![]() ![]() Since then, the solar energy industry has evolved considerably. Innovators at the University of Delaware integrated solar cells into the roof instead of putting them on top. The first solar roof appeared almost a century later, in 1973. Believe it or not, the first rooftop solar panels, connected directly to a building’s roof, were installed in the late 1800s. Most people today have some familiarity with solar panels, whether on camping equipment or on rooftops. The term “solar roof” may refer to an entire roof or just a section. A solar roof goes a step further by using materials in the roof’s construction that can absorb sunlight directly rather than installing panels on top of an existing roof.Homeowners then install these panels on top of their roof. A solar panel–also called solar cell panels, solar electric panels, or photo-voltaic (PV) modules–is a group of cells that make energy from sunlight–all mounted together in a framework, called a panel.If you’re unsure which is the better option for you, reach out to Smart Wave Solar today for your initial consultation and free quote. ![]() Whether you want to look at solar shingles or at installing solar panels on the roof, Smart Wave Solar will help you explore the best options for going solar, including an emergency backup power system as an excellent solution for your home. That’s why some people prefer solar shingles. Solar shingles, however, are pretty simple to install on the roof, as the installation process is similar to that of regular asphalt shingles.Īlthough most types of roofing can support solar panels, some cannot be due to their angle and geographical position. This isn’t the case for solar shingles-fewer installers are available, so you may have to wait longer. Because many contractors are already familiar with the technology, you can get solar panels installed more readily. The biggest difference between a solar roof vs. On the other hand, solar shingles are supposed to last 30 years, depending on manufacturer warranties.īut here’s the catch-the solar roof technology is still new, so its longevity remains to be seen, unlike solar panels that have proven their durability over the years. ![]() LongevityĪ solar panel system’s projected lifespan is between 20 and 25 years. However, a solar roof is a more cost-effective choice if you already need a roof replacement, as solar shingles are already included in the roofing materials.īut if your existing roof is fairly new or has a good number of years left, it’s less expensive to install standard solar panels. CostĪ solar roof has more up-front costs than solar panels. A similar-sized system requires more interconnected solar shingles, increasing the possible points of failure and making it less efficient. Moreover, solar roof tiles have a higher rate of failure than solar panels. Once installed, you cannot adjust solar roof tiles to get the optimal amount of sunlight. ![]() In terms of energy production efficiency, solar panels perform better than solar roofs since they can be repositioned to catch more sunlight.Ī solar shingle’s capacity to generate power depends on three factors: its location on the roof, the roof’s design, and the roof’s orientation. Photovoltaics like solar shingles and solar panels work best when sunlight hits them directly. Because solar panels have an industrial appearance, they might not complement the architectural style of some homes. You can use them as a roofing material, allowing you to have a normal-looking roof and solar energy system without solar panels’ bulkiness or unusual aesthetics. Most solar roof tiles look like conventional asphalt shingles. These solar shingles or roof tiles operate similarly to bigger solar panels since they also use photovoltaics in harnessing solar energy for power. AppearanceĪ solar roof consists of many shingles, each equipped with a small-scale solar panel. Solar Panels: What’s the Difference?īelow are some of the key differences between the two. Both options come with their respective upsides and downsides, so here’s a side-by-side comparison of a solar roof vs. Increasing interest in solar installations has also paved the way for newer technologies.īesides solar panels, consumers have another option-solar roof shingles. That’s why many households are now making the switch. Going solar can help you save money on your home’s energy cost and lower your carbon footprint, among other benefits. ![]()
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