Many people understand the obvious benefits of solar panels. They’re one of the most risk-free ways to make a return on your investment while reducing your energy expenses.
But fewer homeowners are aware of the myriad of benefits of solar roofs. While the concept and principles might be similar, there are differences that can make a big difference. This is especially true over a long-time horizon where small early decisions have a pronounced effect on the end result.
Let’s explore all of the similarities and differences of solar panels vs solar roofs so you know which one is right for your home. Solar roofs are also known as solar tiles. It does not automatically mean that the whole roof is made of Photovoltaic Cells (PV). This is rarely the case.
We will be using the term solar roofs and solar tiles interchangeably throughout this article. Solar tiles/roofs are sometimes referred to as building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). We know the acronyms can be confusing, but it’s more straightforward than it seems!
Are solar energy solutions really worth the money?
Absolutely. The total amount you can save will be a function of the amount of electricity you use, the feed-in-tariff rates, and what you pay for the system. While the benefits and cost breaks differ from panels to roofs (which we’ll detail below), you’ll almost always make back your investment. For example, most solar panel systems will pay for themselves within 3 – 5 years. Everything after that is profit. Sydney is also an area that gets quite a lot of sunshine.
In 2021, rebates in New South Wales amount to around $5000 – 5500 on a 10kWh system, and about $3,500 – 4,500 on the more typical 6.6kWh system. That’s quite a generous sum. These rebates/STS will be gradually phased out by 2030. So the sooner you get in on them, the more you stand to make.
Differences and similarities: solar panels vs solar roofs
Below, we’re going to break down the similarities and differences between the two product categories so you can assess for yourself which one suits your needs and home the best.
#1 – Mode of operation
In terms of how they operate, both solar panels and solar roofs work in a similar fashion. They both utilise PV cells to convert sunlight into Direct Current (DC). This direct current is then converted to alternating current (AC) which is usable electricity. The conversion from DC to AC takes place with the help of an inverter.
However, solar tiles most often use thin film cells made of copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). This is a different technology than the monocrystalline solar panels that are most popular across Australia.
#2 – Aesthetic Appeal
Due to the innovation in the solar industry, solar panels can look very streamlined and futuristic. But there is no disguising the fact that they are an addition to your roof, and they don’t exactly blend in. Solar roofs look far more appealing. You can get them to perfectly match your roof so nobody even knows they’re there. This is a massive advantage as the benefits are experienced in your energy bill without a large solar array system that can spoil the image of your home.
#3 – Efficiency
The highest quality monocrystalline solar panels will have efficiency ratings between 18 – 22%. Due to recent breakthroughs, thin film panels can hit conversion efficiencies of 18 – 20%, which has largely levelled the playing field. Before 2010, this was not the case, and these thin film solar panels were only capable of efficiency ratings of 10% or so.
#4 – Cost
Here, it’s safe to say that solar panels are the clear winner. Solar roofs are usually twice the cost of solar panels and sometimes three times the cost. This is simply because it is a newer technology that is not in wide scale use yet. Installers are often less familiar with them, and some may not be included in government rebates.
Remember that the price for solar panels used to be far more expensive than it is today. The more widespread it becomes, the lower the price will be. So expect prices to fall in the near future for solar roofs in a similar way that the price has been reduced for solar panels.
#5 – Rebates
One of the reasons that solar panels are so affordable in Australia in comparison to solar roofs is due to the government rebates, technically known as Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCs). These STCs apply primarily to solar panels and not solar tiles. These rebates have reduced the price of solar systems by approximately 35%. To receive this rebate, the panels, inverters, and batteries need to be on a list approved by the Clean Energy Council (CEC).
Currently few (if any) solar tiles make this list. These rebates are factored into the cost of the units themselves anyway; you just need to look at the end price to see the cost. Solar installers factor any available rebates into the advertised cost of solar panels and solar tiles.
Primary advantages and disadvantages of solar panels
Primary Advantages
Reliable
Affordable
Timetested.
Good thermal efficiency
25-year warranties
Proven to deliver positive ROI
Primary Disadvantages
Not aesthetically pleasing
Added weight on the roof could lead to depreciation
Needs sufficient roof space
Primary advantages and disadvantages of solar roofs
Primary Advantages
Very aesthetically pleasing
Good levels of energy efficiency
No added weight to the roof
More sturdy and robust than solar panels
Very good for resisting cyclones, impact, and hail
Primary Disadvantages
Less affordable
Insufficient performance data
Cannot alter the height or angle to maximise efficiency
When should I choose solar panels?
Solar panels should actually be your default option. They are time-tested, great investments that are proven to work and backed by some of the world’s biggest multinational companies. They have excellent government incentives, and there is lots of data behind the return on investment of PV cells mounted on the roof.
In other words, choose them unless you have a strong reason not to. They are far cheaper while delivering a little more in terms of efficiency. They often come with stronger warranties, though this is dependent on the type.
When should I choose a solar roof?
Solar panels tend to be a superior choice in most instances. There are, however, a few scenarios when you might want to choose a solar roof instead. These include:
- You place a high value on aesthetic appeal above all else.
- Your roof is not suitable for solar panels.
- You do not have space on the roof.
- You are in a conservation area that prevents the installation of solar panels.
Which product is better: solar panels or solar roofs?
Solar panels can be said to be a better choice than solar roofs. This is simply because there is more information and historical evidence for their performance and power generation. The warranties and the companies producing them have stood the test of time. Government rebates have developed around the lucrative solar panel industry, and millions of people have taken advantage of these offers.
Solar panels have proven their worth over the decades. Solar roofs are a newer innovation. They have their advantages, but you need to do your research before jumping in. They might be the wave of the future, but it will be some time before they come down in price or become a viable option for homeowners.
Who offers solar panels in Sydney?
Solar panels and solar roofs are offered by CEC-certified installers. You can only get the rebates from CEC-accredited installers, otherwise the cost will be too high. You need to find a provider that offers both an excellent Tier One solar panel and a perfectly tailored install.
A poor install can cost you a lot of money over the long run. It’s pointless getting an excellent panel if it’s not going to be optimised for your latitude, longitude, house position, weather, and many more nuances.
To save you time, money, and stress, just choose RLE. We have over 40 years of combined experience and are CEC-certified for all installs. We also have a five-star rating for the work we’ve done across Sydney and adhere to multiple international standards.
As a qualified team of electricians, we have an edge when it comes to thermal efficiency and the installation of solar panels. And our results speak for themselves.
Call now for a free quote on 02 9567 5886.
