What Are Solar Shingles? The Pros & Cons To Installing Them

Over the past decade, the solar industry has boomed. With a significant increase in usage comes a higher demand for better-looking and better-performing technologies. That’s where we come in.

At 1 Source Solar, we’ve served the states of Iowa, Missouri, and beyond by providing exceptional customer service, solar installation, and expert knowledge. We encourage all of our customers to be educated in the options available to them with solar.

One of these options that homeowners can utilize is the installation of solar shingles. Solar shingles are a type of solar solution designed to function as both a roof covering AND a solar panel. They are roof-mounted and require enough space to do so.

Solar Shingles: A Streamlined, Aesthetic Approach to Solar Energy

Let’s face it, any improvement you want to do with your home, you want it to look good. It is normal to be wary of adding functional improvements when they don’t look as good as you’d like them to. One of the best things about solar shingles is that they blend into the roof of your home, fixed perfectly at the optimal angle to provide you more energy and cost savings, and they look good while doing it.

Regular solar panels work just as well as solar shingles but do not provide the sleek, low-profile appearance that solar shingles do.

The Benefits of Installing Solar Shingles

Outside of face value and appearances, solar shingles can also provide a variety of benefits to homeowners in the short term and long term.

Serve a Dual Purpose

Fixed on your roof, your solar shingles are created to be durable like your regular roof shingles. Not only are they protecting your home, but they are generating electricity at the same time.

Built to Withstand Various Midwest Weather Conditions

In order to serve that dual purpose, as stated above, solar shingles are created with durable materials such as tempered glass and other weather-resistant materials. This helps them withstand the ever-changing Midwest weather elements such as rain, wind, hail, and snow.

Higher Return on Investment (ROI)

When you choose to install solar, you want to profit off of your cost-savings from your home’s energy bills as much as possible. But, what about when it’s time to sell your home? No problem! Having solar shingles on your roof is a great way to increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell. Pre-installed solar energy is highly sought after in the housing market, making you stand out from the competition.

Perfect To Introduce to New Construction or During Roof Replacements

The location of solar shingles makes it very easy to install if you’re a homeowner who is looking to newly construct their home or replace their roof. While your home is in the blueprint phase of either of these processes, it can be easy to integrate a team of solar experts to ensure your new home and/or roof is equipped with solar shingles.

The Cons of Installing Solar Shingles

It is also important to recognize some of the cons that are associated with installing solar shingles when introducing solar energy to your home. Solar shingles, while easier on the eyes, can prove to have some negatives.

Expensive Initial Cost

Solar shingles rely heavily on their aesthetic appeal, which is why the initial installation cost can be more expensive. Solar shingles are more expensive than traditional roof shingles and standalone solar panels, which can be a deterrent for those who want to save a bit more on upfront costs.

The good thing is, there are MANY solar incentives and initiatives that homeowners can take advantage of to reduce those costs! Our team of solar specialists will walk you through all of the financial benefits and solar incentives available to you.

Limited Options

If you’re a homeowner who wants to customize every detail of your home, then solar shingles may not be the right fit. Still relatively new to the market, solar shingles are limited in options when it comes to size, shape, and overall appearance. You are also only limited to the sunlight/daylight that is accessible on your roof. Whereas with standalone solar panels, they can be adjusted to catch a wider range of that energy.

Install Your Home’s Solar With Iowa & Missouri’s Trusted Solar Company

Are you interested in learning more about installing solar shingles? The expert team at 1 Source Solar makes it our priority to not only install and maintain solar panel systems, but to educate our homeowners, business owners, and farmers in the solar industry.

Contact us today to receive a FREE assessment on solar for your home.