When to Use solar roof tiles？

Solar shingles are roof shingles that are designed to look like traditional roofing materials, but they can actually generate electricity like solar panels.

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Solar roofs are more discrete than regular solar panels, making them a popular choice for people building new homes, replacing their roofs, or those living in a homeowner’s association (HOA) that prohibit solar panels. 

Solar shingles are a newer technology, so fewer companies sell them. But there are a few stand-out solar roof brands, including:

• Tesla’s solar roof

• GAF solar shingles

• Luma Solar 

• CertainTeed

• Suntegra

What are solar roof shingles?

Solar shingles are roofing shingles that contain photovoltaic solar cells so they can generate solar energy. They are designed to look like and offer the same level of protection as traditional asphalt shingles, all while producing solar power at the same time. 

Homeowners can be hesitant to install solar panel systems because of the way they look on their roofs. Solar shingles allow homeowners to still get all the benefits of solar energy without having to sacrifice the aesthetic of their homes.

Just like traditional solar panels, solar shingles are also typically monocrystalline.

How much do solar shingles cost?

The average solar shingle installation costs $27,360 to over $100,000. The cost will vary depending on the brand you choose, your roof size, and where you live.

Most solar shingle installations cost somewhere between $3.80 and $7.00 per watt of solar installed. Tesla’s solar roof costs less, at just $1.80 per watt, but it requires a full roof replacement and expensive materials – making the total cost one of the most expensive options for solar shingles.

Calculate how much a solar installation will cost for your home based on recent installations near you

5 best solar shingles

Some of the best brands for solar shingles in include:

• Tesla Solar Roof

• GAF Energy

• Luma Solar

• CertainTeed

• Suntegra

Solar shingle brand

Output (per shingle)

Warranty

Cost (per watt)

Tesla Solar Roof

72 W

25-year tile and power warranty

$1.80 + roof replacement costs

GAF Energy

45 W

25-year manufacturing warranty

25-year performance warranty

10-year workmanship coverage

$4.00 - $4.25

Luma Solar

80 W

25-year limited power warranty at 80% 

5-year limited product warranty

$4.50

CertainTeed

70 W

25-year limited power warranty

25-year limited workmanship warranty

10-year 110 limited wind warranty

$3.00 - $6.00

Suntegra

114 W

25-year power warranty

10-year product warranty

$4.00 - $6.00

Tesla Solar Roof

Out of all the products offered by Tesla’s Energy line – the solar roof has definitely generated the most buzz. Each shingle has a wattage rating of 72 W, which isn’t bad compared to other solar shingles on the market. If you want to fully invest your home in renewable energy, you can integrate a Tesla solar roof, Tesla Powerwall battery, and a Tesla EV!

As for the cost, Tesla is on the pricier side. This is because Tesla’s solar roof acts as a solar installation and a full roof replacement all in one. The solar tiles and expensive roofing materials cost about $99,500 for an average-sized home.

Installing a Tesla solar roof includes a 25-year product and power warranty, so you’ll have coverage for any faults in your system. Bottom line, Tesla products offer a one-stop-shop for solar power, EVs, and energy storage.

GAF Energy

GAF is a well-established roofing materials company that has also ventured into the world of clean energy. GAF Energy offers its line of Timberline Solar Energy Shingles, each of which has a 45 W power rating and comes with a  25-year manufacturing and performance warranty, as well as 10-year workmanship coverage.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000 for a GAF solar shingle installation, but the total cost will ultimately depend on your home’s characteristics. 

GAF’s solar shingles are designed with roofers in mind. The top portion of the shingles are made of asphalt so that they can be nailed into the roof like regular shingles, simplifying the installation process and making it possible to get your roof replaced and solar installed by one company. 

In , about 2,100 units of GAF’s Timberline Solar energy shingles were recalled due to fire hazard concerns. The issue has since been resolved, and GAF Energy’s response made it clear that they provide top-notch support.

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Luma Solar

Luma Solar developed the first fully integrated solar roof system in the U.S., referring to their solar shingles as a luxury product that homeowners can upgrade in the future to meet advanced solar technology standards. 

Luma Solar’s solar roofing is similar to Tesla’s, where you must get a full roof replacement of solar and non-solar tiles. A full end-to-end installation can cost between $70,000 to over $100,000.

Luma’s shingles have a power rating of 80 W per roof tile and come with a 25-year production warranty and a 5-year limited product warranty. The shingles are also rated to withstand winds of 200+ miles per hour, which can be useful for residents living in areas prone to major storms and hurricanes.

CertainTeed Solstice Shingle

CertainTeed is a reputable company that manufactures traditional roofing shingles and has begun offering a line of solar products. CertainTeed currently offers a line of residential building-integrated photovoltaic roofs (BIPV) and solar panels.

CertainTeed solar shingles cannot be installed over an existing roof system and are designed to be installed in new construction or during a roof replacement. There’s no indication online on how much a full installation of CertainTeed’s Solstice shingles will cost, but you can expect to pay between $210 and $420 per shingle.

CertainTeed’s Solstice Shingles offer 70 W of power output per shingle and 19.85% efficiency – all backed by a 25-year power and performance warranty. As an added bonus, CertainTeed also offers a 10-year 110 MPH limited wind warranty.

Suntegra Shingle

Suntegra is another popular brand that manufactures solar shingles. Suntegra offers solar shingles and solar tiles, so you can choose which integrates better with your existing roof material.

These low-profile monocrystalline solar shingles have three different output wattages to choose from, 105 W, 110 W, and 114 W, giving homeowners different options to support their energy production needs. The cost varies from $4.00 to $6.00 per watt, depending on which wattage you choose. Suntegra’s shingles are also backed by a 25-year power warranty and a 10-year limited product warranty.

What are the pros and cons of solar shingles?

Just like a traditional solar installation, solar shingles come with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of solar shingles

• Environmentally friendly: Solar shingles are a renewable energy source that does not give off any harmful emissions.

• Reduces electricity bills: Energy generated by solar shingles powers your home, so you use less electricity from the grid and save money on your monthly electric bill.

• Eligible for incentives: Solar shingles are eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit and may also be eligible for other local incentives depending on location. 

• Good curb appeal: Solar shingles are integrated into your roof, giving a sleeker look than a bulky solar panel installation. Shingles could also be a solar solution if you live in an HOA that doesn’t allow solar panels.

Disadvantages of solar shingles

• Expensive: In most cases, the total cost of installing solar shingles is about three times the cost of conventional roofing materials, and most solar shingles are at a higher price point than solar panels in the U.S.

• Limited options to choose from: Solar shingles are a newer technology, so there are fewer brands to choose from.

• Requires roof replacement: A traditional solar system is placed on top of an existing roof, whereas solar shingles replace the roof itself, which might require an entire roof replacement. 

• Not as efficient: Solar shingles can’t produce energy as efficiently as solar panels because they’re installed flat against the roof, unlike panels that can be angled for optimal performance as needed.

Solar panels vs. solar shingles: Which option is better?

The truth is that it depends on your circumstances! In general, traditional solar panels will be a better financial investment for most homeowners because they cost less to install and produce more energy. Solar shingles are more of a luxury purchase. 

There are scenarios where solar shingles are the right option. For example, if you want solar but can’t install panels due to HOA restrictions, solar shingles can provide the benefits without the look of solar panels. Aside from this, solar shingles could come in handy if your roof is in desperate need of a replacement – it's a roof replacement and solar installation all in one! They might be right for you if you have the money and are interested in the technology.

But, in general, traditional solar panels will be a better financial investment for most homeowners. For starters, solar panels are substantially cheaper than solar shingles. Not only that, but solar panels can generate electricity more efficiently, meaning you’ll save more money on your bills, all while spending less upfront.

Solar roof shingles: FAQs

By , more than 100 million households will rely on rooftop solar power, according to estimates from the International Energy Agency. If you’re one of the homeowners interested in shrinking your carbon footprint and your energy costs, you are no longer limited to solar panels to help power your home, though.

Can solar panels save you money?

Now there’s another option: an entire solar roof.

Solar roofs are composed of solar shingles that can fit over existing shingles or be installed on their own. So the energy-harvesting ability is baked into the roof itself. The shingles do everything regular shingles do, roof-wise (protect your house from the elements), and are quite durable. Plus, they appear a lot more sleek and seamless than solar panels. “It’s such a different look,” says Cassie Morien, director of strategy at Modernize Home Services, a home improvement and contractor platform. Shingles simply “look sexier on your roof.”

But looks don’t come cheap. Should you replace your roof with solar shingles — or, start out with a solar roof if you’re doing a new build? Here’s everything you need to know.

What are solar shingles?

If you’ve never heard of solar shingles, you’re not alone. According to an October study of more than 1,100 homeowners across the U.S. conducted by Modernize, 38 percent of people are not familiar with them, even though they’re over a decade old.

“Also known as solar roofs, solar tiles, or solar roof tiles, solar shingles are tile-shaped panels permanently installed on your home’s roof,” Mallory Micetich, home expert at home improvement site Angi, says. “The panels are much smaller than conventional solar panels, but they operate in a similar way, with building-integrated photovoltaic systems, an inverter and a circuit that allows the solar energy to be absorbed and flow through the wires into your home.”

Each shingle produces anywhere from 13 to 80 watts of energy, depending on the brand. The average size of a solar shingle or tile is about 12 inches wide by 86 inches long. It takes about 350 solar tiles for a standard-size roof. Tiles weigh about 13 pounds per square foot, so most roofs can handle them without additional reinforcement.

The first solar shingles were developed by DOW Chemical Company, rolling out in . But the concept began to get serious traction in , when Tesla purchased manufacturer Solar City and began offering what it deemed the Tesla Solar Roof. Today, there are several brands of the solar roof tiles available from manufacturers CertainTeed, GAF Energy, Luma, SunTegra and of course Tesla. (Dow dropped out of the game.)
Mortgage Icon Solar energy survey In October , Modernize Home Services conducted a survey of 1,124 homeowners across the U.S. regarding renewable energy options — specifically, solar systems. Among the findings:

• 38% are not familiar with the concept of solar shingles
• 59% are not aware of the differences between traditional solar panels and solar shingles
• 52% are not aware of the cost differences between solar shingles and traditional solar panels
• 37% deem cost-effectiveness as the leading consideration when considering renewable energy options, followed by energy efficiency (19%) and durability/longevity (16%)
• 29% deem high initial cost as the their main concerns or hesitations about installing solar; uncertainty about efficiency (14%) and maintenance challenges (13%) were other factors
• 44% might be willing to invest more in a solar energy system that enhanced property value and aesthetics

The pros and cons of solar shingles

As you weigh your options for what’s over your head, it’s important to think about the upsides and downsides of solar shingles.

What do solar shingles cost?

According to Angi, solar shingles cost between $21 and $25 per square foot ( $2,100 to $2,600 per roofing square), adding up to a total average cost of $55,000. That’s certainly much higher than the typical solar panel job, which has an average price tag of $16,500, according to estimates from Modernize.

When it comes to shingles, there are a range of factors that impact the overall cost, but if your roof has some steep angling – anything that exceeds a standard 6:12 ratio – expect to pay more. Additionally, your location plays a key role. Angi’s data shows that average installation costs in California are $70,000 per job, while homeowners in Florida and Michigan pay half that sum.

Regardless of where you live, expect to budget for a significant premium compared with a standard roof, which typically ranges from $5,600 to $12,000. While that’s quite the jump in price tag, installing solar shingles – or solar panels – now comes with the ability to reduce your federal tax bill. The Inflation Reduction Act allows a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit on up to 30 percent of solar installation costs through .

Also: Solar shingle prices have dropped since their introduction, and they may continue to do so, especially if more manufacturers and installers enter the market.

What to consider when choosing solar shingles for your home

As you compare different options for your roof, be sure to think about these key considerations that can help you select the right solar shingles to lower your carbon footprint without breaking the bank.

Materials

Some of these shingles are made with copper indium gallium selenide, and others are made with monocrystalline silicon. According to installation company Texas Solar Group, monocrystalline silicon is more expensive, but it’s also more efficient at energy conversion.

Energy output

As you compare different options for solar, you’ll need to think about how much energy you actually use on a regular basis. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average home uses around 886 kilowatt hours of electricity per month. While solar shingles vary in their overall wattage output, and costs increase correspondingly with that output, Micetich points out that “you don’t need to replace your entire roof with solar shingles. You can just do one area of your roof and still get plenty of benefit.”

Solar shingles can be placed on most types of homes – even if it isn’t directly under a beaming sun. “It’s important to note that your roof doesn’t need to be in full sunlight for the shingles to be effective,” Micetich says. “They make use of diffuse, scattered light, so they work even on overcast and rainy days.”

Installation

Even if you’re confident that solar shingles are the right choice for your roof, you may need to search for someone confident enough to do the job.

“Solar roof shingles are a newer technology compared to traditional solar panels and therefore are less likely to have a line of professional installation contractors to install them on your home,” Micetich says. “This means you might have to search longer and harder to find a solar roof shingle installer near you. Generally, we see that southern states that receive a lot of direct sunlight have a larger market for all solar products. These states include California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas and Florida.”

Your plans for excess energy

In addition to making sure your singles can produce enough energy, you’ll need to think about the opposite end: What can you do when you have more than you need?

“There are two options when considering excess energy from your solar shingles,” Micetich says. “One option is that you can opt to pass it to the local electric grid and then get paid for it. While all counties have different methods of compensating homeowners who produce excess solar energy, it’s usually in the form of a check or a deduction on their next bill.”

You can also opt to install a solar battery to store excess energy, which your system can use at night, on cloudy days and during power outages. “A single emergency-use battery can cost about $200, while a long-lasting, high-efficiency lithium-ion system can add up to $14,000 to your upfront cost,” according to Micetich.

Aesthetics

The fact that solar shingles can simulate traditional ones, adapting to almost any roof style, is a key difference that sets them apart from solar panels. While aesthetics may not be your primary concern, it could help if you have an HOA that sets a great store by neighborhood appearances, and has a history of objecting to the addition of solar panels on roofs.

Cost

Roofs in general are expensive propositions, and a solar roof is on the high side. Even expensive traditional roof materials like clay or slate cost less than solar tile. With an average cost of $55,000, you will need to think about how long you plan to be in the home to make sure that you have enough time to let all your energy savings add up and justify that investment. For a lot of homeowners, that kind of price tag might be enough to scare you away from the investment: Respondents in Modernize Home Services’ survey listed cost-effectiveness as their number-one priority with aesthetics much further down the list.

However, if you absolutely love the look of solar shingles, you may want to look into financing options to avoid draining your savings. If you have a sizable chunk of equity, a home equity loan or a HELOC can be a good pick – plus, you’ll be increasing the value of the home, which can put you in the running for some tax benefits.

There are other options, too: “solar loans,” financing offered by installers or third parties. For example, Tesla offers a financing arrangement for its Solar Roof. LightStream offers solar loans up to $100,000, at APRs that currently range from 7.99 percent to 21.24 percent.

Durability and overall service life

Think about the potential for severe weather in your area. If high winds are a regular occurrence, you’ll want to compare how each product fares when it comes to wind or snow build-up. Make sure you compare product warranties, too. You’ll see a mix of manufacturer warranties (which protect against defects), wind warranties (which protect, naturally, against wind damage) and power warranties that typically guarantee a certain level of maximum performance depreciation per year. It’s also important to consider the potential for technology advancements. Luma, a well-known solar shingle manufacturer, offers the ability to upgrade the technology – an important consideration versus replacing the shingles down the line.

What do you save in energy costs with solar shingles?

While expensive to install, a solar roof can save in the long run. Depending on the number of tiles on your roof, solar shingles can reduce energy costs by anywhere from 40 to 60 percent, according to the consumer education site SolarReviews. Additionally, you may be eligible for federal and state tax incentives.

The Inflation Reduction Act makes a difference in your upfront costs with that 30 percent tax credit on the installation cost. Plus, several states offer credits, rebates and other incentives as well. There is a maze of information about those potential savings, but this database from North Carolina State University can sift through programs that apply to certain zip codes around the country.

Solar shingles vs. solar panels: Which is better?

Both solar shingles and solar panels can be a great option to take your home energy efficiency to the next level. But which is best for you? Solar panels tend to win when it comes to cost, while solar shingles tend to come out on top when it comes to their overall look.

One key benefit of solar panels is that the technology has been around longer, meaning there are more easily accessible tools to do your research. Solar shingles simply aren’t as widely popular, which means your research options are more limited.

As you start that research, here’s a rundown of some of the key points of differentiation as you try to decide what’s best to put above your head:

The final word on solar shingles

Solar shingles are still fairly new, which means their exact lifespan and durability is still something of a question mark. Still, if you’re an environmentally-conscious homeowner in need of a full roof replacement or a roof for a new build, solar shingles are worth considering — especially with some states now requiring that newly built homes be solar power-equipped.

To sum up: “Solar panels are more affordable and portable,” Micetich says, “while solar shingles are more attractive and may have a longer lifespan.”

Either way, with enhanced federal tax credits in effect, the time to get up on the solar roof may be now.

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