Want to switch to solar power but do not know where to begin? It is hard to choose between solar shingles and traditional solar panels, but we are here to help you do so with ease. Due to the Feed-in Tariff program and net metering standards, there is more installation of solar panels in Ontario, Canada.
But as more people think about solar energy for their homes, it is essential to assess each choice’s pros and cons. It helps you to determine which is the best one for your home.
Traditional solar panels have been the most popular choice for a long time, but solar shingles are becoming more popular because they look better and are easier to install. With Ontario’s weather in mind, it is critical to consider how long each choice will last, how well it will work, and how much it will cost.
So, whether you want to improve energy efficiency or reduce your carbon footprint, we’ll help you decide whether to buy solar shingles as a wise investment for your house.
What Are Solar Shingles and How Do They Work?
Solar shingles are a type of roof material that has solar panels built right into them. Each shingle has a photovoltaic cell that turns the energy from the sun into usable power.
One of the best things about solar shingles is that they can easily blend in with the top of your home. They come in many colors and styles, so it’s easy to match them to the look of your house. They are also strong and can stand up to bad weather, which makes them an excellent purchase for people in Ontario who own their own homes.
Solar shingles or solar roof tiles are a smart choice for homeowners who want to create renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining the look and function of their roofs.
Talk to a qualified solar installer to learn more about solar shingles and decide if they are appropriate for your house.
Different Types of Solar Roof Shingles
A solar shingle is an unconventional way to use silicon solar cells. They mix the advantages of solar energy with traditional roofing materials to produce electricity for your home that looks good and works well.
Here are several types of solar roof shingles:
Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Shingles
It works by turning the light from the sun into electricity that you can use to power your home. Most PV solar shingles consist of silicon. They are put on the roof in the same way as asphalt shingles.
Installing solar shingles can turn up to 15% to 20% of the sun’s rays that they get into power. That makes them an excellent choice for homes. Also, PV solar shingles are tough and durable, with a lifespan of up to 30 years.
Thin-Film Solar Shingles
Thin-film solar roofs are another popular choice for people who want to put solar roofing on their homes. These shingles are different from PV solar shingles. They consist of a thin layer of photovoltaic material put directly into the roof.
Because of this, they are a more flexible choice because one can install them on a broader range of roofing materials.
One of the best things about thin-film solar covers is how light they are. It means they can be put on roofs that cannot hold the weight of regular solar cells. Thin-film solar shingles are also cheaper than standard solar panels, which makes them a good choice for homeowners on a budget.
Integrated Solar Shingles
Integrated solar shingles are a newer type of solar roof shingle that is becoming more popular with homes. These shingles give your roof a sleek and modern look by appearing to belong there. Integrated solar covers can consist of metal, asphalt, or other materials.
One of the most vital things about integrated solar shingles is their look great. One can change them to match the color and style of your current roof, making them an excellent choice for homes that want a solar roofing solution that fits in with the look of their home.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is a type of solar shingle meant to replace standard building materials like windows and walls. These shingles consist of a photovoltaic material built right into the frame of the building.
One of the best things about BIPV solar shingles is that they can replace standard building materials. They are a fantastic option for new construction projects because of this. Also, BIPV solar shingles can be more efficient than conventional solar panels because they can catch light from different angles.
How Do Solar Shingles Differ From Traditional Solar Panels?
Here are some of the most important differences between the two solar roof choices to help you choose.
Appearance
Solar shingles look good because they fit in with the roof’s surface and don’t stand out.
Traditional solar panels are large and can make a house look less attractive.
Installation
Solar shingles are put on the roof the same way regular shingles are, which makes the process faster and easier.
One must mount the traditional solar panels on the roof with extra tools and brackets, which makes the job harder and takes more time.
Efficiency
Solar shingles are usually less effective than standard solar panels because they have less surface area to collect sunlight.
Homeowners in Ontario, Canada, where there is a lot of sun, can still benefit from solar roofs.
Cost
Due to their newer technology, solar shingles are more expensive than regular solar panels.
Solar shingles, on the other hand, can save you money in the long run because they last longer than standard solar panels and can cut your energy bills by a lot.
Solar panels and solar roof shingles are excellent choices for homeowners who want to use solar energy to power their homes. It is essential to look at all your options and pick the one that best satisfies your wants and budget.
By knowing the main differences between the two, you can make an informed decision and confidently switch to solar energy.
Advantages of Solar Shingle Installations
Aesthetic Appeal
Solar shingles look better than traditional solar panels, which can be bulky and unattractive because they blend in with the roof of your house.
Energy Savings
Solar shingles use the sun’s power to make electricity, so they can help you save money on your energy bills. Ontario, Canada, gets a lot of sun, which makes it a great place to put solar roofs.
Increased Home Value
It is a fact that homes with solar shingles have a higher resale value than houses without them. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory did a study that found that homes with solar panels sell for about $15,000 more than houses without them.
Environmental Benefits
When you use solar shingles, you reduce your carbon output and help make the environment cleaner. Solar energy is a renewable energy source that does not release any damaging greenhouse gases.
Disadvantages of Solar Shingle Installations
Cost
It can cost anywhere from $21,000 to $33,000 to put solar shingles on an average-sized home. But the price of solar shingles has been going down over the years, and the money you can save on energy, in the long run, can be more than the cost of the shingles.
Durability
Solar panels have not been on the market for long, so it is hard to say how long they will last. But the product is guaranteed to last up to 25 years by the company that made it.
Maintenance
Solar shingles need to be cleaned and checked daily as maintenance. The solar panel will not work as well if the shingles get damaged, which means less energy production.
Weather Conditions
In Ontario, Canada, winters are cold and snowy, which can make solar roofing work less well. But improvements in solar roofing industry technology have strengthened and improved the resilience of solar shingle installations to harsh weather.
How Do You Know if Solar Shingles Best Fit for Your Home Solar Installation?
Here are a few things to consider when deciding if a solar shingle or traditional rooftop solar panels are all you need:
Roof Orientation and Slope
Solar shingles work best on roofs that face south and have a slope of between 15 and 40 degrees. In Ontario, Canada, the best way to get the most sun is for the roof to face south or southwest.
Energy Consumption
How much energy your home uses is a big part of figuring out if solar shingles are the right choice for your house. Solar panels are most helpful for homes that use a lot of energy. You can lower your energy costs and save money in the long run by making your energy.
Space
Solar shingles need a lot of space on your roof to produce enough power to meet your needs. Solar panels might not be the best choice for your home if you have a small roof or a lot of obstacles, like chimneys or vents.
Roof Condition
It is important to ensure your roof is in good shape before you put solar shingles on it. If your roof needs to be fixed or replaced, you should do that before you put solar shingles on it to avoid extra costs or damage to the shingles.
Budget
Consider your budget before making a choice because solar shingles can be pricey. However, it is crucial to be aware that, over time, energy savings can offset the initial cost of solar shingles.
Local Incentives
Homeowners in Ontario, Canada, can benefit from solar shingles installation. One of these is the Net Metering Program, which gives homeowners credits for the excess energy their solar shingles produce. There are also government tax credits that can help bring down the cost of installing solar shingles.
What Is the Average Cost of Solar Roof Technologies for Residential Solar Installations?
Homeowners in Ontario, Canada, who want to use solar roof technologies often choose solar shingles. For an average-sized home, the cost of installing solar shingles ranges from $25,000 to $35,000. This cost depends on things like the type of solar shingles picked, the size of the home, and the location.
The cost of the installation can vary depending on the type of solar shingles chosen. Integrated solar shingles are the most expensive but look the best. Flexible solar shingles are less pricey but may not last as long. The size of the house also has an impact on installation costs. Larger homes require more solar shingles to meet their energy needs. Location in Ontario may also affect the cost. That is because rules and weather can make some places more expensive to put in.
Even though they are initially expensive, solar shingles can save you a lot of money. It comes through your energy bills over time and contributes to a better world. Homeowners can also save money on the cost of installing solar shingles. You can do this by taking advantage of programs like the Net Metering Program and the Green Ontario Fund. Overall, solar shingles are a good choice for homes that desire to use renewable energy. They are also perfect if you wish to save money on energy bills in the long run.
Conclusion – Solar Shingle Installation to Your Home’s Existing Roof, Solar Solutions to Any Roofing Material
Solar shingles are ideal for Ontario homeowners who want to install solar technologies without altering their roof’s appearance. These energy-saving shingles work on any roof. The Net Metering Program in Ontario gives homeowners compensation for surplus energy.
Most solar shingles require a reputable and competent technician to install them. They can recommend the best solar shingles for your roof and help you save electricity. With rising demand for solar shingle installation in Ontario and incentives like the Net Metering Program, homeowners wishing to minimize their carbon footprint and energy bills should consider solar shingles.
Contact a solar installer today to start a sustainable future!