If you're building a new home, planning to replace your roof, or just looking into solar options, choosing between regular solar panels and solar shingles is a big decision. What are their bright and dark sides and what is the best option for you – let's break down in the article.
Key takeaways
Both solar panels and shingles use photovoltaic technology to turn sunlight into electricity. When sunlight hits solar cells, it knocks electrons loose and creates an electric current. This direct current is then changed to alternating current through an inverter and flows through your electrical panel to run your appliances. Extra electricity can be stored in batteries or sent back to the power grid, depending on your setup. That's what panels and shingles have in common. Now about the differences.
Traditional solar panels are about 65 by 40 inches. They are made of solar cells arranged in a grid and covered with glass in an aluminium frame. Panels are mounted on racks attached to your roof and sit several inches above, allowing air to flow underneath, which keeps them cooler and more efficient. Most home systems range from 5kW to 10kW in size, using 15-30 panels depending on how powerful each panel is.
Solar shingles serve two purposes: they generate electricity while also acting as your actual roof material. Unlike panels that sit on top of your roof, solar shingles become your roof, replacing traditional shingles where they're installed. They are designed to blend with regular roofing materials for a more seamless look.
We've looked at the similarities and differences in technology. Now it's time to see how panels and shingles do their job. Let the competition begin!
This difference comes mainly from temperature. Traditional panels, mounted several inches above the roof, get airflow that cools them down. Solar cells work better when they're cooler. Solar shingles, being built directly into the roof without this air gap, can get hotter and therefore work less efficiently.
When it comes to generating energy, traditional solar panels beat solar shingles in most cases. Regular solar panels have efficiency ratings between 20-22%, with the best models reaching over 24%. Most solar shingles have efficiency ratings between 15-20%, though top brands have narrowed this gap, achieving 23%.
For power output, conventional panels generate about 20-25 watts per square foot, while solar shingles produce about 15-20 watts per square foot. This means you'd need about 30% more roof space with shingles to make the same amount of electricity as panels.
Traditional solar panels win this round! They're more efficient and produce more power per square foot, which means you'll need less roof space to meet your energy needs.
Solar panels can be installed on most existing roofs in good condition, usually taking 1-3 days for a complete system installation by solar professionals. The mounting systems work with most roofing materials including asphalt shingles, metal, tile, and even some flat roofs. Panels can be positioned to avoid roof obstacles and get maximum sunlight.
Solar shingle installation is more complex. They replace your existing roofing material, so they make the most financial sense when installed during new construction or when replacing an old roof. Installation requires both roofing and solar electrical expertise, often needing specialized installers certified by the manufacturer. The process typically takes 5-7 days for a complete roof replacement with integrated solar.
We have a tie! Panels are better for existing homes with a good roof, as they don’t require replacing perfectly good roofing materials early. Shingles are better for new construction or homes needing roof replacement anyway, as they reduce the total costs for roof and solar.
Traditional solar panel systems cost between $2.50 and $3.50 per watt installed, depending on system size, equipment quality, and local installation costs. A typical 7kW system therefore costs approximately $17,500-$24,500 before applying the 30% federal tax credit. Most panel systems pay for themselves through energy savings within 7-10 years.
Solar shingles are more expensive and cost between $5.00 and $7.00 per watt installed, with premium options like Tesla's Solar Roof costing even more. The same 7kW system using solar shingles would cost approximately $35,000-$50,000 before incentives. However, this comparison isn't completely fair if you need a roof replacement anyway, since solar shingles serve both purposes. Solar shingle systems typically take 12-16 years to reach payback.
Traditional solar panels win this round easily on pure cost-effectiveness and return on investment! They cost about half as much per watt and pay for themselves 5+ years faster than solar shingles.
Traditional solar panels, while better looking than they used to be with all-black designs and sleeker frames, are still visibly separate additions to your home. They stick out from the roof surface by several inches and are clearly identifiable as solar equipment.
Solar shingles offer a dramatically different look. They are designed to look like conventional roofing products and compliment different architectural looks, from classic to contemporary. Premium options are virtually indistinguishable from high-end conventional roofing when viewed from street level.
From a property value perspective, both technologies add value, but solar shingles may have a slight edge in luxury markets. A 2024 Zillow analysis suggested homes with integrated solar roofing commanded slightly higher price premiums of 4.1% compared to homes with traditional panel systems with 3.7%.
This is where solar shingles really shine. They’re especially valuable if you live in an upscale neighborhood, historic district, or area with strict homeowners associations where looks matter as much as function. While both options add value to your home, solar shingles add slightly more value in luxury housing markets where looks command a premium.
Quality solar panels have impressive weatherproofing specs, with the ability to withstand hail impacts, heavy snow loads, and high winds. Most come with 25-30 year performance warranties and expected lifespans of 30+ years. Maintenance is slightly easier with traditional panels, as they are mounted above the roof surface and problems can be diagnosed and fixed without disturbing the underlying roofing. Individual panels can be replaced if they fail.
Solar shingles also offer strong durability ratings, with premium products rated for similar wind and impact resistance as high-end conventional roofing. After all, they must function both as roofing material and as power generators. Most manufacturers offer 25-year warranties on both power production and weatherproofing, though the technology hasn't existed long enough to verify these projections with real-world data. Solar shingles repairs are more complex since the shingles are integrated into the roofing system itself.
Traditional solar panels win this round by a narrow margin. They have a longer proven track record of durability and allow for easier repairs since individual panels can be replaced without disrupting your roof. Yet both technologies are durable though in different ways.
With traditional solar panels winning three out of five rounds – one is a tie – they emerge as our overall champion for most homeowners, particularly those focused on performance and return on investment. But this verdict comes with important exceptions, as the “right” choice depends on your specific situation.
For homeowners who:
✓ Care most about looks and curb appeal
✓ Are already replacing their roof or building new
✓ Live in neighborhoods with strict architectural rules
✓ Plan to sell their home soon in a luxury market
Solar shingles may well be the better option despite their higher cost and slightly lower efficiency.
Choosing between solar panels and solar shingles isn't just about picking a winner from our comparison rounds. It's about finding the right solution for your specific home, budget, and priorities. Every homeowner's situation is unique, and what works perfectly for your neighbor might not be ideal for you. Here are the critical factors to weigh as you make this important decision.
If your roof has 10+ years of life left, installing traditional panels makes financial sense. If you're within 2-3 years of needing a roof replacement anyway, waiting and installing solar shingles during that replacement could be more cost-effective than installing panels now and reinstalling them during a future roof replacement.
In areas with plenty of direct sunlight and moderate temperatures, the efficiency advantage of panels becomes less critical. In areas with less direct sunlight or frequent cloudiness, getting maximum efficiency with traditional panels becomes more important for system economics.
Be honest about your priorities. If maximum return on investment is your main goal, traditional panels almost always win. If maintaining your home's architectural integrity is non-negotiable and you're willing to accept a longer payback period, solar shingles are worth considering.
Carefully assess your household's electricity usage patterns and future needs, including EV charging. Homes with high energy demands and limited suitable roof space will benefit from the higher efficiency of traditional panels, which generate more power per square foot.
When making this significant investment, consider talking with multiple solar installers who offer both options. Get detailed quotes showing expected energy production, costs, savings, and payback periods for each system type. Many solar companies now offer sophisticated modeling tools that can show exactly how each system would look on your specific home.
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