Advertisement

Advertisement

Solar Shingles on the Roof

By Jim Romeo | Jul 3, 2024
solar shingles Wikideas1, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Solar shingles are an innovative roofing solution that combines the benefits of solar energy with the aesthetic appeal and durability of traditional roofing materials.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Solar shingles are an innovative roofing solution that combines the benefits of solar energy with the aesthetic appeal and durability of traditional roofing materials. Solar shingles are designed to seamlessly integrate with the roof, offering a low-profile, visually appealing alternative to conventional rooftop solar panels, which can be more conspicuous. Such shingles and tiles merge the cost savings of solar energy with the durability of traditional roofing materials. They offer a sleek, low-profile appearance that enhances curb appeal, unlike the more noticeable solar panels. However, solar shingles come with a higher price tag and require a more significant financial investment.

Several companies, including Tesla, Austin, Texas; GAF Energy, San Jose, Calif.; and CertainTeed, Malvern, Pa., are leading the market in solar shingle technology. Tesla’s Solar Roof, for example, features tempered glass shingles that are highly durable and aesthetically pleasing. GAF Energy’s Timberline Solar shingles are designed for easy installation by regular roofers, making them more accessible to a broader market. CertainTeed offers several types of solar shingles, including SunStyle, Solstice Shingles and Solstice Panel, which are designed to blend with asphalt shingles for a more traditional look.

A roof that generates electricity?

The installation of solar shingles typically involves replacing the entire roof, which can be a significant undertaking. However, this also means that homeowners get a brand-new roof that generates electricity. The cost of solar shingles varies depending on the brand, the size of the roof and the complexity of the installation, but the upfront investment can be offset by the energy savings over time and potential increases in property value.

Solar shingles are particularly advantageous for homeowners who prioritize aesthetics and want to maintain the traditional look of their homes while benefiting from renewable energy. They are also a good option for those planning to replace their roofs and can absorb the higher initial cost within the broader scope of home improvement expenses.

Despite the higher upfront costs, solar shingles offer a promising solution for integrating renewable energy into residential properties in a way that enhances both functionality and visual appeal. As technology advances and production scales up, the costs are expected to decrease, making solar shingles an increasingly viable option for more homeowners. 

Solar roofing will increase in commercial and residential roofing markets

Research and Markets conducted a study in 2022 about the U.S. solar roofing sector, providing historical demand data for 2020 and forecasts for 2025 and 2030. It broke down the market by residential and commercial segments, new and retrofit applications, and geographic regions.

 According to the study, the U.S. solar roofing market is projected to grow significantly, reaching 716,000 squares valued at $965 million by 2025. This growth is driven by supportive solar policies, especially in California, where new building codes will require solar installations on almost all new construction starting in 2023.

 While the adoption of solar shingles on residential and commercial structures is early, we should expect to see more solar shingles installed. This technology is likely to attract construction stakeholders of all kinds as solutions to our climate crisis are sought, and solar becomes a viable sustainable energy source. 

As the Research and Markets research stated, “As more property owners become aware of the benefits of installing solar products—including increased property values, improved energy efficiency, and tax credits, rebates, and other incentives—penetration of solar roofing will increase in both commercial and residential roofing markets.”

About The Author

ROMEO is a freelance writer based in Chesapeake, Va. He focuses on business and technology topics. Find him at www.JimRomeo.net.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

featured Video

;

Advantages of Advertising with ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR in 2025

Learn about the benefits of advertising with Electrical Contractor Media Group in 2025. 

Advertisement

Related Articles

Advertisement