The choice between transparent and opaque roofs largely depends on your local climate. If you live in an area that's often cloudy, the transparent roof panels can be a great upgrade. They let in a lot of natural light and offer a beautiful view, enhancing the driving experience.
However, if you’re in a sunnier region like California or Nevada, the transparent roof can make the cabin uncomfortably warm during the day. Personally, I have transparent panels on my SUV and standard panels on my truck, and we live in California. I prefer the standard panels during the day because they keep the interior cooler. The transparent ones are nice in the evening when the sun isn’t as intense. If I had to pick just one, I’d go with the standard roof panels—and I’d even be willing to pay extra for them!
In terms of road noise, I haven’t noticed any significant difference between the two types of roofs. The main differences are in temperature and brightness.
For context, I’ve also ceramic-tinted all the windows on both of my trucks, including the windshield. This has made a big difference in reducing heat from the California sun.