Solar Panels vs. Solar Shingles: What's the Best Option?

 

When customers meet with solar technology professionals to learn about their options, one of the main decisions centers on solar panels vs. solar shingles. Both choices function similarly, but there are substantial differences. 

Making the most appropriate decision requires assessing someone’s budget, functionality expectations and roof specifics. Here are some essential things to cover when discussing solar technologies with clients. 

Ask About Aesthetic Expectations

One of the main reasons people are initially against solar panels is that they don’t like how they look on the rooftops. Even though the installed equipment has become progressively more streamlined and modern, it’s still easy to spot a roof with solar panels versus one without. 

However, that’s not the case with solar shingles. Manufacturers specifically offer them in similar sizes, shapes and materials to traditional shingles, so they blend nicely with the rest of the roof. 

For example, the French company SunStyle uses a diamond-laying installation technique to suit all roof types. The company also offers color-coordinated aluminum composite panels that people can cut to size on-site before mounting the solar shingles. That approach caters to unusually shaped roofs and brings a cohesive look. 

If your clients are leaning toward panels during the solar panels vs. solar shingles discussions, highlight the differences between the on-roof and integrated designs and environmentally friendly materials. On-roof panels sit directly on top of the roofing material encased in an aluminum frame to increase the reflectivity and capture sunlight.

However, integrated solar panels have a low-profile look similar to solar shingles. Installers will remove any underlying roofing material so the panels sit flush with the primary surface. 

The main difference is that integrated solar panels comprise single, large pieces set into the roof. Solar shingles look standard, although they’re usually on just part of the roof rather than the entire surface. 

Some clients have no problem with ton-roof solar panels being significantly more visible than the shingle or integrated panel types. That’s often the case if a business wants to set a sustainable example in the community. Many people pay increasing attention to a brand’s climate actions, and some use sustainability to justify continued business. 

Identify Potential Legal Roadblocks

Data from the Solar Energy Industries Association showed a 40% increase in residential solar installations in 2022 versus 2021. However, that rise in popularity doesn’t mean everyone’s warming up to them. Much of the recent resistance comes from homeowners association decision-makers. Even when residents want solar panels, getting them is often against the rules. 

However, some affected parties have fought back. Now, homeowners associations in some states can no longer forbid solar installations. However, the situation varies depending on where someone lives. 

Homeowners associations aren’t always more open to solar shingles. However, because they’re much less conspicuous than panels, residents may have an easier time getting the necessary approval. 

Similar challenges exist when trying to put solar panels on historic buildings. Current standards mandate that people can only do so in locations not visible from the ground. However, that can be difficult or impossible, depending on if the roof’s design has a suitable place to hide the panels.

In these cases, the main argument against solar panels is that the installation detracts from the historical merit, including architectural details. Even so, some people see things differently.  

Research from the University of Cambridge investigated the potential outcomes of putting solar panels on Bath Abbey, a historical structure completed in 1611. The findings indicated 164 solar panels could generate approximately 35% of the site’s annual electricity needs. This approach would cut about 10 tons of carbon dioxide yearly, shrinking Bath Abbey’s environmental footprint. 

Other takeaways were that such a project would pay for itself in 13 years and result in a $171,188 profit. People working on this study also pointed out that solar panels could be particularly economically attractive due to progressively rising energy costs. 

Talk About Your Client’s Budget 

Questions about costs will inevitably arise as people weigh the pros and cons of solar panels vs. solar shingles. Solar panels are generally less expensive than shingles. However, this could change as solar shingles become more widely available and manufacturers find reliable, reasonably priced production methods. 

Currently, $3,500 to $35,000 is the average price range for panels. If your client brings up how that’s quite a span and it’s difficult to see whether solar panels fit into their budget, explain the various factors that affect the price. For example, the roof size, solar panel wattage and panel type contribute to the overall cost. 

However, a solar shingle installation could cost $55,000 or more. That doesn’t mean your client needs to pay the full amount upfront, though. Tesla’s Solar Roof is a solar shingle option available for monthly payments that the company reduced in 2022. 

The one instance where clients may find less of a financial difference in the solar panels vs. solar shingles debate is if they’re planning a total roof replacement at the same time as the solar installation. Installers could put solar shingles on the new roof, shortening the overall time frame and reducing costs. 

Inform Your Client of Available Tax Credits 

There’s also a tax credit for U.S. taxpayers that eligible persons can put toward solar systems or qualifying energy-storage devices. Shingles and panels fall under this program. The credit covers 30% of the qualified expenditures installed through 2032. It decreases to 26% for installations in 2033 and 22% in 2034. 

Encourage your clients to realize that cost will always be a significant part of any solar panels vs. solar shingles decision. However, do your best to inform them briefly about the options available to make the expenses more manageable. 

Urge them to do independent research to determine the most suitable possibilities for their situations. For example, solar panel and shingle brands offering financing usually have calculators on their websites to help prospective customers learn what they could expect to pay.

Determine the Client’s Energy-Efficiency Expectations 

Solar panels are generally more energy-efficient than shingles. One reason is that solar shingles have no airflow beneath them due to their direct placement on the roof. That increases heat dissipation and negatively impacts efficiency. 

The sunlight hitting the roof on a given day also affects efficiency. People can remove and reposition a solar panel to get better results. However, that’s a much more time-intensive process with solar shingles because there’s a larger quantity to remove and remount. 

Give your customers an accurate perspective by explaining how roof angles and climate can impact how well solar panels or shingles work. It’s also helpful to get details about how electricity-dependent they are and how much they want to save on their bills by opting for a solar installation. 

Relatedly, how soon do your clients expect to start seeing the energy-efficiency gains of their new system? Solar shingles are a comparatively newer technology, and some companies offering them only operate in specific states. However, the good news about solar shingles is that some companies provide exceptionally easy possibilities. For example, people only need a nail gun and roofer to install solar shingles from GAF Energy. 

Solar Panels vs. Solar Shingles: It’s an Individual Choice

No solar energy solution is universally best, so people must consider their situations and needs before deciding. These are some of the main points to bring up as you help clients explore the options. The more you help them become better informed, the greater their trust in you should become. Thus, it’s in everyone’s best interest for you to take your time in giving clients accurate and relevant information