Timberline Solar by GAF Energy Best overall solar roof Tesla Solar Roof Best warranties CertainTeed Solar Highest wattage per square foot Luma Solar Best wind rating The companies providing quotes may differ from those described in our independent reviews.
What is the best overall solar shingle?
Timberline Solar by GAF Energy is our favorite solar shingle in , topping our list for its great efficiency and warranties. The race for first place is close. They didn't make the top spot, but we still found Tesla Solar Roof and CertainTeed Solar to be solid options as well. Luma Solar scored lower than the rest, but we thought its ridiculously high wind rating at least warranted a mention.
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Why choose a solar shingle over traditional solar panels? Solar panels can look bulky and detract from the beautiful aesthetic of your home. Solar shingles, on the other hand, integrate into your roof to create a more discreet solar system. Their lightweight and sleekness is also part of the reason companies are working on bringing solar roofs to electric vehicles.
We've spent countless hours digging through solar shingle specs and speaking with industry experts to get a better understanding of how a solar roof works and what really matters for homeowners who might be interested in this type of solar setup. CNET created a scoring methodology (more on this below) based on our findings to pick out which solar shingles stand out among the pack. The market for this type of solar solution is small, but it's still important to compare your options.
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Here are our picks for the best solar shingles.
Best solar shingles of
What are solar shingles?
Solar shingles are essentially tiny solar panels designed to mimic traditional shingles and roofing materials. Some solar shingles can be installed with an existing roof, while others might require an entire roof replacement.
"A solar roof is where you have the [photovoltaic] system integrated into the roof design," Bianca Howard, director of the Building Energy Research Lab at Columbia University, told CNET. "So you've got the solar shingles, which are acting as the PV system, in terms of generating electricity, and also as a functional building material. So it's got a dual purpose."
Similar to normal rooftop solar panels, solar shingles absorb sunlight and use it to generate electricity to power your home. They tend to have lower efficiency and performance ratings than solar panels.
The main draw with solar shingles is aesthetics. Not everyone wants giant solar panels on their roof. Solar shingles are designed to blend in, which is why you might choose them over solar panels even with the decreased energy efficiency and performance ratings.
"By incorporating them into the roof, people won't immediately know that you've got PV on there, which is good from a design aesthetic," Howard said.
Solar shingles are also made to be weather resistant, offering protection from high winds and water leaks. Most solar shingle manufacturers include some type of limited wind or weatherization warranty in your purchase.
How to choose the best solar shingles for your home
There may only be a handful of solar roof manufacturers, but there are still a few things to pay extra attention to when looking at solar shingle products. If you have the luxury of having multiple solar roof options in your area, compare your options carefully.
Warranty
Most manufacturers offer a limited warranty package that comes in three parts: a product warranty, a wind/weatherization warranty and a power output/performance warranty. In terms of coverage length, the industry is all over the place. Some manufacturers offer great warranties, others not so much. Howard suggested what this means for your overall roof maintenance over time. Here are the warranty types you need to know.
Product warranty: This guarantees that your solar roof will be free from manufacturer defects in design and/or material. The best limited product warranty we've seen for solar roofs is 25 years.
Wind or weatherization warranty: Some solar shingle manufacturers also offer a wind warranty (sometimes referred to as a weatherization warranty). This warranty will typically cover your roof from any wind-related damage for at least 10 years. In some cases, this warranty will also cover water damage caused by leaks. The longest weatherization warranty we've seen is 25 years. However, most manufacturers will only cover wind damage for 10-15 years.
Power output or performance warranty: Every solar shingle manufacturer we've seen offers a power output (or performance) warranty. Just like normal solar panels, your solar shingles will see their production and efficiency drop as the years go by. A power output warranty is the manufacturer's guarantee that your solar roof won't drop below a specific production percentage within a certain amount of time. For example, Tesla Solar has a 25-year power output warranty. The company guarantees your solar roof's production won't drop below 95% of its original level five years after the initial installation. And after five years, your solar roof's production won't decrease by more than 0.5% per year for the next 20 years.
Wind rating
Every brand of solar shingle should come with a wind rating. Just like normal roof shingles, solar shingles can only withstand wind speeds up to a certain amount. A solar shingle's wind rating tells you how high a wind speed your solar roof can withstand.
Solar shingles are designed to be weather resistant, with most solar shingles being able to withstand winds of at least 110 mph. We found the most common solar shingle wind rating to be about 130 mph. When deciding what solar solution is best for your home, ask yourself if you need that level of protection for where you're living, said Howard.
If you live somewhere that is prone to extreme weather patterns, then a solar roof with a higher wind rating is likely a higher priority for you.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of solar roof tiles manufacturers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Efficiency
Just like traditional solar panels, each solar shingle has a maximum efficiency rating. This is the amount of sunlight that a solar shingle (and panel) is turning into electricity. The efficiency rating usually reflects the product's performance during the best conditions possible. The higher the efficiency rating, the more electricity your roof will generate. The average solar shingle efficiency rating is around 19 to 20%. It is lower than some of the most efficient solar panels on the market.
Keep in mind that since solar shingles are installed as part of your roof, they can't be angled like solar panels, which can be adjusted for optimal sun exposure.
"You can't put them on a particular axis, so you might not get maximum efficiency," Howard said. "From what I've seen, the solar shingle efficiency is less than a typical solar panel. So from a performance point of view, you're not getting more in terms of PV output and the amount of renewable energy you're able to generate."
Wattage per square foot
Every solar shingle comes with a wattage rating, which is the amount of power it can output under ideal conditions. Your solar roof's wattage plays an important role in how much power you'll be capable of generating. But what you'll really want to look for is a shingle's wattage per square foot. This measures how much power you have within a given amount of space.
The higher a solar shingle's wattage per square foot, the less space it will take up on your roof. Depending on the cost of the specific shingle brand, this might save money because you'll be installing fewer solar shingles to meet your energy needs.
"What you'd want to know is the equivalent amount per square foot that you can get," said Howard. "Because if you have a higher wattage per square foot, then that's a better shingle in terms of power output."
Are solar shingles better than solar panels?
Which are better, solar shingles or solar panels? It's honestly up to you and your personal preferences. Solar shingles are a niche technology with very limited availability. So it's tricky to compare them directly against traditional rooftop solar panels. Both have similarities, but they are still two different types of PV systems. Think of solar shingles as an alternative way to install solar on your roof.
"Solar shingles, as another option for building integrated photovoltaics, is a good thing," said Howard. "It's a personal choice about your values of design versus performance. I wouldn't want to put them against each other and say that one is better than the other, in a holistic sense."
There are certain situations where solar panels might make more sense for you than solar shingles, and vice versa. If you need to replace your roof before installing solar, prefer a more subtle approach to solar and there's a solar roof installer in your area, then solar shingles might be a good choice. Solar shingles might be more likely to be accepted by your homeowners association too. Some states have laws in place that prevent HOAs from banning solar panels.
If you don't mind the look of solar panels on your roof and you're not replacing your roof anyway, traditional rooftop solar panels might be a better fit. Just keep in mind that solar is a personal choice, and the battle between solar panels and solar shingles really just comes down to personal preference and budget.
Pros and cons of solar shingles
Pros:
- A convenient option if you need a roof replacement to install solar panels.
- Weather-resistant.
- A more discreet way to install solar on your home.
- Modern and sleek roof design.
Cons:
- Limited availability.
- Can be less efficient than some solar panels.
- Can't be angled.
- Will likely cost more than solar panels.
How much do solar shingles cost?
Solar shingles are a niche product and are not nearly as widely installed (or available) as regular solar panels. This makes finding reliable pricing data tricky. If you purchase solar shingles, you're also likely paying for an entire roof replacement.
Pricing data for most solar shingle manufacturers is unavailable, but we can use Tesla Solar Roof estimates from Tesla's online estimator to at least get an idea of how much a Tesla Solar Roof would cost. The general consensus is that a solar roof costs more than just installing solar panels. We found this to at least be true for the Tesla Solar Roof. It's probably not your best option if you're looking for cheap solar.
Tesla estimated a cost of $168,400 for a 12.5kW solar roof system and a Tesla Powerwall battery for a home in Dallas. The Tesla estimated cost of a regular 12kW solar panel system and a Powerwall at the same location is $26,966.
Pricing for the Tesla Solar Roof is an estimate based on your address, average electric bill and the square footage of your roof. Tesla also requires the purchase of at least one of its batteries, the Tesla Powerwall, per solar roof. A Tesla Powerwall will cost you an additional $9,500 or more.
These prices should be taken with a grain of salt. Just like with solar panels, everyone's solar roof estimates are going to vary depending on your energy needs, location and other factors. The best way to get an accurate price estimate for any solar shingle or panel system is to talk to an installer in your area. If you have multiple installers in your area, make sure to compare prices.
How we evaluated the best solar shingles
CNET has not performed any form of hands-on testing with these products. Solar shingles are part of a complex PV system that is integrated into the roof of a house or structure. This makes hands-on testing difficult. Instead, we took the most common solar shingle brands on the market and made comparisons between them to find the best option. It's also important to note the limited availability of solar roof products, making choices for this list limited as well. Here's how we scored the best solar shingles.
First, we determined what categories we would use to evaluate each solar shingle. Each category was given a weight reflecting how important we felt it was to the average consumer. After examining data provided by manufacturers and speaking with subject matter experts (who did not influence the choices that were made for this list), these were the categories we chose to evaluate each solar shingle brand on.
- Product warranty: 20%
- Wind/weatherization warranty: 15%
- Power output/performance warranty: 20%
- Wind rating: 10%
- Shingle efficiency: 15%
- Shingle wattage per square foot: 20%
We looked at five of the most popular solar shingle providers on the market, collected the data for each category and compared the numbers. Each category (for every solar shingle) was given a tier-style rating to evaluate which aspects of each solar shingle were above average (among our list), just average or below average.
Want more information on solar roof tiles? Feel free to contact us.
Solar shingle FAQs
Solar Shingle and Roof Companies
A limited number of solar manufacturers produce solar shingles. Here’s an overview of some companies that provide solar roofing solutions.
- CertainTeed Solar: This company manufactures monocrystalline solar shingles and tiles. The Apollo Tile II system integrates with flat concrete tile roofs, and the Apollo II system installs on asphalt tile configurations.
- Luma Solar: Luma’s monocrystalline shingles have a Miami-Dade hurricane rating of Class 5+, which means they’re durable enough to withstand even the most dangerous hurricane-force winds. They work with metal shingles and have upgradable technology.
- SunTegra Solar: SunTegra shingles and tiles can be customized for composite and tile roofs. Sheets of tiles are attached on composite layouts, while individual tiles are assembled on tiled roofs.
- Tesla Solar Roof: Tesla is one of the few solar installers that provides full-roof installations. The Tesla Solar Roof combines glass and steel to enhance the roof’s strength. This installation replaces conventional roofing to combine clean energy generation with protection from the elements.
- Timberline Solar Roofing by GAF Energy: Timberland solar roofing uses rack-mounting, so it doesn’t need to drill into your shingles for proper attachment. These shingles come in four colors to match your roof’s design and withstand winds up to 130 mph.
This article may also be of some use in your research.
Solar shingles are a great way to get all the benefits of traditional solar panels without the unsightly appearance. Is the higher price worth it?
I looked into this a little. A few months ago I bought a single solar shingle, they sell samples for just the cost of shipping.
Solar Roof Shingles Tiles Stone Coated Metal Roof Building Materials Solar Energy Roofing Tile - Buy Bipv Bipv Solar Panel Solar Shingle Solar Roof Shingles Wholesale Solar Roofing Shingles Shingled Solar Panel Roof Solar Panel bipv Bipv Solar Panel Solar Shingle Solar Roof Shingles Wholesale...
At the time I think the board itself was free but shipping was $60. I never received it. It was lost in shipping but they were very aggressive in getting me my money back so there's that. It occurred to me later that I got the wrong kind of shingle. I have an asphalt shingle roof. I ordered a solar shingle meant for a slate roof.
After I got the refund the seller contacted me and said they've upgraded their offerings.
They now have one that's made for asphalt shingles but it looks hideous in my opinion.
Furthermore I just can't make the numbers work. It looks like $.9 per watt. That's not even factoring in the cost of shipping from China or the tax situation. It's pretty easy to get quality panels for $.33 per watt. The money I save by not buying shingles doesn't come anywhere near to making up the difference. So going this route actually costs a lot more money.
On top of that I really have to wonder how well these are going to work in ten years. There's no ventilation behind these things.
If you're bending into a higher end type of roof these might make sense. I haven't run those numbers since I don't have a high end roof. But if you look at the way these are installed then the slate style bipv shingles look like they have airflow behind them at least.
I looked into this a little. A few months ago I bought a single solar shingle, they sell samples for just the cost of shipping.
Solar Roof Shingles Tiles Stone Coated Metal Roof Building Materials Solar Energy Roofing Tile - Buy Bipv Bipv Solar Panel Solar Shingle Solar Roof Shingles Wholesale Solar Roofing Shingles Shingled Solar Panel Roof Solar Panel bipv Bipv Solar Panel Solar Shingle Solar Roof Shingles Wholesale...
At the time I think the board itself was free but shipping was $60. I never received it. It was lost in shipping but they were very aggressive in getting me my money back so there's that. It occurred to me later that I got the wrong kind of shingle. I have an asphalt shingle roof. I ordered a solar shingle meant for a slate roof.
After I got the refund the seller contacted me and said they've upgraded their offerings.
They now have one that's made for asphalt shingles but it looks hideous in my opinion.
Furthermore I just can't make the numbers work. It looks like $.9 per watt. That's not even factoring in the cost of shipping from China or the tax situation. It's pretty easy to get quality panels for $.33 per watt. The money I save by not buying shingles doesn't come anywhere near to making up the difference. So going this route actually costs a lot more money.
On top of that I really have to wonder how well these are going to work in ten years. There's no ventilation behind these things.
If you're bending into a higher end type of roof these might make sense. I haven't run those numbers since I don't have a high end roof. But if you look at the way these are installed then the slate style bipv shingles look like they have airflow behind them at least.
No doubt it's more expensive but if you are considering a new roof or have to replace your roof it does make financial sense.
It would be interesting to hear from someone who actually went ahead with this.
I would test with just enough of them to cover a single window, in an "awning" design, where window is south facing. In such a test, you are determining:
- diy nature of the product, and/or code/inspection/construction costs in your area
- how do the things go together, and then tie into existing or new solar gear
- how well does it replace/augment roof framing & other processes
If you don't want to test on an awning, just see if you can order enough to set up on a 2'x8' plywood base, angled to the sun in your area; assumes vendor plays ball with you on such small test coverage. You'll still be figuring out all of the above, but both projects are at a very small scale, and very DIY.
Tesla's roof seems to be all or nothing wrt Tesla solar products ... roofing materials require the purchase of a Powerwall. Costs seem to be $40k/ sq ft of roof (before Powerwall costs). (professional) installation is probably required, but I stopped looking after seeing these Tesla pre-conditions ...
These costs are enough to drive some purchasers towards China ... but, then there's the issue of ordering from China (Alibaba, etc.) ... I'd tend to wait until some vendor opens enough of a US presence that you feel a bit better about going straight to a China-based source of product. Others have ordered from China and survived, but it seems that horror stories abound. Not unlike SS as a vendor, per forum stories. In other words, do lots of homework, and really decide from whom you'll buy something, to have the best chance of not acting in the next horror story.
I've had good luck with AmpereTime (now LiTime) batteries, but I verified they had a US presence ... support seemed reasonable, and a test purchase verified both the product and the company's return policies.
From what little research I've done, I think I'd stay away from these new panel formats, until I did some small-scale testing ... roof your window, your shed, something.
Hope this helps ...
Although they might look better than conventional PV I have always questioned the dozens to hundreds of low voltage connections involved in a reasonable sized array. Too many possible failure points and finding these possible failure points sounds like it could be a real nightmare when it happens.
Don't follow your logic - a typical 'ordinary' domestic array will consist of at least a dozen if not twice that - modules each with at least 2 connections. In fact, given that much smaller 'in-roof' modules are more likely to be broken up into several paralleled series strings, you could argue that overall the system is more resilient as the loss of one string won't bring the whole system down. Whereas, one module loss in a larger format single-series string could mean zero output - depending on the system design...
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