Eco-Friendly Roofing In Austin: Solar
Shingles Vs. Solar Panels
Which Option For Energy
Production Is Best?
If you’re interested in generating power for your home, you may be curious which is better: solar shingles or solar panels. While many homeowners have turned to solar power over the years, more and more are turning toward solar shingles in Austin.
While they operate with the same technology, there are a number of differences between these two solar power options. Understanding how they differ in size, appearance, and functionality can help you make the best decision for your home.
A USA Home Roofing & Exteriors, we’ve compiled this guide to help you learn the key differences between solar shingles and rack-mounted solar. You can use this information to make a well-informed decision about the ideal roofing solution for your home in the Austin area.
Difference #1: Solar Roof Costs
Because solar panels have been around a lot longer than solar shingles, they are typically more cost-effective. In addition, they’re more readily available from a multitude of manufacturers and installers, which also drives down the price.
Solar shingles offer many other excellent benefits that ensure you get the most for your investment. Over time, they will pay for themselves as they withstand the harshest weather, outlast your standard roofing, and require little to no maintenance.
In addition, solar shingles come with warranties from a single source. In other words, you get one warranty from your contractor and manufacturer. With solar panels, you have to keep up with a warranty for your roof and a separate warranty for your panels.
Difference #2: Solar Shingle Roofs Are
A Sleek Alternative To Solar Panels
One of the primary reasons homeowners in the Austin area shy away from solar is the concept of solar panels. They’re large and bulky, which can ruin the overall aesthetic of any home.
So, they may cost less than solar shingles, but they’re no longer the ideal solution. Instead, solar shingles are alluring for their sleek design and ability to integrate fully into standard roofing materials.
When you look at a solar shingle roof, you’ll quickly find it challenging to distinguish between regular shingles and GAF Timberline solar energy shingles. These shingles are also small and lightweight compared to solar panels, so they won’t require extra support when installed.
Difference #3: Ease Of Energy Production
Solar shingles and solar panels use photovoltaic technology to generate electricity for your home. However, both options are limited by the physical space you have on your roof.
Your roofing contractor will determine the number of shingles or panels needed to produce the right quantity of electricity for your family. If your electrical demand increases over time, you can always add more solar materials to your roof, provided you have the space.
In this situation, solar shingles are much easier to work with because of their smaller size. Adding more shingles to a roof is simpler than adding more solar panels. If you choose a solar panel system for your home, you may reach a point where your energy production capabilities are maxed out.
Difference #4: The Condition Of Your
Standard Roofing Materials
Solar panels can more easily be retrofitted to an existing roof than solar shingles can be. However, they often require extra modifications to ensure your roof can support them.
Solar shingles are best installed when you need a roof replacement. They are integrated with and replace some standard roofing materials. This makes them physically part of your new roof. Because of this installation requirement, it’s much harder to retrofit them to an existing roof.
Difference #5: Residential Solar Efficiency
There’s no doubt about it: Solar shingles and solar panels offer homeowners the ability to become less dependent on the grid. While technology is advancing, solar panels are more efficient than solar shingles.
This difference comes into play due to how the two solar roofing options are installed. Solar shingles are installed as part of your roof, which means there is limited airflow beneath them. Because of this, they will experience more heat dissipation and reduced efficiency.
On the other hand, solar panels are rack-mounted, allowing them to be adjusted as needed to receive optimal sun exposure. Solar shingles are permanently fixed in their positions, making this impossible.
However, as long as your roofing contractor considers the position of your home, the direction the sun shines, and how many shingles you’ll need to maximize your energy output, solar shingles are an excellent choice.
So, if you’re ready to embrace a greener lifestyle with solar shingles for your Austin home, reach out to a team that has your best interests in mind. Call USA Home Roofing & Exteriors today at 726-215-6766 to schedule a consultation.