Photovoltaic shingles are solar panels that resembles a conventional roofing material. They’re known to perform core task of generating electricity like any solar panels. Solar roof shingles are unique and popular renewable energy solutions, too. They are also long-lasting and produce maximum power output of up to thirty years.

Size-wise, they are like traditional roof shingles and resemble solar panels but on smaller sizes. An average shingle’s dimension is 12×86 in. in dimension. They weigh approx. 13 lbs. per sq. ft.

A few installed solar roof shingles can already offset your electric costs. Each shingle is a thin-film solar cell that are composites of copper, gallium, indium, and selenide. This semiconductor can provide the best energy conversion (EC) efficiency rates at 12%. Those made from mono-Si (monocrystalline silicon) have higher efficiency EC rating at 20%.

They’re also the aesthetic alternative to solar roof panels. Cost-efficiency is also assured as they replace your traditional roofing material costs and labor. What’s more, solar shingles are reinstallable.

The only setback is its integration with existing roof shingles. They can stick out like sore thumbs in roof panels. If you go for more advanced options, you will need to build a new roof.

Average solar shingles can cost up to $20,000, and advanced systems like Tesla’s solar roof can cost up to $70,000 or more.