Solar Roofs vs. Traditional Roofing
Image Credit: Ameco Star
Many people face the big decision: whether to settle for traditional roofing materials or splurge on a new solar roof when choosing the right roof for their home. As energy economy and sustainability continue to become highly valued, it is not surprising that many homeowners opt for a solar roof. Traditional roofs are still an option and are not expensive either. We’ll compare these differences to help you choose the best for your home.
What is a solar roof?
A solar roof is a new form of covering in which the structure of the roof contains built-in solar panels or solar shingles. Unlike most solar panels, they typically don’t sit on top of an existing roof. Rather, solar technology is infused into roofing material, making it appear as if it was designed to be this way all along. This means it protects your home while it generates clean energy.
What’s Traditional Roofing?
General types of roofs for homes made from asphalt shingles, metal, tile, and wood are usually the standard and most preferred in the US. These will shield your house from outside elements. While these do not generate energy, they can be very cheaply priced and also available in many different designs and colors.
Choosing the Right Roof for Your Home
Image Credit: Tata Power
Comparison of significant factors: Solar roofs vs. traditional roofs
- Cost and initial investment
Solar Roofs: Installing a solar roof is indeed expensive upfront. The cost of installing solar panels is much higher than that of the other materials used for roofing, and they are a bit more challenging to install. However, it is worth every penny because of government incentives, tax credits, and energy savings in the long term.
Traditional roofing typically has a lower initial cost. For instance, asphalt shingles are one of the cheapest materials and do not require much specialized work to install.
- Savings and using less energy
Solar Roofs: One of the main advantages of solar roofs is how they help the environment. You become less reliant on the grid by making your own power, and over time, they can save you a lot of money on your energy bills and bring in credits from net metering programs.
Traditional Roofing: This doesn’t help save energy unless combined with a solar panel on the outside or cool roofing technology that reflects sunlight to keep heat from absorbing.
- Durability and Length of Time
Solar Roofs: Most solar roofs are designed to last between 25 and 30 years. Many solar tiles are as durable as the best roofing materials. Manufacturers may also offer warranties that cover more and last longer.
Traditional roofs: Materials used for traditional roofs last much longer. The type of material varies, and they all have a different lifespan. Most asphalt roofs last between 20 and 30 years. Metal, brick, and slate can last at least 50 years, sometimes even longer.
- Eye appeal
Solar Roofs: Solar shingles and panels built into the roof look stylish and sleek. This makes it more attractive to the eyes as compared to attaching regular solar panels on the roof.
Traditional Roofing: Material for traditional roofing is available in various styles, colors, and textures. Due to this, homeowners can pick the styles that best suit their homes and personalities.
- Fixing and maintaining things
Roofs made of solar shingles: Solar shingles don’t need much upkeep, but they are pricier to fix than regular roofs. It’s difficult to resolve to replace a broken solar shingle.
Traditional Roofing: It is easier and cheaper to fix leaks in traditional roofing materials. It’s easy to resolve problems like missing roofs or small leaks.
- Effects on the environment
With solar roofs, you can get a long-lasting roof choice and lower your carbon footprint by using renewable energy. Generally speaking, it encourages living a greener lifestyle and helps make a home more energy efficient.
Traditional Roofs: Most traditional roofs can’t be recovered, and they usually don’t save energy either. This isn’t true for metal or clay tiles, which are an eco-friendly option to asphalt shingles.
- The process of installation
Sunlight-Powered Roofs: Installing a solar roof requires specific skills and takes more time and work than the usual roof installations. For this reason, those who want to build a solar roof should hire certified roofing contractors.
Traditional Roofs: Putting on a traditional roof is effortles and also fast, as long as it is using mainstream materials like the asphalt shingle. Installation, in some areas, might not take more than a few days, depending also on the how big and the complexity of it.
Which Would You Choose?
It will depend on your income, energy goals, and long-term plans as to whether you should get a solar roof or any other type of roof. What to consider:
- Get a solar roof if you want to save money on energy costs, support green energy, and can afford to pay more up front.
- If you want a cheap option with a lot of design choices and aren’t concerned about saving energy, stick with a traditional roof.
- The future of roofing is a hybrid approach.
People are choosing hybrid techniques, whereby one wears a traditional roof with photovoltaic elements on top of it. With this selection, you enjoy flexibility in the way your home or building will appear while still acquiring the advantages of solar power generation. Solar roofing is likely to decrease in cost and become much more efficient with the advancement of technology; therefore, people might prefer such installations in their homes.
Conclusion
Solar roofs and common roofs both have good points. A solar roof can be a beneficial investment if you want to be environmentally friendly and save money on energy costs. No matter what method you are going to choose, the house will be protected for a long time if you opt for quality materials and work with an experienced roofer.
