With any disruptive product comes some downsides, and solar shingles are no exception. The major downsides for solar shingles are pricing, availability, roof type limitations, and energy production capabilities. Considering these advantages and disadvantages is essential when deciding if solar tiles or solar panels are better for your property.
It's also important to remember that solar shingle companies may have different prices. Solar shingles have only been around since 2005. Because the technology is relatively new, there isn't a lot of data to indicate whether they have as long of a lifespan as traditional solar panels. Depending on where you live, finding a contractor that installs solar roof shingles can also be challenging.
We'll get to the biggest sticking point for solar shingles: They're expensive. Check out our analysis on the Tesla Solar Roof vs. traditional solar panels for a more in-depth look at pricing differences. In just about every case, solar shingles cost more than solar panels. This gap will likely shrink over time, but as long as solar shingles remain a relatively uncommon product, they will likely remain the pricier option. In some cases, depending on the brand, you may find that if your roof needs to be replaced, the cost of a solar roof is comparable to a roof replacement and new solar panels.
Aside from the much-hyped Tesla Solar Roof, several companies have announced and even started installing their own solar roof products. But, in many cases, these options have rolled out very slowly and in limited geographies. Solar shingles are just not being produced at a large scale yet, and as such, they're often very hard to install – which is why roofers usually complete installations. Some customers have been on waiting lists for years, and there's not necessarily an end in sight. However, some brands, like CertainTeed, are now available nationwide and don't currently have a waitlist.
Most shingle products are made to replace standard asphalt tile roofing, and some brands have alternative options for other roof materials, like tiles. Solar panels can be mounted on just about any roof type, from asphalt to metal, making them a more flexible option for homeowners. Solar panels are ideal for an existing roof, while solar shingles are better suited for new constructions or replacing your roof.
Solar panel technology has matured significantly in the past decade, and panels these days can have efficiencies of over 22% or 23% in some cases. Solar shingles sacrifice efficiency and energy production for their sleek aesthetics, and most shingle brands have 14% to 18% efficiencies. If you have a large enough roof, this won't be a problem for you, but if your roof is small and you use a lot of electricity, solar shingles may not provide enough solar energy.
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