If you're thinking of switching to solar power but don't like the appearance of solar panels on a roof, consider solar roof shingles instead. Solar shingles have a more attractive appearance, and they can double as roofing in some instances too. Some solar shingles can even be nailed to the roof deck. Here are more details to know about solar roof shingles.

Solar Roof Shingles Can Go Over Other Roofing

If your current roof is fairly new, the solar roofing installer may install the solar shingles on top of your old roof. If your current roof is old and it needs to be torn off, the solar shingles may be installed directly to the deck and double as roofing as well as solar power generators. Solar shingles are tough, and they have a long life. They stand up against fire, hail, and strong storms as well as, if not better than, traditional roofing materials.

Solar Roof Shingles Are Attractive

While solar panels are effective, they are not very attractive. One of the main benefits of solar shingles is that they look like traditional roofing shingles or tiles, so they have an attractive appearance. The shingles are thin so they stay flat against the roof. However, your solar provider needs to assess your roof to make sure the shingles are suitable.

Solar panels can be adjusted for the best exposure to the sun. Shingles need to be flat on your roof, so the roof needs to get the right amount of sunlight for the shingles to be effective. This ensures the shingles will work properly while being an attractive option for your roof.

Solar Roofing Shingles Take Time To Install

It often takes longer to install solar shingles than it does other roofing shingles. It also takes longer to install solar shingles than it does solar panels. You'll be given an estimate of the time completion up front so you know what to expect. It could take a few weeks to have all of the work completed since solar shingle installation involves the work of roofers, solar professionals, and electricians.

Solar Shingles Work With Battery Storage

Just like solar panels, you can hook up your solar roof shingles to a battery storage system so you'll continue to have power if the grid goes down. If there is a power outage at your home due to a storm, you won't have power unless you have a battery installed. It's probably a good idea to factor in the cost of a battery when pricing a new solar roof, but if you can't afford the additional cost initially, you can have a battery installed later.