Solar Roofing

Solar Panels vs. Thin-Film Laminates: Costs, Pros & Cons, Top Brands

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.

Type Cost per Watt Efficiency Average 6kW System Cost
Polycrystalline $2.80-$3.00 13% to 17% $17,400
Monocrystalline $3.00-$3.50 17% to 22% $19,000
Thin film Panels $2.00-$3.00 10% to 18% $17,000

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Solar Panel Pros and Cons – Are Solar Panels Worth the Cost?

If you are one of the many homeowners considering the installation of solar panels on your home’s rooftop, then undoubtedly one of the burning questions on your mind is whether the pros of solar energy outweigh the cons when it comes to solar panels for homes.

A new asphalt shingle roof with PV solar panels

Let’s examine the main benefits and drawbacks of residential solar energy systems to help you make a well-informed decision.

Advantages:

  1. Dramatic reduction in price per watt installed
  2. Short payback period
  3. Reduced reliance on power grid
  4. Electric energy price security
  5. Ample federal tax credits and local incentives
  6. Mandatory net metering rules
  7. Solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs)
  8. Clean renewable energy source
  9. Increased property values
  10. It’s easy to find a quality solar installer

Disadvantages:

  1. May not be suitable for some homes
  2. Won’t work during a blackout or power outage (unless…)
  3. Poor installation may lead to fire hazards
  4. Poor quality installation may lead to premature roof leaks
  5. The weight of solar panels can put excessive stress on the roof-frame
  6. Pollution and environmental hazards
  7. The “bulky” look of solar panels may turn off some people
  8. No energy production at night
  9. Solar battery storage is expensive
  10. Use of rare earth metals

Benefits and Advantages:

1. Dramatic reduction in the cost per installed watt

One of the strongest benefits of domestic solar power today is that the solar price per watt (PPV) installed has come down from almost $9.00 per watt installed in 2008, to the current average cost ranging from $2.80 to $3.50 per watt installed, before the 30% federal solar investment tax credits (ITC) that apply to the full amount paid for a new solar system.

Did you know? Homeowners going solar today are paying almost 66% less than they used to pay for solar energy just a little over a decade ago! That’s a very significant reduction in the upfront cost of investment, especially if you take into account the rate of inflation since 2008.

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SunTegra Solar Roof Tiles & Shingles Cost – The Ultimate Guide

Solar roof shingles can be an attractive option for homeowners who don’t like the appearance of conventional solar panels. Unlike the traditional PV installations where panels are mounted on top of the roof, solar shingles and tiles become part of the roof itself.

Suntegra integrated solar tiles on a roof

As you might guess from the name, these are roof shingles with built-in photovoltaic cells, which means you don’t need to install two separate components. SunTegra is one of the leading solar tile roof providers in the US, and their products can easily integrate with both asphalt shingle and concrete tile roofs.

SunTegra was founded in 2013, and the company was originally called Integrated Solar Technology (IST). SunTegra was founded by Oliver Koehler, who had already accumulated 15 years of experience in the solar power industry.

As of 2024, SunTegra has expanded to Canada and Mexico, and the company offers two main products: solar shingles and solar tiles. Each product line has different dimensions and specifications, adapting to many different types of roofs.

SunTegra is also working on new solar products for gardens and patios, which will become available in the near future. They are also developing solar products for building facades and other vertical surfaces, which will also be available for commercial and community buildings.

Suntegra Solar Shingles and Solar Tiles: What Is the Difference?

If you visit the SunTegra website, you will notice they offer two main products: solar tiles and solar shingles. Each product is designed for different types of roofs, and below we will provide a detailed comparison.

Suntegra solar tiles on a concrete roof

Both SunTegra products use monocrystalline solar cells, achieving a rather high electricity output throughout their service life.

SunTegra Solar Tiles are designed for concrete or clay tile roofs, and they can be installed just like traditional concrete tiles. You can use them in a new construction project, or you can upgrade an existing concrete or clay tile roof without having to replace all the tiles. SunTegra solar tiles are suitable not only for homes, but also for commercial buildings and carports.

SunTegra Solar Shingles are designed to replace asphalt shingles, but they are also compatible with other low-profile roofing materials. They use 50% fewer parts than a traditional solar panel system, and they can also be installed twice as fast. SunTegra shingles have a lightweight design, and they have built-in wiring to speed up their installation.

The following table compares the features and specifications of both solar roof products from SunTegra. Keep in mind that they are designed for different types of roofs, and they are not competing products.

Both solar tiles and shingles can be used for partial upgrades, meaning you can go solar without having to worry about the expense associated with completely replacing the existing roof.

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