More and more Americans are getting interested in alternative energy options including the use of solar roofing tiles or solar shingles. Several manufacturers now make roofing shingles that also function as photovoltaic technology, harnessing energy directly from the sun for use in residential homes. If you're considering adding solar tiles to your roof, here are a few of the pros and cons of these high-tech shingles that you should consider.
PROS
Instant Clean Energy
Of course, the most obvious benefit of the solar shingle is that it can provide instant clean energy from the sun to your home. Most solar shingle manufacturers offer the option to tie that energy capturing system either directly into the power grid or to couple the shingles with a battery so that you can store that energy for later use. Either way, solar shingles give you access to instant clean energy without any immediate harmful emissions or fossil fuel use.
Durable
Solar tiles are even more durable than most traditional shingle materials. Most are made of tempered glass and several solar tile manufacturers even offer lifetime warranties that cover the tiles for the life of the home while others offer warranties that last for years.
Energy Efficient
Another benefit of solar tiles is that they have the ability to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Solar shingles act just like solar panels on your roof, only they cover the entire surface. Studies have shown that solar panels can reduce the amount of heat that reaches your home by as much as 38%.
CONS
Pricey
Like any new cutting-edge technology, solar tiles are pricey. In fact, they're much more expensive than a traditional roofing material like asphalt. For a full roof of solar tiles, you can expect to pay anywhere from $60,000 to $75,000. Costs will vary, of course, depending on the size of the roof, pitch, and slope. For some, the upfront costs are worth the additional expense because of the access to clean energy and the promised long-term energy savings. However, that initial cost may be prohibitive to many homeowners considering making the jump to solar tiles.
Unknown Maintenance Requirements
Because the technology of the solar tile is still so new, no one is really sure what the maintenance requirements will be in the future and how much it might cost to maintain the tiles long term. Although most manufacturers are promising very little maintenance to keep the tiles working for decades, there aren't enough test cases to know for sure.
Reach out to a roofing professional to discuss your situation.
