CertainTeed Solar Shingles: The Future of Sustainable Roofing Solutions
In recent years, the world has become increasingly aware of the need for sustainable energy solutions. In response, many companies have developed innovative technologies to harness the power of the sun and provide homeowners with environmentally friendly power sources. One of the most exciting developments in this field is the introduction of solar shingles, and one of the leading companies in this space is CertainTeed.
However, should you entrust your solar system to this roofing behemoth? Is solar shingles a better option than solar panels? Let’s find out. In this blog we will discuss CertainTeed Solar Shingles: The Future of Sustainable Roofing Solutions.
What Exactly Are Solar Shingles?
Simply defined, solar shingles are miniature solar panels. The lower size allows them to blend in with the existing shingles on your roof, making them less obvious. Another key distinction is the installation procedure. Solar shingles are often laid flat against your roof decking to create a low profile that resembles traditional roof shingles.
In contrast, solar panels are big 5-foot-by-4-foot rectangles mounted on racking systems that lie above your current roof. While traditional solar panels may appear to be big, they often perform better and are less expensive than solar roof choices.
How Do Solar Shingles Work?
Solar shingles and solar panels work in the same way, despite their appearance. Both use silicon solar cells to convert sunlight into power. The solar electricity is routed to an inverter, which converts it so that your home’s appliances can use it.
The building-integrated photovoltaics solution was created to mix in with CertainTeed’s traditional asphalt shingles and address some of the aesthetic concerns that homeowners had with solar panels.
What Are CertainTeed’s Solar Shingles?
Since 1904, CertainTeed has been in the roofing business. However, it wasn’t until 2010 that the company made its first foray into the solar sector with its first photovoltaic roofing system.
CertainTeed discovered that homeowners were unwilling to install solar panels. CertainTeed merged its roofing expertise with solar in 2013, launching the Apollo II solar shingles.
CertainTeed Solar Shingles are a new type of roofing material that integrates solar panels into the shingles themselves. Unlike traditional solar panels, which are mounted on top of a roof, solar shingles are designed to blend seamlessly into the roof itself. This provides a number of benefits, including improved aesthetics, improved performance, and a more secure and durable installation.
Since then, the Apollo II solar roof has received a few upgrades, including the ability to be purchased as both solar shingles and solar tiles.
What Is The Price Of CertainTeed Solar Shingles?
Honestly, pricing for CertainTeed solar shingles is difficult to come by. CertainTeed’s website lacks an official price, and there haven’t been many quotes provided online. Solar shingles, on the other hand, “cost more than $65,000 for the average installation of a whole roof system,” they say.
So, we’re estimating that installing CertainTeed solar shingles or tiles will cost somewhere in the $65,000 range. CertainTeed’s shingles are comparable to the cost of installing a Tesla Solar Roof, but the final cost will be determined by the size and form of your roof, your electricity usage, and the installer you select.
Getting an estimate from a CertainTeed installation in your region is the best method to find out how much a solar roof from CertainTeed would cost.
Is The CertainTeed Solar Roof Eligible For The Federal Solar Tax Credit?
Yes, CertainTeed solar shingles and tiles qualify for the federal solar tax credit of 30%. It only applies to the costs related to the solar part of the roof, though. Roof replacement expenses are not covered.
Your solar installer will be able to assist you in determining whether the amount of the installation costs is eligible for the tax credit.
Solar Shingle Possibilities From CertainTeed
Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals, let’s look at the solar roof products available from CertainTeed.
Aside from regular solar panels, CertainTeed offers two types of solar roofing:
- The Apollo II solar shingles are intended to be used with asphalt roofs.
- The Apollo Tile II blends nicely with concrete and clay tile roofing materials.
CertainTeed Apollo II solar shingle
The Apollo II solar shingles, as previously stated, are designed to be put on asphalt shingle roofs. Because asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the United States, the Apollo II shingle is likely to be a choice for you.
Apollo II solar shingles are all-black in color to blend in with your roof. They are attached directly to your roof decking, and the fastening point is hidden by the following layer of shingles, much like traditional shingles.
The Apollo II shingles weigh around the same as a standard square of asphalt shingles, so you shouldn’t have to worry about your roof being able to withstand the extra weight. They do, however, stick out since they are a distinctive form of conventional shingles.
Each Apollo II solar shingle produces 73 watts and has 17.3% efficiency. This means that a typical 7 kilowatt (kW) solar system would require 96 Apollo II solar tiles to cover 420 square feet of roof space.
CertainTeed Apollo Tile II
The Apollo Tiles are intended for use on concrete tile roofs. Because the Apollo tiles are slightly thicker than the solar shingles from CertainTeed, they can have the same profile as the concrete tiles. The Apollo tile’s edge is brown to match the color of the surrounding roofing material.
The Apollo Tiles, like the Apollo shingles, offers a power output of 73 W per tile and a 17.8% efficiency rating. The tiles are the same size as the Apollo shingles, but they’re somewhat thicker and about half a pound heavier per square foot.
In our opinion, Apollo Tile IIs are more appealing than Apollo II shingles since they may be made to have the same profile as thick concrete tiles.
What Are The Benefits Of CertainTeed Solar Shingles?
One of the key benefits of CertainTeed Solar Shingles is their aesthetic appeal. Unlike traditional solar panels, which can look bulky and unsightly on a roof, solar shingles are designed to blend in with the rest of the roof. This makes them an ideal choice for homeowners who are looking for a sustainable energy solution that doesn’t compromise on style.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, CertainTeed Solar Shingles offer a number of other benefits. For example, because they are integrated into the roof itself, they are more secure and durable than traditional solar panels. This means that homeowners can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their investment in sustainable energy is protected.
Another benefit of CertainTeed Solar Shingles is their performance. Because they are designed to be a part of the roof, they are able to capture more sunlight and generate more energy than traditional solar panels. This makes them an ideal choice for homeowners who are looking to maximize their investment in sustainable energy.
Finally, CertainTeed Solar Shingles are incredibly easy to install. Unlike traditional solar panels, which require extensive roofing modifications, solar shingles can be installed just like any other roofing material. This makes them an ideal choice for homeowners who are looking for a sustainable energy solution that is easy to install and maintain.
The Solar Roof Guarantee From CertainTeed
Depending on the installer, Apollo II and Apollo Tile II products have a 15 to 25-year installation workmanship warranty. You will receive a 15-year warranty if you choose a CertainTeed Credentialed Installer. A Master Installer will provide you with a 25-year warranty.
Regardless of the installation, CertainTeed’s solar roof systems come with a 25-year power output warranty. There are no additional specifics about how the solar shingles will perform over time. We wish this information was available because it makes determining whether or not this is a decent warranty difficult.
These warranty lengths are typical in the solar sector, and CertainTeed is a large profitable company. This should give you some peace of mind that they have a good product and can help you if something goes wrong with the solar shingles.
Why Choose CertainTeed Solar Shingles?
When it comes to solar shingles, there are many different options available on the market. However, CertainTeed Solar Shingles stands out for a number of reasons.
Firstly, CertainTeed is a well-established and trusted brand in the building materials industry. This means that homeowners can trust that their solar shingles will be of the highest quality and will provide them with reliable, sustainable energy for years to come.
Another reason to choose CertainTeed Solar Shingles is their performance. CertainTeed is known for its innovation and cutting-edge technology, and its solar shingles are no exception. They are designed to capture more sunlight and generate more energy than other solar shingles on the market, which makes them an ideal choice for homeowners who are looking to maximize their investment in sustainable energy.
Finally, CertainTeed Solar Shingles are backed by a comprehensive warranty. This means that homeowners can rest assured that their investment in sustainable energy is protected and that they will have access to the support and resources they need to ensure that their solar shingles perform at their best for years to come.
Is Solar Shingles A Better Option Than Solar Panels?
The answer to whether solar shingles are better than solar panels depend on several factors, including your specific energy needs, budget, and the appearance of your home.
Solar panels are typically more efficient at producing energy, but they may not blend in as well with the roof of your home and can be more visible. Solar shingles, on the other hand, can blend in more seamlessly with the roof, but they tend to be less efficient and more expensive than traditional solar panels.
When deciding between solar shingles and solar panels, it is important to consider your long-term goals, budget, and desired aesthetic. You may also want to consult with a solar energy professional to determine the best option for your specific needs.
Should You Replace Your Roof With CertainTeed Solar Shingles?
CertainTeed’s solar shingles have reasonable standards, and the company is well-known, so you won’t have to worry about them going out of business once the solar roof is built. If you like the way they appear, call CertainTeed installers.
However, there are a few things to consider. To begin, solar shingles do not perform as well as traditional solar panels. They are not at an optimal angle for generating electricity because they are attached directly to the roof. Furthermore, it restricts airflow, which affects the performance of the PV cells.
Furthermore, in the big scheme of things, very few solar roofing systems have been built. There’s no telling how effectively they’ll work on your roof, and we’re not sure how the upkeep of these systems is handled.
Of course, solar shingle systems are costly. We don’t know the actual pricing for the CertainTeed solar shingles and tiles, but it’s safe to presume they’ll be more expensive than solar panels. Traditional solar panels generate more electricity, require less maintenance, and cost roughly half as much to install.
Before investing in a CertainTeed solar roof system, acquire quotations from a few installers in your region to see how much going solar with solar panels will cost. You can then decide whether the aesthetics of a solar roof are worth the higher price.
In conclusion, CertainTeed Solar Shingles are a game-changing product in the sustainable energy space. They provide homeowners with a sustainable energy solution that is both aesthetically pleasing and incredibly efficient, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to reduce