They consist of monocrystalline silicon solar cells, known for their high efficiency, embedded directly into shingles. Both solar shingles and solar panels can help you save the planet and save some cash, but here are the major differences that might make you favor one over the other. They sit on racking systems attached over your existing roofing materials — typically shingles, tiles, or metal. But what exactly is the difference between these two options? In short, shingled solar panels are made of many small, overlapping solar cells and tend to be more efficient but also more. Solar shingles offer an alternative to solar panels if you want a less-noticeable source for solar power on your roof. By submitting your information. Thin film technology is a flexible almost fabric like substance that is being turned into shingles like Certainteed's EnerGen shingle which is designed to work with traditional asphalt shingles or more often it is adhered to a metal roof such as the one above by Sheffield Metals. For homeowners, the decision now often comes down to two major factors: aesthetics and maximum long-term savings.