What are Shingled Solar Panels? Everything You Should Know!
Have you heard about the new ‘shingled solar panels’ technology that everyone is talking about? Don’t worry if you haven’t. It is the latest cutting-edge product of the 2020s – a major advancement in the photovoltaic industry. Shingled solar modules are achieving high efficiencies and exceptional reliability along with being aesthetically appealing and exofriendly solar solutions. And homeowners are busy finding out how it is beneficial for them. Perhaps you are one of them? Why not just scroll down through this guide?
From the technology, benefits, cost, and installation process to manufacturers and their reviews — we have jotted down everything you should know in this comprehensive guide. Let’s dig in!
What are Shingled Solar Panels?
Before we even begin to talk about shingled solar panels, let’s know what a traditional solar panel is first. Things might get a little technical, so bear with us.
A traditional solar panel is made up of solar cells, each of which is connected to the other by a metallic strip known as a busbar. The more busbars in a solar panel, the less overall resistance it has and the more efficient it gets. But here is the catch. Having more busbars means less of the solar cells are exposed to sunlight. This can decrease the efficiency by 3.5%, which is quite large. And this is where shingled solar cells jump in to save the day.
Shingled Solar Cells –The Trending PV-Technology
True shingled solar cells have no visible busbars. They are cut into five or six strips and connected with an electrically conductive adhesive. You might be wondering why we call it true, right? The answer is simple. There are many versions of shingled solar panels, like half-cut solar cell designs and paving/ tiling PV modules, which are not really considered to be shingling.
The entire idea behind these new shingled PV panels is just one: there is no reason to keep solar cells at their large, bulky size. Once cut in half, gaps can be eliminated, leaving space for more silicon to fit in. This is why shingled solar cells become much more efficient at turning sunlight into usable energy. Let us break down how shingled solar panels are better than traditional ones.
Benefits of Shingled Solar Panels: How Are They Better than Regular Ones?
Shingled Solar Panels Boast Higher Panel Efficiency
Obviously, the main reason why shingled solar panels are gaining fame over traditional ones is their increased efficiency. The shingled design reduces the space between cells. This allows for more solar cells to fit in the same space, increasing the active surface area for capturing sunlight to 95.2%. As a result, they achieve a conversion efficiency of 20% and above. Just know that conventional solar panel modules could never achieve such a high active area because of all those busbars shading the solar cells.
Aesthetically Pleasing Photovoltaic Technology
With no busbars (and visible circuitry) to hold individual solar cells in place, shingled solar panels have the all-black sheen that is definitely going to appeal to you a lot more than you think. And they make the best impression when integrated seamlessly onto your rooftop. Unlike their bulky conventional counterparts, they are a little light and boast a glass-like appearance that is possibly its best foot forward. Here is an image to help you realize just how classy the photovoltaic industry can get. The only PV product that beats shingled solar panels in aesthetics is the newest solar shingle technology.
Highly Reliable and Damage Resistant
When compared to conventional solar panels, shingled solar panels take the lead in mechanical performance. Static and dynamic load testing has revealed that the shingling technique is more resistant to failure when under external forces applied to the panel. Furthermore, the conductive adhesive employed on shingled cells aids in the reduction of internal tensions caused by thermal expansion.
Shingled Solar Panels are Low-maintenance
Just like conventional fixed solar panels, shingled solar panels require minimal maintenance. Getting regular inspection to check for dust and debris accumulation or shading issues are usually sufficient. Also, with a 25-year product and weatherization warranty, you can have peace of mind.
Eco-friendly Solution to Cost Savings
Of course, you expected this one on the list, right? Yes, shingled solar panels, like traditional ones, are generating clean energy. So switching to either one of them means you are putting your share in carving a sustainable future. You are not just using energy; you are using it while saving your planet.
Shingles Solar Panels Integrate Seamlessly with Your Roof
On top of being aesthetically appealing, shingled solar panels blend in seamlessly with your rooftop design. Their high flexibility allows them to be molded as per your roof design, hence lining those curved and sharp exteriors of your home that you are so proud of.
Comparing Shingled Solar Panels vs. Traditional Solar Panels
While solar panels are a technology that has a lot of future potential, and either one of them is better than using fossil fuels (they are green!) – that does not mean they can not get any better, right?
The photovoltaic industry is trying hard to be as modern and forward-looking as it can. With the new and classy shingled solar panels out in the market, traditional solar panels are losing the power efficiency charm that they once had. Let us compare traditional solar panels with shingled solar panels, which are like a stylish upgrade that pays you back in savings!
What is the Cost Difference Between Shingled Solar Panels vs Traditional Solar Panels?
Average fixed-type solar panels range from $0.75 to 1.5 /Watt, with the majority of manufacturers selling them for around $1 per watt. On the other hand, being fairly new in the market, shingled ones are being sold for at least $1.5/ watt. But this is the maximum this price is going to get. With a simple calculation, you can see for yourself that a shingled solar panel is going to cost you roughly $0.5 more per watt than its counterparts. But considering all the other perks it is going to offer still makes it a reasonable product to consider.
The next question is its feasibility for residential use.
Are Shingled Solar Panels Good for Residential Use?
Of course they are! In fact, they are an excellent choice for residential use. Thanks to their relatively small size, they can be customized to fit various roof sizes, designs, and configurations. Thus making them a versatile option for homeowners wanting to go solar and trying to cut down electricity costs.
Should You Buy Shingled Solar Panels?
While the upfront cost of buying a shingled solar panel system might be a little higher than conventional solar panels, it is still worth switching to. With increased power generation, you are definitely going to see faster ROI along with reducing electricity bills as well.
With how things are going in the favor of shingled solar panels, it won’t be long before they completely replace their traditional counterparts. Assuming no other better PV technology rolls out in the coming years, the only rival shingled solar panels may have are solar roof shingles.
But don’t let similar-sounding names fool you. Solar shingles are a completely different PV technology that is best for homeowners planning to build new homes as they are a 2-in-1 solution to traditional roofing. Since this technology is integrated right into the roofing material, you get to save the cost of roofing materials while generating solar power on the go. If you are interested in checking your options before making your decision, then here is a complete guide on solar shingles vs solar panels.
Made Your Decision to Go Solar? Looking for Help? Why not Get a Free Roof Inspection First?
But if you have already made your decision to go solar or just need some advice, in any case, SolarXess can help you find the right contractor. With our reputation in the industry, we can help you get those cherished discount vouchers that everyone craves! Especially for solar roof shingles, we are offering a flat 40% off!
Yes, just book a free roof inspection with us and get your free quote today. Our team of experts is ready to come knocking at your day any time of the day, whenever, wherever you are!
Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are shingled solar panels better than traditional panels?
Yes, they are. Shingled solar panels are much more efficient, more reliable, and aesthetically pealing than traditional solar panels. On average, they have a conversion efficiency of 20% and higher, which is higher than regular solar panels. Hence, shingled solar modules represent the latest state-of-the-art in terms of performance.
2. Are solar shingles the same as shingled solar panels?
No. Solar shingles and shingled solar panels are two entirely different photovoltaic technology. Solar shingles are a type of Building-Integrated PV that can replace traditional roofing while generating solar power. On the other hand, shingled solar panels are just the upgraded version of conventional panels that have increased energy efficiency and power output per square meter.
3. How do shingled solar panels work?
Shingled solar panels work exactly like conventional solar panels; the only difference is in the way they are manufactured. Just like a traditional solar panel, shingled ones convert sunlight into electricity. But they do it much more efficiently, yielding more watts per square meter.
4. Are shingled solar panels more expensive than regular solar panels?
Yes, they are, but not that much. For comparison, the average cost of traditional solar panels ranges from $0.75 to $ 1.5 /watts. In contrast, the cost of shingled solar panels starts from $1.5/ watt. But don’t let these prices sway you because shingled solar panels are much more efficient in converting sunlight into energy. This leads to more watts generated per square meter and faster ROI.