This is an interesting time to consider adding a solar power system to your home because solar energy is no longer getting cheaper (due to a broader and ongoing price inflation), while the range of available solar options for homes is continuing to expand. Today, your options are no longer limited to the traditional photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.
Global Solar thin film panels on a standing seam metal roof. Source: Global Solar
Thanks to the advancements in solar technology, you can now opt for the so-called thin-film solar panel laminates designed to adhere to standing seam metal panels or to flat roof surfaces (membranes) like PVC, TPO, EPDM Rubber, without the need for any roof penetrations. Thin film panels feature peel-and-stick adhesive that eliminates the need to drill holes in the roof.
What’s in this guide: This guide compares innovative thin-film (TF) photovoltaic laminates to traditional PV solar panels with respect to balance of system (BOS) costs, pros and cons, available options, and more.
Did you know? The cost of residential solar energy panels has dropped by over 50% since 2010. The current average cost of a residential PV solar panel system hovers between $2.80 and $3.50 per installed watt. This is before the federal solar tax credits from the federal government.
US PV solar system pricing by market segment. Source: Wood Mackenzie
For example, today, a typical 6kW PV solar panel system costs approximately $18,000-$19,440 before the applicable federal tax credits and local incentives are applied.
Before we break down residential PV solar system options, this table offers a quick comparison.
The best roof types for Seattle are those that can handle moisture and moss and algae growth well. You’ve got several good options for materials that offer good value for the money. We define value in terms of durability, longevity, and ability to withstand prolonged exposure to moisture, and curb appeal or aesthetics.
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Right off the bat, Seattle is an expensive coastal city and the local roofing rates reflect that. Expect to pay anywhere from $6.50 to $10.50 per square foot for an asphalt shingle roof replacement project, which translates to a price range of $13,000 to 21,000 for a 2,000 square foot roof. Prices in some of the surrounding cities and towns like Bellevue can be even higher.
In the pacific Northwest, some homeowners also look for more durable and longer-lasting roofing options like metal. Expect to pay between $12.50 and $20.50 per square foot for a new metal roof, which translates to a price range of $25,000 to $41,000 for a 2,000 square foot roof.
Average Roof Replacement Cost:
Low End
$8,500
Mid-Range
$10,500
High End
$14,500
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This guide to the best roofing materials for Seattle, WA and the great Pacific Northwest covers material types, their pros and cons, best brands and products, and their costs. Some of Seattle’s top roofing contractors are also mentioned for your convenience to help you locate a proven roofing company.
Best Roof Materials for Seattle WA and the Pacific Northwest
You can’t go wrong with any of these roof types. The right choice for your home depends on your budget and personal preference.
Composition Shingles aka Asphalt Shingles
While their market share is slowly shrinking, composition shingles remain the most popular roof type in Seattle and the Pacific NW.
GAF Woodland Shingles Roof
Most asphalt shingles come in three grades. The cheapest are flat, 3-tab shingles. The mid-grade shingles are usually called laminate aka dimensional or architectural shingles. More layers of material create a heightened more dimensional profile.
Premium composition shingles are often called premium shingles. They are the thickest and most resemble the profile of wood or genuine slate roofing.
Pros
Lower upfront cost 3-tab and mid-grade architectural asphalt shingles are the most affordable roofing materials.
Huge selection These roofing shingles give you the most options for style, color, profile and cost.
Decent durability Depending on the shingle chosen, quality of installation and roof conditions, composite shingles last 15 to 30 years in the Seattle area.
DIY friendly Handy homeowners often install their own shingle roofs.
Cons
Potential staining The damp climate creates ideal conditions for algae and mold growth. Both will stain shingles. However, most major brands make algae-resistant asphalt shingles.
GAF shingles treated with StainGuard and Owens Corning shingles with StreakGuard are popular options in the PNW. The treatments are used on many mid-range and premium shingles.
Durability concerns Improperly installed composite shingles are susceptible to damage from winds well below what they are rated to withstand. Hail, failing branches and wind-driven debris can also damage this roofing material.
Did you know? Most asphalt shingle manufacturers do make class 4 impact resistant shingles for hail-prone areas. These hail impact resistant shingles are generally noted with an IR identifier; however, unlike stone coated steel and metal roofing, asphalt shingles are not warrantied for the actual hail damage. CertainTeed Presidential Shake IR is one example.
Not eco-friendly
According to State Roofing, this petroleum-based roofing material, “goes directly to the landfill” when it is removed, and “unlike any other roofing materials, no part of an asphalt roof is recyclable.” Though there are a few recycling facilities in the Seattle area that will take asphalt shingles, most are so backed up that the shingles cannot be recycled and instead get sent to the dump.
Cost
Depending on the quality of the shingle and whether an old roof must first be removed, composite shingle cost for installed can range from $6.50 to about $10.50 per square foot in the greater Seattle area. Note that some profiles of premium shingles and jobs that require additional work beyond what is typical for most projects, will likely cost more to install, especially in a high cost of living area like Seattle where remodeling costs are significantly higher than national average.
Unlike traditional solar panels, which are installed on top of your roof, solar shingles are designed to become your roof. Tesla and Luma Solar are two of the best-known brands that offer solar tiles that we will be comparing in this guide. However, before we discuss what both brands have to offer, the first step is deciding if solar shingles or tiles makes sense for your home.
Solar shingles accomplish the same function as a normal roof, while having built-in photovoltaic cells to generate electricity. Depending on the current condition of your roof, this design can be an advantage or a disadvantage:
Solar roof shingles are very convenient if you plan to build a new home, or if you have an old roof that needs a replacement soon. Instead of installing a new roof and solar panels as two separate systems, you can use a product that combines their functions.
On the other hand, if your roof is in good condition and you don’t plan a replacement in a long time, traditional solar panels are recommended.
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