Solar panels are larger and more visible on a home’s roof. Their appearance varies depending on the type of solar panels installed. Polycrystalline panels are blue, making them very noticeable and potentially clashing with your home’s aesthetics. Many homeowners choose monocrystalline panels for their sleeker black color. However, any rack-mounted installation is still noticeable.
Solar shingles are smaller and more low-profile. If you opt for a solar roof, your entire roof will be replaced with identical shingles. Some — but not all — of the shingles will be PV shingles, but they’ll look identical regardless, offering the most inconspicuous installation.
Solar shingles and solar panels function similarly, but they have different efficiency rates and power outputs. High-efficiency monocrystalline (mono) solar panels are the most efficient, with rates as high as 24%. This means they convert 24% of the sunlight they absorb. Solar shingles have lower efficiency rates of 14% to 18%. The more efficient a solar panel is, the fewer you’ll need to power your home.
Solar panels also have larger power outputs. They range as high as 400+ watts of electricity, whereas solar shingles generate 13 to 70 watts per shingle. It may take as many as 20 to 30 shingles to match the power of one solar panel.
Solar panels typically last 25 years or longer with proper upkeep. Solar shingles have a slightly shorter life span of around 20 years. This time frame varies by manufacturer. Homeowners should review the warranties that come with their solar shingles. Some manufacturers include separate coverage for power production and durability. Review your warranty closely for full details.
Most solar shingles use copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) cells. This material keeps the shingles flexible and thin while providing adequate energy conversion. Some solar shingles are made from monocrystalline silicon cells, the same composition as high-quality monocrystalline solar panels.
Solar shingles are considerably smaller than standard solar panels. They’re typically about the same size as asphalt shingles, or 12 inches wide by 86 inches long. Each shingle weighs around 13 pounds per square foot. Most roofs can handle this amount of weight, eliminating the need for additional roof reinforcement. Solar shingles are less than an inch thick, which helps them maintain a low profile.
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