A solar roof can cost anywhere between $30,000 to $70,000. A solar roof is generally more expensive than the solar panels you’ve become accustomed to seeing on rooftops. Is it worth paying extra for the sleeker design or the hype around them?
Solar roofs are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional solar panels. They are a big design improvement on conventional solar, and it doesn’t hurt that Tesla, one of the leading solar roof manufacturers, is led by a charismatic CEO in the form of Elon Musk.
In this article, we will compare solar roofs and traditional solar panels. We will look at how long it will take for a solar roof to pay for itself as well as its lifespan.
Are Solar Roofs Worth It?
Going solar can reduce or eliminate your electricity bill. The average homeowner in the U.S spends $1400 per year on electricity. Depending on the size of your solar energy system you can partially or completely offset your energy bill.
On a side note! If you’re in need of a reliable and high-performance portable solar panel, We strongly recommend the Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel (Amazon Link).
With a high conversion efficiency and foldable design, this solar panel is easy to transport and set up, making it perfect for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and RV trips.
The US solar cell technology used in this panel ensures that you get the most efficient and reliable solar charging possible.
There is also a 60W option that is more affordable (Amazon Link)
Several factors influence how much you save by going solar. The main factors to consider are your location and the size of your system. Let’s look a little closer into each of them.
Your location
Where you are in the U.S matters a lot with regards to solar. Some states are more solar-friendly than others. What do we mean by “solar-friendly”? There are three things.
- Tax breaks. Some states have generous tax breaks on solar. The U.S has a federal tax rebate that applies across all states. This reduces the final cost of solar panels. But some states have their tax credits separate from the federal tax credit which can further reduce the cost. You can check the status of your state as regards local tax credits here. (Source)
- Expensive electricity. Some states have cheaper electricity. If you live in a state with more expensive electricity, you will naturally see higher savings than someone with lower energy tariffs. You can compare energy costs across states here. (Source)
- Sunny states. It is sunnier in California than it is in New York. The sunnier it is in your state, the more energy there is from which you can produce electricity. On average, it is cheaper to go solar in warmer states than in colder regions.
The size of your system
The larger your system, the less you will spend on electricity. Even though a large system has a higher upfront cost, the upside is that you save more. In that way, a larger system pays for itself much faster than a smaller system.
Also, we recommend that you check out our post titled Can A Solar Panel Be Too Big? Should You Oversize Your Solar System!
Generally, whether you decide to go with a solar roof or solar panels you will see a complete or partial reduction in your energy costs. But what are the specific advantages of a solar roof aside from the improved design we’ve already mentioned?
Solar Roofs versus Solar Panels
In most cases, you will spend more on a solar roof than you will on solar panels. Solar roofs cost up to $2000 more per kilowatt. However, solar roofs can be cheaper if you need both a new roof and solar panels.
Some contractors will not install solar panels on a roof older than 10 years. Solar roofs can be a better investment if you need to replace your existing roof and you want to get solar panels as well. Instead of getting both separately, you could get a solar roof. That is one of the biggest selling points of a solar roof.
The biggest downside to solar roofs is that they produce less energy than traditional solar.
The main point you should take here is that if you are considering replacing your roof and you want solar panels, you’re highly likely to spend less if you go with a solar roof. If you just need solar, then the cheaper option would be to get solar panels on your existing roof.
Does a Solar Roof Pay for Itself?
A solar roof pays for itself by reducing how much you spend on electricity and increasing the value of your home. The primary return on investment of a solar system comes in the form of savings. U.S homeowners save an average of $2000 per year when they go solar.
The savings depend on the upfront cost of the system. Homes with solar also have an increased valuation when you decide to sell.
A solar roof will set you back anywhere between $30,000 to $70,000. The U.S has a system of tax incentives that apply at state, and in some cases, local levels that help reduce the cost of solar.
You can reduce the upfront cost by up to 30% when you apply for tax credits.
How Long Does It Take for A Solar Roof to Pay for Itself?
Solar pays for itself typically within 7-10 years. The average payback period of a Tesla solar roof is between 8 to 11 years. It largely depends on the upfront costs and size of the system. A system that cost $20,000 and has annual savings of $2,000 will pay for itself in ten years.
Claiming tax rebates can reduce the upfront cost of a solar roof and shorten the payback period. Conventional solar panels have a shorter payback period, with the average being around six years. There are two reasons for this.
- Conventional solar panels produce more energy. The increased energy production means you save more on your electricity bill and recoup your investment quicker.
- Conventional solar is much cheaper than a solar roof. The reduced price shortens the payback period even further.
The combination of a cheaper cost and improved energy output means a conventional system will pay for itself quicker than a solar roof.
Another factor to consider is whether you are installing on a newly constructed home or you are retrofitting an existing home. It is more expensive to retrofit as you first have to remove the existing roof. The payback period for a retrofit solar roof is around 11 years.
For a new construction home, the installation is cheaper. The payback period is thus shorter, averaging around, 8 years. (Source)
How Long Does a Roof Solar System Last?
Solar panels have a lifespan of 25 years. In practice, however, it has been found that solar panels produce energy for up to 40 years. Batteries and inverters in a solar system typically last between 5 to 10 years.
Also, find out How Long Do (Tesla) Solar Roofs Last? How Long For It to Pay for Itself!