Where to Find the Best, Low-Cost Solar Power Roof Shingles

Renewable energy has been a household topic for years. While some politicians see global warming as a large existential issue, global-warming skeptics push the idea that we can continue to power the world with coal. However, too few people are talking about the individual responsibility we all have to minimizing our footprint on the Earth’s atmosphere. Green energy is more than a large industry issue, it is something we need to incorporate in our daily lives.

Why You Should Go Solar

You may support the belief of global warming, or maybe you are just tired of pouring money into your utility bill. Regardless, you should consider buying solar roof shingles. Until recently, we have harnessed solar energy using expensive, bulky solar panels that you wouldn’t consider installing in your yard, much less on your roof. Advances in Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) have changed the field of solar panel aesthetics by using minimal solar plates in pre-existing structures. For homeowners, BIPV technology harnesses the sunlight pelting your roof daily, with minimal building material, using shingles you would have purchased anyway. In fact, only six hours of direct sun can provide enough energy to power a household for ten days. Let your roof pay for itself.

How Solar Shingles Work

Solar power shingles have taken solar energy and morphed it into a product that looks like a real roof. Solar shingles contain a solar cell capable of generating about 6 watts of power at a time. Assuming the average home has a roof of 2000 square feet, it would require 1000 shingles, which would result in a 6 kilowatt system. To reduce waste and potential connection issues, companies like SunTrega have created multi-cell panels with the appearance of individual shingles. This provides the same solar output and appearance in a more efficient way.

Solar Shingles vs. Asphalt Shingles

How do solar panel shingles compare to the average asphalt shingle roof? A typical 2000 square feet asphalt roof will run about $5000 – $10,000 to install depending on the price of roof shingles and the area you live in. The standard lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is 20 – 25 years, with multiple inspections and minor repairs required throughout.

A solar shingled roof price may be up to around $30,000 to install (before incentives), with an average predicted lifespan of 30 – 40 years. A solar shingle roof is more expensive initially, which may be a little intimidating. However, during this time your roof is supplying your home with energy. Homeowners spend about 10 cents per kilowatt hour on their electric bill. The output energy cost of solar shingles is about 20 – 25 cents per kilowatt hour. They are providing more than double what the typical consumer is paying for. In areas like California or Arizona, the roof can pay for itself in 5-7 years on average, whereas in cities like Boston or Seattle, it may take 15 years to get the same return. However, after 30 years, your roof may have generated $60,000 of free energy, has paid for itself, and will still be generating energy for your home for many years to come.

If you took anything away from this article, remember that an asphalt roof is a money pit. Every 20 years you have to spend another $12,000 to provide shelter for your family. Solar shingles are an investment. You are paying yourself, providing shelter, and doing your part to help the environment. Be a conscious consumer and make the best decision for your home. Light up your life with solar energy today.

Contact Us Today

If you are wondering where to find solar shingles for sale, or looking for comparisons and reviews, we can help. Here at Sienna Solar, our team has years of experience choosing and installing solar panels for a wide variety of homes and businesses. Thanks to increased competition and better, cheaper technologies, the cost of solar is dropping even further. The time to take action is now, so contact us today.