Solar Shingles vs Solar Panels: The Best Pick for Florida Homes!

Solar Shingles vs Solar Panels: The Best Pick for Florida Homes!

Solar energy is one of the most popular and fastest-growing sources of renewable energy in the world. You're probably here because you're considering jumping on the solar boom in FL, and why not? It's all the talk for homeowners for good reasons: cutting electricity bills, lowering carbon footprints, and increasing your home values. But here's a common question when deciding: solar shingles or solar panels for your home? Let's break it down.

The Solar Contenders: Shingles and Panels

Up Close with Solar Shingles

Imagine shingles that do more than just protect your home from the elements—they power it up too. That's solar shingles for you. These sleek, thin PV sheets double as your roof's armor and your personal power plant. They're pretty much a chameleon, blending in with your roof's aesthetics while soaking up the sun's rays.

Solar shingles are made from stuff like copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), making them flexible and light. Some even use the same material as computer chips for extra efficiency. They can churn out between 13 and 70 watts of power each. For a typical home, you're looking at needing around 300 to 350 of these bad boys.

And Then, Solar Panels

Solar panels are the more familiar face in the solar energy crowd. These are the rigid, rectangular modules you've probably seen perched on roofs or in fields. They come in shades of blue or black and are a tad more noticeable than their shingle counterparts. Made mostly from silicon, these panels mean business, offering up to 400 watts of power each. Your average home might need about 20 to 25 panels.

Weighing the Options: Shingles vs. Panels

Why You Might Lean Towards Solar Shingles

• They're Easy on the Eyes: Solar shingles blend right in, keeping your home looking sharp while it generates power.
• Installation's a Breeze: Since they double as roofing material, there's no extra fuss with mounting systems.
• Built Tough: Designed to weather the storm—literally. They're durable and low maintenance.

But, they're not without their drawbacks. They come with a heftier price tag upfront and aren't as efficient as panels. Plus, they're a bit of a rare find in the market.

The Case for Solar Panels

• Efficiency Champions: With higher efficiency rates, panels pump out more power, making them a great choice if your energy needs are on the higher side.
• Friendlier on the Wallet: Generally cheaper to install than shingles and with potential incentives and rebates, they offer a quicker return on investment.
• Availability Aplenty: There's no shortage of options or experts to install them.

Of course, panels aren't perfect. They're more visible, require a bit more effort to install, and demand regular maintenance to keep them in tip-top shape.

So, What's the Verdict for Your Florida Home?

Choosing between solar shingles and panels boils down to what's most important to you: aesthetics, efficiency, cost, or ease of installation. In sunny Florida, where the sun is generous year-round, solar panels often edge out as the more practical choice for most homeowners. They harness more power and offer more bang for your buck, especially considering Florida's solar-friendly incentives.

But hey, it's not a one-size-fits-all situation. Maybe you're renovating your roof and fancy the sleek look of solar shingles. Or perhaps your home's energy demands are modest, and you prefer the subtlety of shingles. Whatever your situation, it's about finding the right fit for your home and lifestyle.

Thinking of Going Solar? Try this out!

Try our free solar calculator below. It's easy to use and can give you a personalized estimate of your solar savings potential.

At Horizon Energy Solutions, we're all about helping SWFL homeowners make the best energy choices for their homes. Whether you're leaning towards panels or shingles, we're here to guide you through the process, from weighing options to installation.

Sources

Forbes. (2023, May 24). Solar Panels Vs. Solar Shingles (7 Major Differences). Retrieved from [Forbes](^3^).
This Old House. (2023, May 11). Should You Buy Solar Shingles? (2023 Guide). Retrieved from [This Old House](^4^).
eMagazine. (2020, March 26). Solar Panels Vs. Solar Shingles: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from [eMagazine](^5^).
EcoFlow Blog. (2023, March 27). Solar Panels vs. Solar Shingles: What's the Best Choice for You? Retrieved from [EcoFlow Blog](^6^).
Treehugger. (n.d.). Solar Shingles: What They Are, How They Work, and How They Compare. Retrieved from [Treehugger](^7^).