Solar panels are mounted above an existing roof, while solar roofs integrate solar technology into the roof surface itself. We should all be plenty familiar with solar panels by now, as they're nothing new. Over the last decade or so, we've seen a massive increase in usage for both. Today, homeowners can choose between traditional rooftop solar panels and integrated solar roofs, also known as solar shingles, solar tiles, or building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). While both harness sunlight to generate electricity, they differ significantly in aesthetics, cost, installation. You have multiple options for your home, such as solar panels or solar roofs. While they both capture energy from the sun, they work slightly differently.