Everything You Need to Know About Solar Shingles Installation
Posted on Monday, March 13th, 2023 at 8:00 am
Is it the case that you are concerned about the state of your carbon footprint? Solar energy plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By integrating ways to absorb the sun’s rays into your home, you ultimately make it more sustainable. However, you don’t have to get solar panels in order to harvest energy from the sun. Also known as solar roof tiles, solar shingles are thin photovoltaic (PV) sheets that accomplish exactly that.
A roofing contractor can either replace or overlay the existing shingles with these PV sheets. Whether you are replacing your roof or constructing one for a brand-new home, solar shingles are a great option. By taking the initiative to make your home more eco-conscious, you can reap several benefits. Learn about what you can expect out of solar shingles installation with a professional roofing company.
How do solar shingles work?
When sunlight strikes solar shingles, the light energy is converted into electricity. This is achieved through a chemical process, thanks to a semiconducting material like silicon. The material is energized and creates an electric field. From there, the generated electricity is able to power your home, with each tile producing what is typically 13 to 3 watts. Your home can either be powered directly or have the energy stored up in a solar battery bank for later use.
Are solar shingles different from solar panels?
While solar shingles do work like solar panels, their individual modules are significantly less bulky. Solar shingles are approximately the same size as traditional roofing shingles—12 inches by 86 inches—while solar panels come in at around 39 inches by 65 inches. The sleek, modern look of solar shingles ultimately makes them more eye appealing.
Shingles and panels also differ in terms of expense. On account of the fact that solar panels don’t require a complete roof replacement, their installation process is cheaper and takes less time. Solar shingles, on the other hand, are currently the most expensive roofing material on the market. But if you have it in the budget to invest in solar shingles, be aware that you will get a great return on investment when it comes to your energy bills. It will also cost you less to maintain your shingles, compared to solar panels.
Fun Fact: More than 2 million homes in the United States have had solar systems installed.
What are the pros of solar shingles installation?
Because you will be paying more for solar shingles than you do for traditional solar panels, you need to think about what you will be gaining. While there are many benefits to solar shingles installation, we have collected the big four.
Solar shingles reduce energy costs.
Picking the right type of roofing can save you money when it comes time to pay your energy bills. As mentioned previously, this is something that solar shingles can achieve, which is the number one reason why homeowners get them. In fact, with solar shingles installation, you could reduce your bill by anywhere between 40% to 70%. The more tiles you add, the more energy output you receive.
Solar shingles are long-lasting.
Solar shingles are incredibly durable, and manufactured to withstand harsh weather and fire. When compared to other types of tiles, these tiles have a longer lifespan, often coming in at around 25 to 30 years. Some solar roofs even come with a warranty that extends over that standard lifespan. Check with your roofing contractor about what the warranty looks like, in the event that you need repairs in the future.
Solar shingles blend with your roof.
Unlike solar panels, solar shingles resemble traditional roof materials, such as concrete or asphalt. Many homeowners prefer to have this aesthetic as opposed to large, black panels. It can be hard to even tell that your home has a PV system! This means you will inevitably garner fewer potential issues with your HOA with solar shingles installation.
Solar shingles increase property value.
Any time a homeowner opts for a new roof, they will increase their resale values. But research by Zillow shows that homes that utilize solar panel systems sell for 4.1% more. Solar shingles similarly increase property value because so many homeowners today are finding greater appreciation in eco-friendly features. Just keep in mind that how big of an effect solar shingles make depends on where you live.
Is it worth it to do solar shingles installation?
As mentioned, more and more homeowners are adopting a sense of eco-consciousness, seen in the growing popularity of features like solar shingles. That means that, in turn, the market is only expected to grow. Right now, though, where solar panels can be found in most regions, the availability of solar tiles is limited. They are still a fairly new invention. So, when you are looking for a roofing contractor to tackle your solar shingles installation, there may only be a handful in your area who are certified.
But if you have the money to commit to a roof replacement, partnering with an experienced solar shingles installer is certainly worth it. At the end of the day, solar power is cheaper than how much your utility company charges. As it generates clean energy, your new roofing system has the potential to pay for itself by the end of its lifespan.
What is the best brand of solar shingles?
Known for their high quality and cost-effectiveness, Timberline Solar™ shingles are a common favorite among roofing contractors. Timberline Solar™ shingles are water-shedding and warranted to stand up to winds of 130 mph. They even add visual appeal just like architectural shingles. Products made by GAF Energy, across the board, are considered top-of-the-line, so it is no wonder why their shingle brand is one of the country’s most respected. Once you have undergone the straightforward solar shingles installation process, you will quickly see the benefits in your own life.
Hire Kidd Roofing for your solar shingles installation!
Go green and start saving money with the help of a Timberline Solar™ roofing system! If you live in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Austin, or even Denver, Kidd Roofing has you covered. As strong proponents of generating clean energy, our team is made up of GAF-certified technicians. We are highly experienced with solar shingles installation. Send us a message or give us a call at your local branch of Kidd Roofing so that we can discuss your solar shingles needs.