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Environmental Impact: Assessing the Green Footprint of Solar Shingles

01/23/2025

Are you committed to reducing your environmental impact? Investing in renewable energy is one of the best steps you could take to commit to a greener future. Hydropower, geothermal power, wind energy and biomass fuels all show great promise — but none have quite the same appeal as solar energy. 

Why? That’s simple. Besides being renewable, solar energy also reduces your reliance on the grid, making your home more self-sufficient. If you’re considering solar power, you may wonder whether green energy from solar roofs or traditional solar panels is the better choice for you. 

While everyone is at least vaguely familiar with solar panels, solar shingles might not have been on your radar until much more recently. If you have questions about the green footprint of solar roofing, you’re not alone. The Fortified Roofing team is here to answer them!

What Are Solar Shingles?

Solar shingles are sustainable roofing solutions that essentially turn your roof into a green energy generator. Unlike traditional shingles or roof tiles, solar shingles have photovoltaic cells. They’re connected to inverters that transform the DC energy your shingles make into AC power you can use in your home. 

Solar shingles combine the job of protecting your home from the weather (as any other roof would) with the job of generating power for your family. The best thing? Solar shingles are also beautiful! 

What Is the Energy Efficiency of Solar Shingles?

The modern construction industry is increasingly focusing on renewable energy and environmental stewardship, and we’ve seen some exciting changes in the last few years. When the first commercially available solar shingles hit the market in 2005, they weren’t especially energy efficient. That has changed. Newer solar shingles convert sunlight into electricity more effectively than ever before.  Producing between 50 and 200 watts each and making solar shingles’ environmental impact extremely positive.

Eco-friendly solar shingles still aren’t quite as energy efficient as traditional solar panels, but their efficiency has been steadily increasing. On the plus side, the area they cover can be significantly larger.  Some homeowners choose full solar roofs, while others cover strategically chosen portions. 

Environmental Benefits of Solar Shingles

If you’re considering installing a solar roof, you’re probably drawn to this green roofing choice for a few different reasons. The appeal of generating your own energy and being less reliant on the grid may be one, while the savings associated with this step are another. You may also be interested in the eco impact of solar panel shingles. 

Solar shingles’ environmental impact is inherently more positive compared to asphalt shingles or roof tiles because they generate clean energy for your home. When considering solar shingle emissions, many people will be keenly aware that carbon emissions may come into play during the manufacturing process as well as during their transport. Once they’re on top of your roof, however, solar shingles are emission-free. 

One important thing to consider here is that lifecycle analysis of solar shingles has shown that they have a short “energy payback time.” Despite the fact that energy goes into producing, transporting, and installing solar roofs, this carbon cost can be offset within the first few years as your roof makes clean energy (and you ditch your reliance on fossil fuels). Overall, if reducing your carbon footprint with solar shingles is your primary goal, your new solar roof supports you in that mission. 

You may also wonder about solar roof sustainability and recyclability. Traditional solar panels can be recycled, but the process is difficult, and not every part is a candidate. Solar roofs, on the other hand, are specifically designed to be recyclable — backed up by manufacturer promises to process your roof for recycling when it finally needs to be replaced, after 25+ years.

Beyond Solar Roofing and Climate Change: How Much Can Your Solar Shingles Realistically Produce?

Many homeowners who are toying with the idea of switching over to a solar roof when they’re ready for a residential roof replacement want to contribute to the fight against climate change. Solar shingles in New Jersey and eco-friendly homes go hand in hand, but your return on investment is just as important — and you also want to know how much energy a solar roof can produce. 

The answer is complex. In perfect conditions, an average-sized full solar roof can generate approximately 12,000 kWh per year. That may be more than you’ll need. In practice, you won’t get nearly as much. Predicting how much a solar roof can produce for your home depends on the shingles you choose, your home’s orientation, and the average number of sunny days at your location, among other factors. The Fortified Roofing team is happy to walk you through the process of projecting energy production for your home — so don’t hesitate to ask. 

Excited to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with Solar Shingles

The Fortified Roofing team is proud to be at the cutting edge of eco-friendly roofing innovations in NJ and PA. If you’re seriously considering upgrading, a solar roof is a major commitment. You’ll need an experienced roofing contractor in Woodbridge, NJ, to plan your project and walk you through all your options. 

Seriously — hit us up at any time. We’d love to help you take your next step into a greener future!