Solar Roof vs. Solar Panels: Which Is the Better Choice?
By TOI Staff
July 1, 2023
Update on : July 1, 2023
As the world’s population grows, so does the use of greenhouse gases. In fact, the use of these gasses has increased the temperature of the earth by almost two degrees since 1975.
Because of this warming, people have started to turn to renewable energy. As this movement grows, more people are turning to solar power.
When it comes to harnessing solar energy, the two most popular choices are installing a solar roof vs. solar panels. With pros and cons to each, it can be hard to know which is right for you.
If you’ve been thinking about adding solar power to your home, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll cover the basics of each to help you make an informed decision for your home.
The Rise of Solar Energy
Solar energy is a type of renewable energy that you get from the sun. Solar energy is great because it is renewable. It also doesn’t emit any greenhouse gasses into the air.
The way that solar energy works is through the use of solar panels. People construct solar panels from semiconductor materials. When sunlight hits this kind of material, an electrical charge is made.
This small charge makes a current of electricity that wiring in the solar panel grabs. The solar panel converts this current into the type of electricity that you use in your home.
Solar energy comes in many forms. You can find solar energy in anything from a single solar panel to a solar roof or even solar farms.
Solar Roof vs. Solar Panels: The Basics
Both solar panels and a solar roof harness the energy from the sun to turn into electricity. While there are similarities to both, they are different products. Here is a breakdown of how a solar roof is different from solar panels.
Appearance
Solar panels are what you probably first think of when you think of solar power. They are large panels that absorb the sun’s rays and turn it into electricity. Solar panels are usually on roofs, but you can also find them at ground level too.
A solar roof uses the technology of a solar panel in each roof shingle. The shingles cover the entire roof. The tempered glass panels used in solar roofs have the same durability as a normal shingled roof.
Installation Process
People who want solar panels will first need to get their property evaluated. This step is key to ensuring that your home can withstand the weight and other requirements for this kind of system.
Once everything has been approved, a company will come and do the installation. Usually, your solar panels will be up and running in just a few days.
Once you have finished the installation, a utility company will come and connect your solar panels to the grid.
Like with solar panels, your home will need an energy assessment before moving forward with the solar roof process. Once you get the approval to move forward, you’ll schedule the installation.
The full installation process usually takes about three to five days. Like with solar panels, the utility company will connect your solar roofs to the grid.
Energy Efficiency
Both solar panels and solar roofs offer different benefits in their energy efficiency. In terms of the area covered by these products, solar roofs take the cake. They cover an entire roof instead of just one section.
If you choose to install a solar roof, you’ll want to make sure that your home gets plenty of sunlight. The solar roof panels can’t rotate to find the sun. The sunnier the spot the better.
Pricing
Solar panels and solar roofs are both a long-term investment. While it is expensive up front, you’ll save money in the long run.
Pricing isn’t a one-size-fits-all number when it comes to solar panels and roofs. There are many factors that go into what your final cost will be.
Solar roofs cost more than solar panels to install. They cover more area space and are more complex than traditional solar panels.
Both solar roofs and solar panels have generous incentives to help offset the installation price. If you install your system in 2023, you can get 22% of the installation cost back in your taxes.
Another helpful incentive comes in the form of net metering. If you make more energy than you use, you can get that money back by your power company.
The final word on Solar Panels
Solar panels are a great option for people who want to tap into solar energy without spending a fortune. They are easy to install and are available in many areas.
You’ll still be able to save on your electric bill with solar panels. Many panels rotate towards the sun so you get the best bang for your buck.
The final word on Solar Roofs
Solar roofs are great if you are looking for a sleek design. They look like standard asphalt shingles and go great with so many styles of homes.
Solar roofs last for a long time. They usually have at least a 25-year warranty on them.
Keep in mind that you can’t take solar roofs when you go. If you are not planning on staying in your home for a long time, you may not get your money’s worth out of them.
Use Solar Power to Help Make a Difference
Choosing to use solar power is a great step towards the health of our planet. When looking at solar roof vs. solar panels, both are a great choice. Each one will make a difference while saving you money down the road.
Upgrading your roof may encourage you to add more updates to your home. Check out our “lifestyle” articles for inspiration today!
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