Roofing Materials
Solar Shingles
Solar shingles are photovoltaic tiles laid flush with the rest of the roof, so the roof generates power without a rack of panels sitting on top of it.
What It Is
The roof and the solar array become one purchase. It only makes financial sense when the roof needed replacing anyway, because you are paying for both at once.
Where It Wins
- No visible racking, much better looking than bolted panels
- One trade, one warranty, one installation
- Federal and state incentives may apply, which your installer should show in writing
Where It Does Not
- Costs far more per watt than ordinary panels on a rack
- Less efficient than a panel, because it cannot be angled to the sun
- A roof repair underneath becomes an electrical job
- Iowa winters cut winter output hard, so run the real numbers
In the Quad Cities
Ask any installer for a production estimate using Davenport weather data and not a national average. Then compare it against a plain metal roof with rack mounted panels, which usually wins on cost per watt.
Ask for a Sample Board
Colors on a screen are close. Colors outdoors against your siding are the real answer, and we will bring one.