Solar Roofs Archives – RoofingCalc.com

Tesla Solar Roof Shingles vs. Traditional Solar Panels: What You Need to Know

January 16, 2022January 15, 2022

Tesla has become a household name in many parts of the world, and you have probably read or heard about their solar roof shingles. They can be described as miniature photovoltaic panels that look more like the traditional asphalt shingles, and many homeowners prefer this look.

via Tesla SolarRoof

If you’re trying to decide between a Tesla solar roof and a traditional solar panel system, this buying guide will help you compare both options.

First, there is a very important difference between solar roof shingles and conventional solar panels.

Solar roof shingles are the combination of two products. They serve as a roof for your home, but they also generate electricity.
Solar panels are separate components that are installed on top of your roof, using the right type of racking system.

This difference has a very important implication for homeowners. Solar panels can be installed on almost any roof, as long as the structure is capable of carrying their weight. However, you replace your existing roof completely when using Tesla solar shingles, and this makes the project more expensive.

Based on upfront costs and return on investment, traditional solar panels are the recommended option for most homeowners. However, a Tesla solar roof can make sense financially if you’re planning to build a new home with solar panels, since you haven’t spent on a roof yet and you have the chance to combine two building elements.

Solar roof shingles are also viable economically if you have an old roof that will need replacement soon. Just keep in mind that delivery times can be long, due to the growing popularity of Tesla products in general.

Of course, personal preference is also important when deciding between different products. Installing a Tesla solar roof is a great option if you don’t like the appearance of solar panels, or if you’re loyal to the brand and prefer their products. However, keep in mind that Tesla also installs traditional solar panels as an alternative to solar tiles, and their price tag is much lower.

Rooftop Solar Panel System Cost per Watt in 2022: 5kW-7kW, 6kW-8kW

January 16, 2022January 14, 2022

This is a good time to install a photovoltaic solar power system on your property. Residential rooftop PV solar panels cost per watt installed has been dropping and newer technology is enabling a far greater efficiency – that’s more solar energy converted into electricity for home usage – for less money.

A new asphalt shingle roof outfitted with PV solar panels

Your options for buying, leasing, Purchasing Power Agreements (PPA, see below) are expanding, and many homeowners are getting solar panels installed on their rooftops for zero down.

In this guide:

Cost per Watt

The national average residential solar cost per watt installed is $3.06 for a typical 5kW (approximately $15,300) to 7kW (approximately $21,420) PV solar panels system when installed by local installers, before the 26% solar investment tax credits from the federal government.

Did you know? The 26% solar tax credits have recently been extended by congress through the end of 2022. Notably, solar ITC apply to the full amount paid for the installation of a new solar panels system.

Depending on the state you live in, your quoted cost per watt can range from $2.78 to $3.32, on average, when installed by a (small) local solar panel installer, before the 26% federal tax rebate.

Note that solar investment tax credits (ITC) are being phased out, gradually, with the amount of tax credits decreasing from 26% to 22% in 2023 (the final year for solar ITC).

How Solar Pricing Has Decreased Over Time In 2008, the cost of a solar power installation was $8.82 per watt.

Average System Cost for residential PV Solar Panels installed by Local Installers:

	Small Home	Average Home	Large Home
Home Size	1 – 2 bedrooms	3 – 4 bedrooms	5 bedrooms
System Size	5 – 7kW	7 – 8.5kW	9 – 10kW
System Cost	$15,300 to $21,420	$21,420 to $26,010	$27,540 to $30,600
After Tax Credits	$11,322 to $15,850	$15,850 to $19,247	$20,380 to $22,644

Are Solar Panels Worth It in 2022? The Answer Might Surprise You

January 14, 2022January 14, 2022

When evaluating whether residential PV solar panels are worth the cost, there are 10 main factors you should consider as part of your cost-benefit analysis. Let’s dive right into it.

When Solar Panels May Not Be Worth the Cost:

1. Rapidly rising electricity costs

Let’s face it, domestic electricity costs are rising rapidly across the nation, especially in Los Angeles, California where residential electricity rates have increased by over 10% from June 2020 to June 2021. Across California, prices have risen by 7% in the same time period.

There is no reason to expect that the rapid increase in electricity and home energy costs will be curtailed any time soon. In fact, with the rapid adoption of sustainability and ESG policies such as moving away from coal and fossil fuels, domestic energy costs are likely to continue to rise over the next decade, especially in states with limited natural resources.

A growing adoption of electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles also puts an increasing demand on the electric grid and existing infrastructure. Expanding and upgrading the existing infrastructure to support rapidly rising number of BEVs and PHEVs on the road will likely continue driving up electricity rates over the next 5-10 years. – These dynamics are projected to accelerate as states like Washington, Oregon, California, and others incentivize or mandate policies that foster adoption of electric vehicles by 2030 and/or beyond.

If you are concerned about the rising electricity rates in your home state, then investing in a PV solar power system will help offset the effects of rising energy rates while also reducing or even eliminating your current electric utility bills.