ᐅ Photovoltaic shingles instead of a photovoltaic system

Hello,

I’m curious why so few people, in fact almost no one, builds new homes with photovoltaic shingles.

Many add a photovoltaic system to their roof afterwards, but hardly anyone covers the roof directly with photovoltaic shingles.

Is there a particular reason for this?

Here are the pros and cons as I understand them:

Advantages:
- Cheaper than a separate roof plus photovoltaic system
- More aesthetically pleasing, since there is no additional equipment on the roof
- Larger surface area possible

Disadvantages:
- Less variety of different roofing shingles available

What are your thoughts on this topic?

Regards,
Specki

Are you referring to the Tesla Solar Roof? If so,

1. Don’t expect them to be available for order. If you order now, you’ll get them in 2019 or later.
2. Have you ever seen or found any specifications for those products?
3. Cheaper? I consider that a rumor.
4. I don’t think they even have approval for the EU/Germany.
4. If you’re not talking about those, then try searching for the competitors. They are significantly more expensive.

I looked into it briefly but didn’t pursue it further due to delivery issues. Timing is crucial in house construction — do you want to leave the scaffolding up forever, or have it set up a second or third time?

It is neither cheaper nor a special feature. Photovoltaics have become a mass-market product, so trying to use any exotic types doesn’t make sense.

Furthermore, as far as I know, they are less efficient due to a lack of ventilation/cooling.

The delivery time and ventilation is a valid point.

Regarding the price, I’m not exactly sure as I haven’t looked into it deeply, but I’ve read that they are cheaper than a newly roofed house plus a solar system of the same area.

Brand example: SolteQ.

Regards
Specki

Because I don’t have any roof shingles?

For standard photovoltaic panels, a lifespan of 25-30 years is generally expected. Do you also plan to replace the shingles then, since they will hardly be producing any power anymore?