Solar Roof Shingles: Do They Save Money?

Solar Roof Shingles seem like a good idea but does the benefit outweigh the initial cost and long term maintenance requirements? Tom helps a homeowner sort it out.

Summary: Solar roof shingles can be an innovative and cost-effective way to harness solar energy while transforming your roof into a money-saving powerhouse. These cutting-edge shingles seamlessly blend with your existing roof and generate clean, renewable electricity that can significantly reduce your energy bills. By taking advantage of state and federal incentives, along with long-term savings on electricity costs, solar roof shingles present a win-win solution for homeowners looking to save money and contribute to a greener future. Get ready to embrace the power of the sun and embark on a sunny, sustainable journey with solar roof shingles!

LESLIE: Sam in Texas is on the line and has a question about solar roof shingles. How can we help you?

SAM: Yes. About six months ago, I watched a show on Tesla, the electric-car company.

TOM: Mm-hmm. Yep.

SAM: And they said they have a patent on a solar roof shingles.

TOM: OK.

SAM: And I was wondering, have you all heard anything about this?

TOM: I haven’t heard more than what you’ve probably heard. But I can just give you the benefit of a little bit of background on the solar roof shingles idea, because I’ve been watching it now for probably 15, if not 20, years. And I think, conceptually, it makes sense. It’s this wonderful idea if you could have an exterior building material, whether that is windows or siding or roofing, act as a solar collector. I mean conceptually, it makes a lot of sense.

My concern about the shingles is what I’ve seen to date – and I don’t know a lot about this Tesla product – but what I’ve seen to date is that they’re very, very expensive and that they don’t have a warranty that’s near as long as the roof would typically have. So, my thought on this would be I think it’s there. I don’t know if it’s there yet but I think it’s coming. And I think it’s a great idea but I don’t know if we’re there today. Maybe we are. And maybe Tesla will have the opportunity to show us that. But right now, I’m not aware that it’s so nailed down, from a design and durability perspective, that I’m personally willing to put it on my house.

SAM: Oh, OK. Because I live in Texas and we get hail in Texas.

TOM: Yeah. True, of course. Mm-hmm. Yep.

LESLIE: You get a lot of hail.

SAM: And it’ll tear an asphalt shingle up.

TOM: For sure.

SAM: But I appreciate your information on that.