3 Benefits Of Choosing To Install Traditional Solar Panels Instead Of Newer Solar Shingles

Solar shingles allow you to generate power from sunlight without affecting the appearance of your roof as much as installing solar panels. They're designed to completely replace your existing roof, and they'll protect your home from rain and wind while generating electricity at the same time. Unfortunately, they have a number of downsides when compared to traditional solar panels, and they're not the best choice for every homeowner. To learn three benefits of installing residential solar panels instead of solar shingles, read on.

1. Solar Panels Are Much Less Expensive to Install

One of the main downsides of installing solar shingles is that they're very expensive. You'll need to have your existing roof torn off in order to install them, which adds to the cost. You'll also have to have them installed by a contractor that has been specifically trained in installing solar shingles, which limits your options for shopping around for more bids. In addition, the solar shingles themselves are quite expensive, so material costs for the installation will be high.

Overall, solar shingles have a much larger up-front cost to install than panels. If your roof is in good condition, you won't need to replace it in order to install them, and panels are less expensive than shingles. If you're looking for the least expensive way to provide your home with solar power, then panels are the best option.

2. Solar Panel Installation Is More Flexible

With solar panels, you're also able to install only as many as you need in order to power your home. When you have solar shingles installed, you need to cover your entire roof with them. If you have an energy-efficient home and don't need much electricity in order to fully power it with solar energy, then you're able to save on installation costs by buying just enough panels to cover your electricity needs.

3. Solar Panels Are More Efficient Than Shingles

Another advantage of solar panels is that they're able to produce more power than solar shingles. You're able to angle them directly at the sun by tilting the mount that they're connected to, which boosts the amount of sunlight reaching them and allows them to generate more electricity. Solar shingles are attached directly to your roof deck like normal roofing shingles, so they're angled according to the slope of your roof and can't be adjusted. If your roof is angled away from the sun, solar shingles won't receive as much sunlight.

Solar shingles also get hotter than panels, which further reduces their efficiency. Both solar shingles and panels start to generate less electricity when they start to heat up. The mount that the panels are installed on will elevate them slightly above your roof, which allows air to circulate under them. The airflow helps keep them cool. Air can't circulate under solar shingles, which limits their efficiency.

Overall, solar panels have a number of advantages over solar shingles that make them the better choice in most situations. Solar shingles can still be a good option for some people—for example, a homeowners' association may only allow solar shingles to be installed because they'll blend in better with neighboring homes. In addition, some homeowners want the appearance of solar shingles and don't mind paying extra. For most, however, the efficiency and low cost of panels make them the most sensible option for generating electricity. If you'd like to power your home with solar energy, call a residential solar panel company in your area and have them survey your roof to determine how much installation will cost and how much electricity you'll be able to generate.


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