Traditionally, going solar has meant installing a ground-mounted solar farm or panels on the top of roofs. Attaching a layer of PV panels on top of an existing roof with the purpose of going green lacks sense – up to 50% of excess materials are used on the roof, making the #gogreen into #greenwash. But roofs and solar panels can and should be the same thing in terms of resource efficiency.

Building-integrated solar roof mounting system

The housing industry is open to new technologies and solutions that incorporate renewable energy production into building structures, especially rooftops. Solar panels can fit architecturally just right with the building. Solar roofs have gained popularity since 2016 and today there are tens or even hundreds of integrated solar panel and shingle producers all around the globe, all with their tweaks. Different types of solar roofing products are available and essentially they are all mini solar panels designed to look like and function as conventional roofing materials.

Is a solar roof worth it?

The economic factor of solar roofs is that they serve a double function. They are especially beneficial for homeowners who need a new roof and want to retain aesthetics and roof functionality. In many countries, there are still subsidies for local renewable energy production, which makes solar even more attractive. A solar roof can potentially cut the electricity bill of an efficient home down to near zero. Despite the high initial investment, solar roofs tend to be worth it. If you’re looking for a way to save the most on your electric bills, you’re probably better off going with a traditional solar panel installation. Bear in mind that a traditional roof does not bring your electricity costs down, nor earn the investment back.