If you are considering adding solar panels to your new roof, solar shingles present a more cost-effective option. By choosing solar shingles, you can combine the expenses of roof replacement and a renewable energy system into one price tag.
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Compared to traditional solar panels, solar shingles are more visually appealing. They resemble mini solar panels shaped like conventional roof shingles, allowing homeowners to avoid the bulky appearance of standard photovoltaic (PV) panels.
The average cost of solar roof shingles ranges from $25,000 to $60,000, translating to about $15 to $35 per square foot for the average U.S. roof size of 1,700 square feet. The total cost varies according to the solar roof tile brand and the roofing contractor chosen for installation.
In recent years, various solar companies have begun offering similar warranties, but ADT Solar has been a leader in this sector, completing over 30,000 installations nationwide.
ADT Solar refers to this coverage as a manufacturer warranty, which ensures that any manufacturing defects are repaired or ineffective panels are replaced.
This warranty also covers any installation issues, known as a workmanship warranty.
Additionally, the performance guarantee ensures that your solar system will generate the amount of electricity stated in your proposal. If it falls short, ADT will issue a check for the difference.
Its warranty coverage spans 25 years and includes comprehensive protections, establishing ADT Solar as a top choice for homeowners seeking peace of mind in their solar investments.
In comparison, other installers typically offer financing through solar leases, PPAs, or third-party providers like Mosaic or Sunlight. However, working with third-party lenders can complicate the process, and opting for a loan or PPA may exclude you from some significant benefits of solar, including increased property value, the federal solar tax credit, and local solar incentives.
Homeowners who qualify can enjoy 18 months of solar energy before their first payment is due. When paired with the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), these initial savings can offset more than a third of the overall system cost.
This motivated Blue Raven Solar to develop an innovative financing plan offering in-house, flexible, zero-money-down options. As a result, Blue Raven Solar has swiftly become one of the fastest-growing solar companies nationally and was recently acquired by SunPower. Their exclusive BluePower Plus+ plan mimics a lease's flexible structure while still providing the benefits of ownership.
Blue Raven Solar understands that, for many homeowners, the cost of solar poses the most significant barrier to entry.
SunPower’s main drawback is that its high-efficiency panels come at a considerably higher price point than most competitors. Nevertheless, these robust panels compensate for their upfront costs with substantial backend production (similar to investing more in a car that achieves better fuel efficiency).
Furthermore, SunPower systems are bundled with products all manufactured in-house by its sister company, Maxeon. This integration ensures that your panels, solar cells, inverters, batteries, and EV chargers work cohesively and are all backed by the same warranty.
SunPower secures its top national installer position on our list for several reasons: it installs the most efficient solar technology available in the residential market, offers a vast service area, and supports its installations with a warranty significantly exceeding industry standards. At the same time, SunPower is a pioneer in sustainability efforts within the sector.
SunPower designs and installs leading residential solar and storage solutions across all 50 states. With a rich history of innovation, no other company can match SunPower's experience and expertise.
Cost of Installing a Solar Shingle Roof
The overall cost for solar shingle installation ranges from $25,000 to $60,000, averaging about $15 to $35 per square foot.
Unlike conventional shingles, shingles with solar cells—a type of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology—are priced per watt, not per square foot. The price of a solar shingle typically varies between $3.50 and $8.00 per watt, depending on the brand. Compared to the average price of solar panels—around $3.33 per watt in the U.S.—solar shingles are significantly more expensive for a system delivering similar output.
Although most companies avoid advertising prices online, market research indicates that the cost for solar shingle installation is typically 15%-25% higher than that for traditional solar panel systems. The national average for solar panel installation is about $30,000, making solar shingle installation approximately $36,000 on average.
There are exceptions; for instance, a Tesla Solar Roof can cost $70,000 or more for full roof installation, while budget-friendly SunTegra solar shingles may run closer to $20,000 for the entire roof.
While solar roof shingles are notably more expensive than asphalt shingles, they allow you to generate your own electricity, potentially lowering your electric bills—or in some cases, completely offsetting them—by producing clean energy.
“A solar roof is an excellent way to reduce energy consumption and contributes positively to environmental sustainability,” said David Snyder, CEO of Nova Home Buyers, LLC.
By going solar, you can also qualify for various financial incentives and rebates, including the 30% federal tax credit and net metering credits. Keep in mind that these incentives are also available for standard solar panels; however, the typical credit amount tends to be higher for solar shingles due to the cost difference.
For example, you can expect an average credit value of around $8,991 (30% of the typical system cost of $29,970) for standard solar panels. In contrast, the credit for solar shingle installations should be closer to $10,789, based on an average installation cost of $35,964 before the credit.
How to Calculate the Cost of Your New Solar Roof Shingles
As mentioned earlier, BIPV solar shingles are priced based on wattage. To calculate the cost of your solar shingle roof, you’ll first need to determine how much solar power your home requires.
The only definitive way to ascertain the exact cost of your solar roof is to receive a professional estimate. However, you can generate a rough estimate by following these steps:
Identify your home’s energy consumption (usually found on your energy bills).
Assess your roof space and how much sunlight your home receives.
Determine the average system size in your area to estimate the required system size (or use our solar calculator for an estimate).
Check the wattage of the shingles you plan to purchase.
Divide the required wattage of your system by the wattage of the solar shingles.
The average U.S. home typically requires a solar system that generates 9,000 watts (or 9 kilowatts) to fully offset its utility bills. Based on the price of solar shingles, which range from $3.50 to $8.00 per watt, a 9,000-watt solar shingle installation would cost between $31,500 and $72,000.
The table below provides a quick overview of average solar roof costs by state, assuming you use the typical amount of electricity for your area, consider the solar irradiance for your state, and pay the average price for solar roof shingles.
State Average Solar Roof Cost
Alabama
$51,336
Alaska
$22,536
Arizona
$41,538
Arkansas
$41,844
California
$23,976
Colorado
$31,680
Connecticut
$31,410
Delaware
$34,844
Florida
$41,952
Georgia
$43,428
Hawaii
$22,374
Idaho
$39,120
Illinois
$30,960
Indiana
$41,724
Iowa
$39,636
Kansas
$34,560
Kentucky
$40,392
Louisiana
$50,850
Maine
$26,208
Maryland
$40,440
Massachusetts
$29,016
Michigan
$30,408
Minnesota
$34,560
Mississippi
$45,126
Missouri
$39,312
Montana
$34,776
Nebraska
$44,730
Nevada
$36,480
New Hampshire
$29,406
New Jersey
$28,308
New Mexico
$28,980
New York
$27,456
North Carolina
$40,446
North Dakota
$41,448
Ohio
$34,452
Oklahoma
$44,088
Oregon
$37,392
Pennsylvania
$33,252
Rhode Island
$26,496
South Carolina
$43,164
South Dakota
$39,186
Tennessee
$46,224
Texas
$43,884
Utah
$30,240
Vermont
$25,848
Virginia
$44,220
Washington
$20,520
West Virginia
$44,352
Wisconsin
$27,888
Wyoming
$35,532
However, don’t let these figures discourage you. Remember, your solar shingles don’t have to power your entire home.
Having a roof that generates any amount of clean energy can significantly reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint, making it much more impactful than a traditional asphalt roof.
Factors That Go Into Solar Roof Shingle Pricing
Solar panel shingles are primarily priced based on wattage, which significantly impacts the total installation cost of your solar roof. There are other considerations worth discussing.
Type of Solar Shingle
Solar shingles often utilize the same semiconductor materials as most thin-film solar panels, typically copper indium gallium selenide, which generally has an efficiency of 12-14%.
In contrast, most standard residential solar panels are made of monocrystalline silicon, which boasts efficiency closer to 20%. While some monocrystalline solar shingles are available, expect to pay significantly more for them.
Additionally, some brands offer various solar shingles, including solar tiles and solar glass roofs, which may vary in pricing.
Solar Shingle Manufacturer or Brand
Different solar brands come with diverse costs. For example, a Tesla Solar Roof can be around $70,000, but you'll be paying for some of the highest efficiency solar tiles available. If budget is your primary concern, considering a brand like SunTegra may be a better fit.
While not all solar companies offer BIPV, here are a few that do:
Since a significant portion of your total cost will go toward materials, the brand you choose plays a crucial role in final pricing. You'll see material costs in your quote that include:
- The solar shingles themselves
- Wiring to connect the shingles to your electrical panel
- An inverter to convert DC solar power to usable AC electricity
- Conduit to protect your wiring
- Mounting hardware
Basic Labor Cost and Time to Complete Solar Shingles Roof Installation
Labor costs will vary among installers, usually charged by the hour. This means the longer the roofers take to complete your solar installation, the more you'll pay for labor. Typical labor includes:
- Removing existing roof shingles
- Replacing underlayment, if necessary
- Installing mounting brackets for the solar shingles
- Mounting the solar shingles
- Wiring the shingles in series
- Running conduit from the new solar roof to the electrical panel
- Connecting the panels in series to your electrical panel
- Installing an inverter to convert DC solar power to usable AC electricity
Labor costs can vary by location, even for the same national installer.
Pro tip: Solar shingles represent newer technology, so not all roofing contractors have extensive experience installing them. Inexperienced contractors may take longer, thus increasing labor costs. It's advisable to find a contractor with a background in solar shingles to keep labor expenses down.
While solar roofs are still relatively new, roofing professionals are increasingly recognizing their benefits.
“I am very enthusiastic about the potential of solar roofs,” said Marty Ford, Shingle Master and President of Bullet Proof Roof Systems. “[Solar roofs] can help lower your energy bills and enhance a home’s self-sufficiency. This technology holds significant potential, and I look forward to entering the industry soon.”
Removing Your Current Roof and Dump Fees
Unless constructing a new home, your solar roof installer must remove your existing roof, which adds to your costs. There's no standard removal fee, as it varies depending on the company, the type of roofing material, and the complexity of the removal.
Most roofers charge extra for roof disposal.
Size and Complexity of Your Roof
Larger roofs will require more materials and longer labor times, leading to higher overall costs compared to smaller roofs.
Installers will also consider the complexity of your roof. If your roof is particularly steep, tiered, or has many obstructions (chimneys, skylights, ventilation systems, etc.), expect additional installation charges.
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Pros and Cons of Installing Solar Roof Shingles
Here’s a quick overview of the advantages and disadvantages of installing solar roof shingles:
Pros of Installing Solar Shingles
Cons of Installing Solar Shingles
Combines the benefits of solar panels and roofing in one installation
More cost-effective than a standard roof replacement
More attractive than traditional solar panels
Weather-resistant and durable
Have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years
Backed by solid 25-year warranties
Can be paired with solar batteries, like the Tesla Powerwall, for backup energy during storms or outages
Among the most expensive roofing materials available
Typically less efficient compared to traditional solar panels
Not suitable for all roof types
Limited availability among solar companies
Shorter lifespan compared to some roofing materials like metal, clay, or slate
Cannot be installed by DIY methods
Local roofing companies may not provide repairs or maintenance for solar roofs
Overall, it's generally more financially advantageous to install solar panels rather than opting for solar roof shingles. A typical solar array will cost about 20% less than a solar shingle installation.
However, several key considerations come into play. Many homeowners prefer solar shingles due to the aesthetics, finding them sleeker and more modern compared to traditional solar panels. This investment might be worthwhile if aesthetics are your priority.
Additionally, solar shingles pose a lower risk of roof leaks, so it’s possible that over time, the cost savings might counterbalance the higher initial investment if poorly installed traditional panels lead to water damage.
Ultimately, the choice between solar shingles and panels is yours. Just keep in mind the higher expense associated with shingles, which likely means they are only worth it if you value a more attractive solar installation over minimizing costs.
Lifetime and Durability of Solar Roof Shingles
While solar shingles are still relatively new technology, almost all installers offer warranties of at least 25 years, suggesting they can last at least that long.
For instance, Tesla Solar provides a 25-year warranty covering design defects and weather damage, in addition to a module warranty that ensures a power output of at least 95% during the first five years, decreasing by no more than 0.05% over the subsequent 20 years.
Despite this 25-year warranty, Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, has claimed that the solar roof could last 30 years.
CertainTeed also offers a 25-year warranty covering installation workmanship and product, but only a 12-year warranty for inverters, and 10 years for weather damage.
It's important to note that solar roof shingles may not last as long as most other roofing materials. While they deliver savings on electric bills during their lifetime, they will need replacement more frequently.
Roof Material Average Roof Lifespan
Asphalt Shingles 10 to 30 years
Clay 50 to 100 years
Metal 50 to 100 years
Slate 50 to 100 years
Solar Shingles 15 to 30 years
Wood 15 to 20 years
Are Solar Shingles Environmentally Friendly?
Installing solar shingles not only reduces your electric bills but also diminishes your carbon footprint. Reducing environmental impact is one of the top reasons homeowners choose solar panels.
The average U.S. household generates about 7.5 tons of CO2 equivalents annually. Transitioning to a clean energy source like solar roof shingles can substantially decrease your family's dependence on electricity from natural gas, coal, or nuclear power plants.
However, not all homes can feasibly accommodate solar shingles. If you're looking for an alternative eco-friendly roofing option, consider switching to a metal roof. Comparatively, metal roofs are more energy-efficient and can result in energy savings of up to 30% during cooling seasons.
Financing Your New Solar Roof Shingles
Although solar roof shingles represent one of the pricier roofing options, they yield the highest return on investment (ROI). Fortunately, several financial incentives are available for homeowners who install solar shingles.
- Federal tax credit: Installing a solar roof qualifies homeowners for the federal solar tax credit equal to 30% of their total installation cost.
- State tax credits: Some states provide tax credits similar to the federal offering, which together can significantly lower the installation costs.
- Solar loans: Many solar installers offer in-house loans, but these are also available from banks and other third-party lenders.
- Insurance reductions: Due to the durability of solar shingles compared to asphalt, you may be able to obtain a reduction in your homeowner's insurance plan.
The ROI of Your Solar Roof Shingles
Numerous studies indicate that solar panels can increase home value, and many of these surveys considered traditional, bulky solar panels—which are less visually appealing than solar shingles.
This means you can expect a higher ROI for installing solar roof shingles in comparison to conventional solar panels.
According to Remodeling Costs, BIPV solar shingles can generate an ROI between 50% and 80%, depending on style and installation type. For a $30,000 installation, you could see an increase in home value between $15,000 and $24,000. Alternatively, if you choose a high-end $70,000 Tesla solar roof, your home’s value may rise by around $35,000 to $56,000.
Costs of Maintenance and Repairs for Solar Roof Shingles
Due to the complexity of PV equipment involved with solar roof systems, you usually can’t rely on your neighborhood contractor for repair estimates as you might in other scenarios. Exceptions arise if there are non-solar panels requiring maintenance, or if you need emergency roofing repairs beyond regular hours.
Fortunately, most solar shingle installers provide a 25-year warranty covering repair and maintenance expenses, so you should face minimal costs for upkeep or repairs.
Before installation, it's essential to discuss with your solar roofing installer what warranty provisions cover repairs or maintenance.
Costs of Cleaning Your Solar Shingles
Limited cost data exists for cleaning solar roof shingles, as they remain a newer option. However, the average cost for cleaning solar panel systems falls between $300 and $600.
Typically, it’s advised to have solar panels cleaned annually, although the frequency may vary based on your location and the types of environmental elements you face. The most common cleaning method involves water, although newer technologies are evolving towards waterless solutions.
Rain and snow can act as natural cleaners for solar panels, helping wash away dirt and debris. However, the smoothness of the solar glass may lead to excess debris accumulating in your gutters, so it’s wise to consider durable gutter guards alongside your solar roof installation.
Are Solar Roof Shingles Worth the Cost?
While the price of installing solar panels has dropped significantly over the years, solar roof shingles remain a more expensive option compared to standard panels.
Nonetheless, if you're a suitable candidate for solar panels and an installation company advises a new roof is necessary, opting for solar roof shingles may be a wise decision over paying for both a roof replacement and a separate solar panel installation.
Remember that transitioning to solar is an investment that will lead to long-term energy savings. Additionally, solar roof shingles offer a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to conventional solar panels, both enhancing your energy cost savings and increasing your home's value. If you're still unsure about shingles but wish to incorporate solar energy into your new roof, installing both simultaneously represents the best approach.
Going solar also qualifies you for numerous financial incentives that can help mitigate the costs associated with installing solar shingles.
The cost information presented here is derived from thorough research, using data from various industry resources. The average cost per watt per state is calculated from sources such as Consumer Affairs, Energy Sage, and Berkeley Lab's Electricity Markets & Policy Department, along with monthly energy consumption and average electricity costs sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Solar shingles are an alternative to traditional photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, and many believe they could shape the future of renewable electricity for both homes and businesses.
If you're curious about what solar shingles are, how to obtain them, and whether they are worth the investment, this comprehensive guide addresses these questions.
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What are solar shingles?
Solar shingles, also known as solar tiles, solar roofs, or solar roofing, resemble traditional roof tiles but function like solar panels, converting sunlight into electricity. These shingles can replace some or all of the roofing materials on a home with these discreet, electricity-generating devices.
Many recognize solar shingles through the Tesla Solar Roof product, which gained attention when Elon Musk unveiled them. Recently, competitors like GAF Energy have emerged with products such as the Timberline Solar panel, which installs like regular roofing material, eliminating the need for specialized solar power expertise.
Essentially a combination of thin-film solar panels and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), solar shingles represent an exciting innovation in residential renewable energy. Homeowners can install solar shingles and potentially save on long-term electricity costs through renewable power.
Talk to Palmetto about going solar today.
Solar Shingles vs Solar Panels
Solar shingles and solar panels may share many similarities, such as harnessing sunlight to produce electricity and qualifying homeowners for solar tax credits upon installation. Both technologies are designed for long-term durability, with modern panels and solar roofs expected to last 25 years or more.
However, there are critical differences between solar panels and solar tiles:
- Solar shingles are significantly thinner than traditional solar panels.
- Solar panels can be ground-mounted, while shingles must always be mounted on roofs.
- Solar shingles integrate into building materials, whereas panels install atop existing roofing.
When deciding between a new solar roof and a traditional solar panel system, the costs, availability, and value are highly tailored to specific locations and customers. Below are pros and cons of solar shingles versus rigid solar panels to help you determine the best option for your property.
Advantages of A Solar Roof
In recent years, the emergence of various manufacturers has sparked ongoing improvements in the efficiency and durability of solar shingles and solar roofing products. Compared to standard solar panels, building-integrated solar tiles offer two primary advantages: aesthetics and dual functionality.
Low Profile: While both technologies help reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions, some homeowners feel that solar panels are unattractive. While opinions on the appearance of black and blue solar panels may vary, solar shingles provide a more familiar roofing aesthetic, resulting in a less invasive installation. Sleek, modern, and advanced, solar shingles certainly win the aesthetic competition against traditional solar panels.
2-in-1 Functionality: More importantly, solar shingles offer dual functionality as both a building material and an electricity-generating device. Although solar shingles generally come at a premium, this price does not account for the costs related to roofing materials. Homeowners can potentially save by replacing an old roof while adding solar shingles simultaneously.
Disadvantages of A Solar Roof
Despite the growing excitement for solar shingles, the technology still faces challenges compared to PV solar panels. However, with ongoing advancements expected over the next several years, many disadvantages may be mitigated.
Cost: Unless factoring in the expenses of a new roof, solar shingle installations are usually pricier than solar panels, leading to higher upfront costs and slower ROI. Installing a solar shingle system can cost between $60,000 and $75,000, significantly more than a similar solar panel system. In some cases, a solar shingle installation can come in cheaper than replacing a standard roof and installing a solar energy system—timing is crucial.
Availability: No matter how appealing a solar roof may seem, the availability of high-quality installations remains quite limited. Tesla paused solar roof installations due to supply chain issues, and other manufacturers are also struggling with deployment due to local installer shortages. Consequently, those looking for solar shingles may encounter extended wait times.
Power Efficiency: Due to the reduced surface area and depth for absorbing and converting sunlight into electricity, solar roofing tiles typically operate less efficiently than solar panels. Currently, the average efficiency for home solar panels hovers around 15% to 20% and higher, while solar shingle efficiency tends to be lower. This means that more roof space is essential for installing solar tiles than for conventional panels.
Installation Flexibility: Unlike traditional solar panels, solar shingles are designed to replace roofing materials, limiting installation flexibility. While solar panels can be mounted on nearly any roof type and angled for optimal power generation, solar shingles can only be installed on compatible roof types for specific models.
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Solar Tiles vs Thin-Film Solar Panels
While "true solar shingles" are directly integrated into your roof, some companies may also market thin-film or flexible solar panels as less invasive alternatives to rigid PV panels.
In such cases, your thin-film or flexible solar shingles could be merely overlaid on your existing roofing materials, lacking the dual functionality of built-in roofs. This lessens one of the primary advantages of solar roofing as compared to conventional PV panels.
Solar Shingle Installation: Total Replacement vs. Partial Integration
When purchasing a solar roof, homeowners can consider two installation types: total replacement or partial integration.
During a comprehensive solar roof replacement, every element of your new roofing generates electricity for your home. Although this generates significant power, a full roof replacement confines homeowners to a single system size. This might be too costly or insufficient to meet a home's energy demands.
Alternatively, with partial building integration, solar shingles or tiles are designed to seamlessly blend with existing (or newly added) materials. Here, your roof would consist of both solar shingles and other materials, allowing you to meet your energy needs most effectively. This installation method allows homeowners to save money by omitting solar tiles from roof areas with less sun exposure or lower energy generation potential.
Top Solar Shingle Manufacturers
In the current market, American homeowners can select from several well-known solar shingle manufacturers. Emerging from both cleantech and roofing sectors, here are some of the leading companies in the solar roofing scene:
As mentioned previously, securing a competent solar shingle contractor may be challenging in various regions of the country. Therefore, even if you can obtain shingles directly from a manufacturer, finding a qualified local installer with appropriate experience may be difficult.
As different makes and models utilize various mounting and interconnection methods, some manufacturers, like GAF Energy, are striving to simplify the installation process. They've asserted that their new Timberline Solar product can be installed by any roofer using a nail gun.
However, unless you possess both roofing expertise and electrician qualifications, we strongly recommend consulting a professional before attempting a DIY installation of solar shingles.
Is Solar Roofing the Future of Home Solar?
Under ideal circumstances, solar shingles are an excellent choice for homeowners aiming to install renewable energy while replacing their roof. The dual functionality of a smart solar roof utilizing building-integrated photovoltaics allows homeowners to generate green energy without compromising aesthetic appeal.
Unfortunately, price and availability remain significant barriers to the rapid adoption of solar shingles in the United States. Thus, many homeowners may discover that investing in traditional solar panels can often be quicker, less expensive, and easier to accomplish.
Regardless of where you are in your solar journey, Palmetto can provide assistance in finding trustworthy products and contractors. To begin, request a Free Solar Design and Savings Estimate today to see how much you could save by going solar.
About the Author
Cory O'Brien
Senior Director - Growth Marketing
Cory brings over 8 years of solar expertise to Palmetto and enjoys sharing that knowledge with those eager to reduce their carbon footprint. A dog lover residing in Asheville, NC, with his wife, Cory graduated from UCSB. If you run into him, ask him about the beer rating and review company he founded!
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