This barely visible alternative in the form of a solar panel is becoming increasingly popular

Solar shingles combine aesthetic value and practicality – all on your roof.

As described in Men’s Journal and Forbes magazines, these are solar-absorbing roof tiles that look like regular roofing materials and provide solar energy without the need for large, visible panels mounted on the roof of a home.

It’s a great time to consider diversifying your household energy plans, because technology costs are falling and tax credits are available that can help you reduce up to 8,500 pounds of planet-warming air pollution per year.

According to Forbes, solar shingles can reduce your electricity bills by as much as 40-70%, depending on how many you install in your home.

The concept has been around for a while. Tesla made headlines in 2016 when it unveiled its Solar Roof. But lawsuits and poor sales reports since then have brought mixed news, according to CNBC. A number of companies now produce energy shingles. GAF Energy, for example, makes nailable versions in Texas.

Men’s Journal has a list of 22 questions to ask your contractor if you decide to go solar. One of them is the age of your roof.

“It probably wouldn’t make sense to install panels on a roof that will need to be replaced soon,” said Andrew Prchal, president of Connecticut-based Gunner Roofing.

Shingles may be the best choice if you need to replace your roof anyway.

Forbes notes that shingles are typically about a foot wide and 86 inches long. They weigh about 13 pounds per square foot and are less than an inch thick. You’ll need about 350 of them, on average.

The shingles’ efficiency—the amount of sunlight converted into electricity—is comparable to the panel industry average of 10% to 20%, depending on the quality of the technology. The shingles also match the durability of the panels. Both will last for decades, according to Forbes.

The biggest concern for many is the likely cost. Forbes lists systems the size of a typical home at about $12,700. Solar shingles can cost $15,000 to $20,000, and Tesla’s product can cost tens of thousands of dollars more (though the company touts that it takes care of everything from design to finish, and an app monitors performance afterward). Substantial tax breaks can also help defray some of the cost. Once you’re up and running, you could reap the net savings on your energy bill.

The report also notes that shingles are relatively new compared to traditional panels. Finding an installer can be more difficult.

EnergySage can help you develop a solar plan, from financing to battery storage. Another option, called community solar, provides a way to benefit from renewable energy from nearby solar farms without installing the equipment in your home. Some simple online research can get you started.

Installing solar energy in your home — in almost any way — will reduce the amount of air pollution that can often be seen in your neighborhood.

NASA has linked pollution to an increased risk of extreme weather, which impacts insurance costs and coverage.

If you’re planning on installing sun catchers on your home, solar shingles offer great performance with a barely noticeable installation. They do cost more, though, and you may have to do some digging to find a contractor to install them.

“They’ve become really popular because they’re flush with the roof, which prevents critters and debris from building up under the panels,” Prchal told Men’s Journal.

Sign up for our free newsletter to get the latest news and updates every week improving our lives AND saving our planet.