Solar panels (and a new roof) vs. solar tiles: What’s the best option for your customer?
Solar panels vs. solar tiles was originally published in the Q3 2024 edition of Solar Builder magazine. | What happens when your customer is interested in going solar, but they also need a new roof? EagleView research shows that approximately 20% of residential solar projects need a new roof, and up to 40% should have a new roof prior to the installation of the PV system. You have two options to offer:
- A standard solar PV module installation along with a new asphalt shingle roof.
- An all-in-one solar tile system.
But how do the two options (solar + new roof vs. solar tiles) compare? In this article, we’ll break down both options and offer a true comparison to help your decision-making.
Subscribe to Solar Builder magazine and access the digital version right here:
Solar panels with asphalt shingles
On the positive side, asphalt shingles and PV systems are extremely familiar technologies with long track records of productive utilization.
Three-tab asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing resource in the United States for a reason: They are cost effective and have been on the market long enough that customers know exactly what they are going to get. Asphalt roofs have a typical life span of 15-20 years.
Solar PV panels are projected to last a bit longer than asphalt shingles, in the range of 25-30 years.
At a glance, solar PV panels:
- Are easy to replace if they are damaged or develop a fault.
- Can be mounted on brackets on top of the existing roof.
- Can be mounted on a standing seam metal roof, with a solar racking system and the use of clamp mounts — with no drilling required.
- Can offer more flexibility in terms of placement, allowing for an arrangement that captures maximum sun exposure.
Further, the economics of photovoltaic panels and asphalt roof systems are well known and, generally, can be projected accurately for electricity production, have a significantly shorter anticipated pay-off period, and are field-tested with a known expected useful life.
On the negative side, the cost of petroleum-based inputs such as asphalt shingles can fluctuate significantly, and it is anticipated they will become more expensive, rising from today’s $4-$15 per square foot. Finally, in aggregate the process typically requires two sets of labor: roofing contractors and solar installers, which might also come with complicated coordination and two competing and non-compatible warranties.
Solar tiles
Solar tiles, also known as solar roof shingles, can be an alternative to installing a traditional shingle roof with solar PV. As they become easier to install, it can now be done increasingly by either roofing contractors or by solar shingle installers reducing the redundancy in the solar installation. Not to mention that as the technology has improved, solar tiles are becoming even more cost effective, easier to install, and more aesthetically appealing.
At a glance, solar tiles can:
- Attach directly into roof sheathing.
- Weigh as little as an asphalt shingle.
- Keep out water and protect a house from wind and hail damage.
- Withstand 250 lbs per square foot of pressure and 100 mph winds.
- Blend in with other shingles on a roof.
But, they are not right for every house. In addition to the significant cost difference of solar tiles (with few solid financing options available) when compared to PV panels with asphalt shingles, the slope of a roof needs to be well suited (highly sloped) and receive strong sun exposure.
The installation of solar tile roofs is more complicated than a solar PV installation; and securing appropriate permits can be dauntingly time consuming due to the unfamiliarity of the technology to local code officials.
Finally, homeowners may need to purchase an electricity storage unit, further stretching affordability and payoff time on their initial investment.
Expert installer perspective
We asked an expert installer who works with both PV / asphalt shingle and solar tile applications for his perspective on the two approaches. Eric Stanis, president and owner of Phoenix Exteriors, Roofing & Solar based in metro Chicago indicated:
“It’s a pretty complicated comparison. You have to weigh a number of factors you’ve already mentioned including solar site suitability, timing, available budget and appropriate financing options, your clients project goals and preferences including aesthetics, and expected return on investment, among others.”
When asked for his best advice to other solar installers, Stanis advised:
“You need to have a very in depth and transparent discussion with your client on all the pros and cons of each option to help them choose the best solution for their specific needs.”
Case study
How do solar panel systems compare to solar tiles in terms of power? Here is a comparison of what two 7.2 kW systems built on the same rooftop.
Check with your distributor for a cost comparison to factor in current asphalt shingle material pricing.
Conclusion
When it comes to ease of installation, shorter project times, and more attractive return on investment, PV modules + new asphalt roof application win in today’s marketplace.
Looking ahead, as the integrated tile systems become more cost effective and easier to install, they offer a compelling alternative with significant aesthetic advantages, direct integration into the profile of the house, using a single installer with a single warranty, greater durability, and less overall risk to environmental damage, specifically wind.
In summary, the best path forward to choose the best roofing material for any roofing / solar project combination is data. EagleView Roof Reports along with EagleView’s TrueDesign software for solar installations provide accurate measurements and solar planning tools for roofers, solar installers, and homeowners, allows for higher accuracy, higher confidence, more trust-worthy recommendation to be made on the best choice of roofing and solar solutions for each unique home.
Daniel Levy is a senior manager at EagleView, where he is responsible for solar product development.
Comments are closed here.