struggling to meet the demand.
- August 2018: Only 12 solar roofs had been installed in California, the leading state in the country for solar.
- September 2018: A report was released stating that solar roofs may not be widely installed for a long time. According to CNBC, Musk said they needed more time to work out all the details. “There’s only so much accelerated life testing that you can do on a roof. So before we can deploy it at a large number of houses we need to make sure that it’s that all elements of the roof are going to last for at least three decades,” said Musk in a summer 2018 meeting. The statement lacked both commitment and a clear timeline.
- November 2018: According to a Bloomberg report, the company began ramping up production, implementing 24/7 operating hours with about 80 employees per shirt for solar roof shingle production alone. Tesla’s head of energy operations, Sanjay Shah, stated that Tesla was gearing up for the solar roof side of its business to see “tremendous growth in 2019.” Musk himself tweeted that the first solar roof deployments would begin around summer 2019.
- June 2019: Despite continued delays and earnings losses, Musk tweeted that he hoped to manufacture about 1,000 solar roofs per week by the end of 2019.
- October 2019: Tesla announced the Tesla Solar Roof V3, which featured updates to increase manufacturing and deployment, and reduce prices.
- Late 2020: Tesla experienced some achievements for its solar roofs throughout the year, almost tripling its installations between quarter one and quarter two. In quarter four, Tesla announced that it had “made great progress growing [its] solar roof deployments,” but didn’t provide date to back up its claim.
- April 2021: Tesla Solar Roof customers have continued to experience delays and a lack of transparency from Tesla.
- May 2021: Some customers sued Tesla over unexpected hikes.
- June 2021: electrek confirmed that Tesla’s head of energy operations had left the company after months of rumors.
- October 2021: Tesla expanded solar roof installations to anywhere in the United States.
- November 2021: electrek announced that Solar Roof tiles will be more efficient, have higher capacity, and might be able to be installed over existing roofs.
Tesla Solar Roof specifications: what are you getting?
If you’re interested in installing a Tesla Solar Roof, you’re probably wondering what you’re getting of each solar shingle. We’ll explain some of the specifications of the Solar Roof:
Design
Despite previous announcements about multiple design offerings–including tuscan glass tile, slate glass tile, textured glass tile, and smooth glass tile–the Tesla Solar Roof is only currently available in one shingle design. According to Tesla’s website, each shingle has a dimension of 15 inches by 45 inches, is 5 mm thick, and is made of glass, polymers, fiberglass, and silicon. The shingle is designed to resemble a traditional asphalt shingle.
Warranty
Tesla provides 25-year product, weatherization, and module warranties, comparable to leading solar panel brands. The warranty also guarantees that your Solar Roof will be at least 95 percent of its “Rated Peak Power” at five years following installation and that it will decline by no more than 0.5 percent per year for the following 20 years –essentially guaranteeing 85 percent output in year 25. Its inverter has a 12.5-year warranty, which aligns with warranties for other string inverter brands; however, this warranty is lower than warranties for many microinverters, which are often 20 to 25 years.
How much does the Tesla Solar Roof cost?
With the new complexity categories explained above, it’s a bit difficult to fully estimate the cost of a Tesla Solar Roof. The cost varies significantly depending on whether your roof is “simple” or “complex” and depending on the square footage of your roof. If you have a fairly small – and not too complex – roof that you already need to replace, the price of a Solar Roof will probably be fairly comparable to that of a new asphalt roof installation plus solar panels. However, as you increase the size and/or complexity of your roof, you can expect this number quickly skyrocket.
Should you wait for the Tesla Solar Roof?
Standard solar panel technologies are typically evaluated based on their performance, durability, and warranties. However, Tesla’s lack of transparency makes it difficult to compare to traditional solar panels. Four years after the initial launch of Tesla’s solar roof, the company still hasn’t revealed the shingles’ efficiency and customers are still experiencing long wait times and surprise price increases.
If you’re in dire need of a roof upgrade or if you won’t need a roof upgrade for a while, the Tesla Solar Roof may not be worth your long wait. Solar panels are extremely dependable (and we think they look great, too!). However, if you need to upgrade your roof soon (but not immediately) and your roof isn’t too complex or large, you may be a good candidate for the Tesla Solar Roof. Additionally, if you’re set on the look and have the capital to cover the cost, the system may be the best choice for you, though it may be worth your while to compare the Tesla Solar Roof to other solar roof products.
Tesla’s solar shingles are best suited for new construction
Most existing solar shingle technologies are also known as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) because they are integrated with your existing roof and are a similar size and shape to standard roof tiles. Tesla has created something different. In August 2016, Musk first explained the difference between solar shingles and Tesla’s solar roof: “It’s not a thing on the roof. It is the roof.”
Unlike other solar shingles, Tesla’s roof tiles are designed to completely replace your existing roof (though electrek did recently report that you may soon be able to install them over existing roofs). As a result, the most cost-effective way to install them is when your home is being built, which means that they are best suited for homebuyers who have a say in the design and materials of their newly constructed home. While this doesn’t mean that they can’t be used on existing homes, retrofitting your roof with Tesla solar tiles means removing your existing roof (which Tesla will do for you). As a result, retrofitting your roof with Tesla solar tiles is only practical when your roof is already due to be replaced.
Who are Tesla’s solar roof competitors?
Though the buzz around Tesla’s illustrious roof product has made it appear like it’s a new concept, it is merely the continued repackaging brilliance that some call the “Musk effect.” Development of solar roof tiles and solar shingles has been evolving for many years, and a number of companies have taken a stab at designing a versatile, subtle rooftop solar medium that could be considered a genuine roofing material rather than a module add-on. Here are some of Tesla’s solar roof competitors that offer similar BIPV products:
- Luma – these solar shingles can be integrated with all roofing material and install similarly to traditional metal roofing. Luma markets its product as the only upgradable solar shingle system and boasts an efficiency of 22.1 percent.
- Suntegra – this Northeast solar manufacturer is at the forefront of the solar roof product line. The company hails from New York and began offering its two solar roof products just a few months before the announcement of Tesla’s shingles. Suntegra’s solar shingles are designed to be integrated with low-profile roof materials and are about 15.9 to 17.2 percent efficient. Its solar tiles are slightly less efficient at 13.9 to 15.1 percent and are designed to be integrated with standard flat concrete tile roofs.
- CertainTeed – originally a roofing company, this contractor now offers two solar roof products, with similar integration strategies to Suntegra. Its Apollo II system includes solar shingles to match low-profile roofs, which are about 15.4 percent efficient. CertainTeed’s Apollo Tile II system integrates solar tiles with flat concrete tiles roofs and its tiles are about 16 percent efficient.
It’s important to note that the solar shingles and tiles offered by these companies do still stand out against other roofing material. None can compete with Tesla in terms of aesthetics or subtlety, but they do offer low-profile BIPV solutions that may alleviate aesthetic concerns for some solar shoppers.
Frequently asked questions about the Tesla Solar Roof
While the cost of switching to solar is high, and the news and information surrounding Tesla Solar Roofs can be confusing or nearly obsolete, it’s important to research each product, company, and topic before making a decision. Learn more about the Tesla Solar Roof by reading these commonly asked questions:
Depending on your location, Tesla will send its own installers or contractors to set up your system after purchasing a Solar Roof.
Tesla claims that their shingles are three times stronger than the average roof tile and are built to endure all weather conditions. They have the highest fire rating (Class A) and are built to withstand 110 mph winds (Class F), so you can feel confident even in extreme weather conditions.
Tesla offers a 25-year warranty on the system’s tiles, power, and weatherization. Plus, its inverter has a 12.5-year warranty, giving homeowners peace of mind regarding their investment.
Learn how much solar can save you today before you make your decision
Just as Tesla doesn’t make electric vehicles for the masses, Tesla’s solar roof isn’t feasible for every home. In many ways, the company’s solar roof product is similar to its first electric car. If you are an early adopter of newer technologies, don’t care about price, and are prepared to wait for a product with an uncertain manufacturing timeline, then waiting for Tesla’s solar roof could be the right decision for you.
Additionally, waiting to go solar has its risks, even if you’re interested in the solar roof. The cost of going solar is falling every year, and there are premium solar panels already available today that come with high-efficiency ratings and a sleek black design. If you wait years for the Tesla Solar Roof, you will lose out on years of savings on your electricity bill. You also run the risk of missing out on financial incentives for solar: many state tax credits have already expired and as of now, the federal investment tax credit for solar will be lowered to 22 percent in 2023.
Before you make the decision to wait for the Tesla Solar Roof, use our solar calculator to learn how much you can save today by going solar. If you’re ready to explore the solar options for your home, join the EnergySage Marketplace and get custom quotes from solar installers in your area. You might be surprised by just how much you can save now by installing traditional solar panels on your roof.
Where to buy solar roof tiles
reading on EnergySage
Looking to go solar? Here’s everything you need to know in… Solar shingles: what you need to know in 2023 Best solar panels in 2023: Top products compared Tesla Solar Roof cost vs. solar panels Solar farms: what are they and how do they work?
About Emily Walker
With over five years of experience in environmental science and clean energy, Emily is an expert in solar, battery, and energy management technology and policy. She holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and Biology from Colby College. Emily is always looking for ways to live her life more sustainably and is currently in the process of electrifying her home.
Timberline Solar™ Shingles from GAF Energy
Kidd Roofing is excited to announce that we are now offering a new solar shingle manufactured by GAF Energy. Timberline solar shingles are an environmentally-friendly, cost-effective, durable roofing solution for property owners everywhere. To learn more about this exciting option for your own home, call Kidd Roofing at (866) 671-7791 now.
About Timberline Solar Shingles
Timberline shingles are the first-of-their-kind solar shingles that can actually be nailed to your roof, just like a traditional shingle. Unlike traditional shingles, which simply provide an outer protective shell for your roof, Timberline Solar shingles serve a dual purpose.
When you install Timberline Solar shingles, not only do you get a tasteful roofing system that is sturdy enough to keep your household safe from snow, rain, extreme temperatures, wind, and other hazardous conditions, but you also get the added benefit of solar power. You can use the clean energy generated by Timberline Solar shingles to power parts of your home, saving you money on utility expenses each month.
All that is required is a single installation by our GAF-certified roofing contractors, and you can begin to reap the benefits of your Timberline Solar roofing system. Timberline Solar shingles also come with an industry-leading warranty, available for qualifying systems under specific conditions.
What Are the Benefits of Solar Shingles?
Perhaps the most significant benefit of installing Timberline Solar shingles is saving money on your electricity bill each month. Solar power tends to be cheaper than the rate your utility company charges, and you can use the clean energy generated by your new solar roof to supplement your home’s power supply. Depending on various factors – such as the amount you save on electricity each month and whether you claim government incentives for switching to solar energy – your new roofing system might even pay for itself.
If your new solar roofing system is installed by a GAF-certified contractor, you will also benefit from an all-inclusive 25-year warranty that includes protection for both the roof itself and its solar power components. Still, you likely won’t need to worry about damaging your new solar shingles. Timberline Solar shingles are so sturdy that you can safely walk on them, and they are designed for winds of up to 130 mph. Most traditional shingles, by comparison, can only withstand around 90 mph wind gusts.
Timberline Solar Shingles Installation
All of our technicians are required to be GAF-certified. First, we will meet with you for a consultation to inspect your roof, work out financing options, and fill out the necessary paperwork. From there, the installation process is extremely straightforward:
- Schedule a date for the installation
- Replace your existing roof with new solar shingles
- Install the electrical components and link them to your new solar roofing system
- Inspect our work and ensure that the system is in good working order
- Start generating cheap, clean energy!
If you are ready to transform your roofing system, contact Kidd Roofing today to schedule a consultation with one of our GAF-certified experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions that our technicians are asked by potential customers. If you have further questions regarding Timberline Solar shingles, pricing, or the installation process, contact Kidd Roofing today.
Will installing Timberline Solar shingles save me money?
Installing a Timberline Solar roofing system can save you money on multiple fronts. For one, the installation process is quick and easy because unlike a Tesla solar roof, which can take days or weeks to install, Timberline Solar shingles can be installed in the same amount of time it takes to install regular shingles. That’s because like regular shingles, Timberline Solar shingles can be swiftly nailed onto your roof. The less complicated your roofing system is, the more money you’ll save on installation. And unlike Tesla’s solar roofing system, the GAF Timberline system doesn’t require a storage battery to work properly. Storage batteries can quickly drive up the cost of a roofing system.
The size of your roof also plays a role. The larger your roof, the more solar shingles you’ll have at your disposal. solar panels = more energy generated by your roofing system. Increasing the number of solar shingles on your roof will help reduce your monthly utility bill.
Will solar shingles increase my property value?
Planning to sell your home or considering a move in the future? By installing Timberline Solar shingles you could also increase your property value. In fact, research already shows that having solar panels installed on your home has the potential to increase its value by up to 4.1 percent when compared to similar homes without solar panels, according to CNBC and Zillow.
Do I get a federal tax credit if I install solar shingles?
Yes, once you have completed installation, you are eligible to receive a federal residential solar energy credit. Learn more about the federal tax credit for switching to solar here.
How does solar power work?
Timberline Solar shingles use photovoltaic (PV) cells to absorb sunlight and turn it into electrical energy. Timberline’s technology uses an inverter to convert that electrical current into usable energy. You can then use the energy to power your home, store it in a battery, or return it to the grid if you have a surplus of energy, which can earn you credits for the evening hours or for future usage.
Common Misconceptions About Solar Power
While critics may cite the expense associated with installing solar panels, you can actually save your money in the long run. With government incentives and long-term financing options, plus the ever-increasing cost of electricity across the country, there’s never been a better time to save money with solar.
Other homeowners worry about the efficiency of solar roofing systems. This is likely based on the misconception that solar panels won’t work or won’t be as effective when the sun isn’t out. However, solar panels continue to collect sunlight even when the sun is obscured by clouds or rain. You can also use storage batteries to collect and store solar energy for use after dark.
Contact Kidd Roofing Today
If you’re considering installing a solar roofing system, contact the Austin roofing specialists of Kidd Roofing today at (866) 671-7791 for a consultation to discuss your goals and financing options.
Roofing Services
What is the Cost for a GAF Timberline Solar Energy Shingle Roof?
With the rise in popularity of producing solar energy, homeowners are starting to consider going solar when it’s time for a roof replacement. This can be a great idea because using your roof to produce solar energy can be a solid investment.
But the truth is, everyone isn’t going to be able to afford to invest in solar. That’s why it’s important to know how much a roof replacement is going to cost using the new GAF Timberline Solar Energy Singles. Before deciding if it’s right for your home.
Unfortunately, roofing contractors like to keep their numbers under lock and key. That is until you offer to invite them to your home to do an inspection. We disagree with that.
Our family at RoofCrafters Roofing has been helping homeowners make their roof replacement decisions for nearly 3 decades. Because of this, we’ll help you determine if the GAF solar shingle roof will be a great investment and fit your budget.
In this article you’ll learn:
- The 5 main factors that’ll impact the cost
- The average cost of a Timberline Solar ES roof
- The benefits of producing solar energy
By the end of the article, hopefully, you’ll have all the answers you need to decide if solar shingles will be a great investment for you.
Factors that Impact the Cost of a GAF Solar Shingle Roof
It would be impossible for us to give you an exact price without knowing all of the many factors used to calculate the costs.
The 5 main factors that’ll impact the costs to produce solar energy are:
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The square footage of your roof.
The Square Footage of Your Roof
There are several factors that go into a roof replacement. The size of your roof is one of the many factors and will also have one of the greatest impacts on a solar roof investment. A solar roof replacement requires purchasing specially designed asphalt shingles. The new GAF Solar HD asphalt shingles are almost 2 inches larger than the standard architectural shingles. Yes, this means your entire roof has to be replaced. We can’t just add solar shingles to your existing roof.
The new GAF Timberline Solar HD shingles are designed to be compatible with the GAF Timberline Solar Energy-producing shingles. This requires purchasing the correct amount of Timberline Solar Energy Shingles to power your house. This leads us to our next factor, energy consumption.
What is Your Average Annual Household Energy Consumption?
Electricity usage over time is measured in watt-hours. Your electricity provider or utility company typically measures usage in kilowatt-hours or kWh. ( kWh = kilowatt-hour ) One kWh is one kilowatt generated for one hour. Let’s say you use a 40-watt light bulb for five hours, you’ll have used 200 watt hours or 0.2 kWh of electricity.
We all use different amounts of energy. Depending on how energy efficient your home is and how conscious you are about your energy usage. The good news is you can reduce both and in turn save yourself bundles of money. It really matters how much electricity you consume annually. Once we know how many KW’s you need we can effectively calculate the size of the solar system needed to power your home. The less energy you consume the smaller the solar system is needed.
How Many Sun-Facing Roof Slopes are on Your Home?
We use one of many tools to determine the amount of sun on your roof. The amount of great sun-facing slopes will also have an impact on how many arrays of solar energy shingles will be required. Optimal sun-facing roof slopes are typically east and south-facing roof slopes.
Having roof slopes that are shaded may require compensation. Which means installing more arrays of solar shingles on less optimal slopes. Compensation is needed sometimes. We need to produce enough electricity to power your home based on your yearly energy consumption. Once this is determined the next main factor that impacts cost is the difficulty of your roof.
The Complexity of Your Roof Replacement Will Impact the Cost
Is your roof steep? The steepness of your roof pitch will have a major impact on calculating the final cost of your solar investment. Because the safety and set-up take longer. And the roofers are not able to work as fast. Slower installation times increase the labor cost of any home improvement project.
We view investing in the new integrated solar energy shingles as doing two home improvement projects in one. New roof and new solar system, all in one. Keep in mind, once the solar roof is installed the electricians will be required to get on the roof to connect all the wiring to make your new system run. If your roof is steep or difficult to access the labor portion of the installation will also increase. Difficulty or complexity will impact the cost.
The good news is that incentives available may be able to offset these costs as well as your new roof.
What Incentives are Available for Using Your Roof to Produce Energy?
Financial incentives take many forms. The incentives available are often what help reduce the initial investment. Thus making it much easier to get a return on the investment in a shorter period of time. Our federal and state governments have incentives in place to help homeowners afford to produce clean energy.
Here is a list of the most popular solar incentives:
- Federal Solar Tax Credit
- State Tax Credits
- Net Metering
- Local Solar Incentives
- Sales Tax Exempt
- Property Tax Exempt
- Production Incentives
- Cash Incentives
Incentives will help reduce the cost and in many cases offset the cost of the roof replacement. Thus making the two home improvement projects in one a fairly easy decision.
What is the Cost of a Timberline Solar ES Roof?
As you can see, there are many factors that’ll impact the cost of a new solar energy roof. It would be nearly impossible for us to provide you with an exact cost without knowing all of the factors. So to be fair, we will provide you with the average cost of a Timberline Solar roof installed on a fairly simple roof of a 2000 to 2500 square foot house. Fair?
Also very important, is a house that needs a solar system to produce 7 KW of electricity. Just like the square footage of the house we’ve selected is average, most houses will range between needing 5 KW and 9 KW of electricity usage. So a 7 KW solar system is average.
You can expect the average cost of a solar roof system to be between 35,000 and 40,000. That’s before deducting any incentives previously mentioned. By applying the 26% federal tax incentive alone, it’d reduce the average cost to between 25,900 and 29,600.
Keep in mind, that the average price we’re providing is for a complete solar roof system. This includes a complete roof replacement. This means installing the new Timberline Solar HD asphalt shingles and installing enough of the new Timberline Energy Shingles to produce 7 KW of electricity. Two home improvement projects in one.
If you’re concerned about the rising cost of electricity. This may be a great investment for you. There’s no doubt in our minds that the cost of electricity will continue to rise. Producing your own clean energy and decreasing your reliance on the utility company may be worth looking into.
Let’s go over some of the other benefits of the new GAF-integrated solar shingle roof.
The Benefits of Producing Solar Energy
Here’s a list of what we believe may be the top 5 benefits of choosing the new GAF Timberline Solar roofing system for your home.
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Substantially reduce your monthly energy bill.
Hiring a Great Roofing Contractor to Install Your Timberline Solar Roof System
Now that you have an idea of what the cost will be to turn your roof into an energy-producing asset. You’re probably ready to hire a contractor to start the process. But remember the numbers we provided are only an average cost. The final price will be determined after your local GAF Master Elite Contractor performs the onsite inspection.
Our family here at RoofCrafters Roofing has helped thousands of families over the past 3 decades. Not only by providing high-quality materials and 25-year workmanship warranties. But we’ve also helped by educating them about the roofing industry. And by guiding them to make the best decisions for protecting their families for many years to come.
If you believe that we’ll be a great fit for your roofing or solar needs and would like us to come out to see if a solar roof is right for you submit your info below. We look forward to discussing your solar goals soon.
At RoofCrafters, our mission is to provide job opportunities for others to thrive and grow while making a meaningful impact within our communities.
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Why Solar Shingles Probably Aren’t Right for You
Solar shingles are, essentially, small photovoltaic panels constructed to look and function like conventional roof tiles.
These roof tiles are designed to blend in with the rest of your roof, boosting your curb appeal while at the same time providing you with a free source of energy. What’s not to like?
As great as they sound, solar roof tiles have several disadvantages. Consequently, they aren’t the best choice for most homeowners.
Solar Shingles Are Less Efficient than Photovoltaic Panels
Solar shingles are installed the same as the rest of your roofing tiles. So if your roof doesn’t face south or west and the slope is not ideal, they won’t be oriented for maximum photovoltaic output.
Photovoltaic panels, on the other hand, can be mounted on a tilted racking system or on trackers to harness more of the sun’s power.
If your roof is unsuitable for photovoltaic panel installation, you’re better off opting for a ground-mounted photovoltaic array than solar shingles.
Conventional photovoltaic panels, whether mounted on a rooftop or on the ground, are more efficient than solar roof tiles — and it isn’t only due to orientation. Shingles lay directly on the roof, with no air circulation underneath. As a result, they get much hotter than panels do, and hot solar cells are significantly less efficient at producing electricity.
Solar Shingles Aren’t Reliable or Durable
Each solar roof tile or shingle must be wired individually into the array. This creates dozens (or hundreds) of vulnerable points for failure.
But more concerning to solar experts is the idea of incorporating an expensive power generation system into a roofing material that isn’t designed to last as long as the solar cell. The reason that traditional photovoltaic panel systems make sense is that they last for decades, through as many re-roofing projects as your home needs.
When the roof shingle or tile itself fails, you’re forced to dispose of it – and the solar cell along with it.
Solar Shingles Are Not Cost-Effective
If you’re in the market for a new roof and you can angle the installation for the maximum amount of photovoltaic output, solar roof tiles could be an option. However, they will cost much more than a traditional photovoltaic panel installation.
Why are they so expensive? Installing solar roof tiles requires different training. Essentially, your contractor has to act as both a photovoltaic installer and a roofer. Plus, for warranty coverage, it may be necessary to have a roofer on-site during the photovoltaic installation. That can significantly add to the cost.
If you don’t already need a new roof, solar roof tiles probably aren’t the right choice for you. They may be more aesthetically pleasing, but that isn’t usually a worthwhile tradeoff for the increase in cost and decrease in efficiency.
Finally, these products may not be available much longer, at least not through mass production processes. Despite making a grand entrance into the renewable energy market in 2010, Dow Chemical announced in July of this year that it had ceased production of its Powerhouse Solar Shingle roofing products.
At Intermountain Wind Solar, our expert team can provide the information you need to determine what type of photovoltaic power system would be the best fit for you. We serve both residential and commercial clients throughout the Intermountain West.
Contact us today to learn more about the photovoltaic energy alternatives to solar shingles.