October 10, 2024
November 17, 2024
If you love the sunny outdoors, Reno is the place to be! With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the "Biggest Little City in the World" offers endless opportunities for picnics, hikes, beach trips, and more.
Reno's sun is also a great source of solar energy. Most of Nevada can produce 5.6–7.0 kWh of solar energy daily, and with the state's incentives, there's never been a better time to go solar.
If you're ready to make the switch, you'll have a big choice: sleek GAF solar shingles that blend right into your roof or traditional solar panels with proven efficiency.
At Mountain Vista Roof Systems, our roofers in Reno specialize in both types of solar installations and have helped many homeowners find the right fit for their needs. In this guide, we'll walk you through the pros and cons of each to help you decide which solar option is best for you.
Let's start with the basics.
Solar technology harnesses the power of the sun to generate electricity through photovoltaic cells. You can use it to power your home, lower your utility bills, and shrink your environmental footprint.
When it comes to solar options for your home, you have two main choices: solar panels and solar shingles. While both work the same way, they differ in appearance, efficiency, and cost.
GAF solar shingles are designed to give you all the benefits of solar energy without the visible bulk of traditional Reno solar panels.
If you want the energy savings of solar but don't love the look of large, mounted panels, GAF solar shingles are the way to go. They blend right into your roofline for a seamless appearance. Plus, these shingles work well with different roofing materials, so you get a sleek, modern look without losing durability.
GAF solar shingles are reasonably efficient, though they usually generate slightly less electricity than traditional panels. But what they might lack in raw power, they make up for in toughness.
Reno's weather can be intense, with hot summers, snowy winters, and high winds. GAF energy shingles are built to handle it all —making them a solid choice for homes here.
One thing to keep in mind with GAF solar shingles is the installation process. Since they're built right into the roof, they require a full or partial roof replacement to install. While this is a bonus if you're planning to get a new roof, anyway, installing solar shingles is something to consider.
For those who prioritize efficiency and don't mind the visibility of mounted panels, traditional solar roof panels are a tried-and-true option.
Traditional solar panels are the most well-known type of solar setup. Made from either monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon, they come in different sizes to suit your energy needs.
Being mounted on racks above your roof, they're more visible - but also highly efficient at capturing and converting sunlight into renewable energy.
Solar panels tend to have higher efficiency ratings compared to solar shingles. Put simply, they're better at converting sunlight into usable power, which can result in higher energy savings.
Additionally, solar roofing has a longer track record in terms of longevity. Many panels last 25-30 years and come with extended warranties for extra peace of mind.
Installing solar panels is usually straightforward. Reno roofing contractors will typically mount them on your roof, but if you have enough yard space, you can also choose ground mounting.
Ground-mounted systems are popular with homeowners who might want to expand their solar setup later or who prefer not to have panels on their roofs.
Cost is a big factor in any home upgrade, especially for solar.
Generally, GAF Timberline solar panels cost more than traditional panels. This is because with shingles, you will have to replace part (or all) of your roof.
Traditional solar panels, on the other hand, don't require a complete roof replacement, so their installation costs are usually lower. Also, because the panels come in a variety of sizes and efficiency levels, you can choose any setup that fits your budget.
GAF solar power shingles and traditional panels can reduce energy bills over time. Your exact savings will depend on the federal solar tax credit and rebates available through Nevada's clean energy programs.
That said, traditional panels are generally more efficient, meaning they can pay for themselves faster than shingles.
If curb appeal is high on your priority list, solar shingles have a clear advantage. They're virtually indistinguishable from regular shingles- great for homeowners who don't like the look of traditional panels.
In contrast, solar panels are more noticeable and are not ideal if you're after a low-profile design.
Solar shingles and panels help support local sustainability efforts, though they do have slight differences in environmental impact. Shingles are integrated directly into the roof, so they require fewer extra materials than the mounts needed for traditional panels.
Beyond benefiting your own home, choosing solar helps Reno move toward energy independence. By generating your energy, you're lessening the demand on the local grid and contributing to a more resilient energy system. Whether you go with shingles or panels, every bit of solar power you create brings Nevada closer to its renewable energy goals.
At the end of the day, it's important to think about what matters to you and what makes the most sense for your home.
Going solar is a long-term investment, and with Reno's sunny weather, either option will help you save on energy and contribute to a greener community. Take some time to weigh the pros and cons, and feel free to reach out to local solar experts who can give advice tailored to your needs.
Thinking about solar energy for your home? Mountain Vista Roof Systems has you covered with both GAF solar shingles and traditional solar panels. Our experienced team can help you find the best option to fit your needs.
Reach out today and start your journey toward a more energy-efficient home!
