Solar shingles: Everything you need to know

You don't have to install solar panels on your roof to go solar – solar shingles are an innovative solar technology that can help you save on your energy bills like traditional solar panels. We'll review the key differences between solar shingles, also called solar roof tiles, and their solar panel counterparts. We'll also weigh the pros and cons of a solar shingle installation.

Solar shingles are smaller photovoltaic panels designed to look and perform like traditional roofing materials such as asphalt and produce electricity generated by the sun. Solar shingles use the same technology as conventional solar panels but are the same size and shape as roof shingles.

How are solar panels and solar shingles similar?

1. Photovoltaic technology 

All solar panels and shingles are paired with solar inverters and connected to the power grid. They harness energy from the sun to supply clean energy to homes and businesses. Whether you install standard solar panels or shingles, you'll generate renewable energy right at home, lower your carbon footprint, and save money on your electricity bills.

2. Incentives

Solar shingle installations are usually eligible for the same rebates and incentives as traditional solar panel systems, such as the 30% federal solar tax credit and most state and local rebates.

3. Net metering policies

All building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems (aka solar shingles and tiles) are subject to the same rules as solar panels, allowing you to send excess electricity they produce to your utility for credit on your electric bill.

How are solar shingles and solar panels different?

1. Cost

Solar panels are generally significantly less expensive than solar shingles – that's because there are fewer solar shingle brands on the market, and they're generally more expensive to install (although this can depend on the brand you choose, the complexity of your roof, and if your roof replacing). 

Generally, the price per square foot of your solar shingle system will depend on how much your roof includes solar shingles vs. regular roofing material. While you won't cover your entire roof with solar shingles, the number you have can vary significantly based on the size of your roof and how much electricity you consume. Read more about one well-known solar shingle brand in our analysis of Tesla's Solar Roof vs. traditional solar panels.

2. Efficiency

Solar shingles use the same technology as solar panels but are often less energy-efficient. There's typically less airflow under solar shingles than traditional rack-mounted solar panels, meaning they don't cool as well, decreasing efficiency. The size of your roof may offset this problem: the larger the roof, the more solar shingles you can install, and efficiency becomes less of an issue.

3. Flexibility

Solar shingles are designed to replace or overlay standard asphalt shingles. On the other hand, solar panels can be affixed to almost any type of roof, from traditional asphalt to metal to tile.

Solar roof shingles are an exciting product with a few key advantages over traditional solar panels: their aesthetics and potential cost advantage when considering a roof replacement.

Durability

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that solar shingles can be more durable than regular shingles made of asphalt. Some manufacturers even claim that their solar shingles can withstand extreme weather and are fire-resistant. They're also lighter, making them ideal for homes that can't support a lot of roof weight.

Aesthetics

Most people are interested in solar shingles because of their appearance; if you're concerned about putting bulkier solar panels on top of your roof, solar shingles might be for you. Products like the Tesla Solar Roof are much sleeker than traditional panels and easily blend in with your roof.

Cost-competitive with a roof replacement

You may have to replace your roof before installing solar panels, especially towards the end of its useful life. When you install solar shingles, you're also getting a brand-new, more durable roof as part of the deal. And in some cases, this can be almost as cost-effective as installing solar panels and building a new roof to go along with them. This isn't always the case, but a solar shingle installation can be a good choice for older homes needing roof repairs or a new roof installation.

With any disruptive product comes some downsides, and solar shingles are no exception. The major downsides for solar shingles are pricing, availability, roof type limitations, and energy production capabilities. Considering these advantages and disadvantages is essential when deciding if solar tiles or solar panels are better for your property.

It's also important to remember that solar shingle companies may have different prices. Solar shingles have only been around since 2005. Because the technology is relatively new, there isn't a lot of data to indicate whether they have as long of a lifespan as traditional solar panels. Depending on where you live, finding a contractor that installs solar roof shingles can also be challenging.

Price

We'll get to the biggest sticking point for solar shingles: They're expensive. Check out our analysis on the Tesla Solar Roof vs. traditional solar panels for a more in-depth look at pricing differences. In just about every case, solar shingles cost more than solar panels. This gap will likely shrink over time, but as long as solar shingles remain a relatively uncommon product, they will likely remain the pricier option. In some cases, depending on the brand, you may find that if your roof needs to be replaced, the cost of a solar roof is comparable to a roof replacement and new solar panels.

Availability

Aside from the much-hyped Tesla Solar Roof, several companies have announced and even started installing their own solar roof products. But, in many cases, these options have rolled out very slowly and in limited geographies. Solar shingles are just not being produced at a large scale yet, and as such, they're often very hard to install – which is why roofers usually complete installations. Some customers have been on waiting lists for years, and there's not necessarily an end in sight. However, some brands, like CertainTeed, are now available nationwide and don't currently have a waitlist.

Roof limitations

Most shingle products are made to replace standard asphalt tile roofing, and some brands have alternative options for other roof materials, like tiles. Solar panels can be mounted on just about any roof type, from asphalt to metal, making them a more flexible option for homeowners. Solar panels are ideal for an existing roof, while solar shingles are better suited for new constructions or replacing your roof.

Efficiency and energy production

Solar panel technology has matured significantly in the past decade, and panels these days can have efficiencies of over 22% or 23% in some cases. Solar shingles sacrifice efficiency and energy production for their sleek aesthetics, and most shingle brands have 14% to 18% efficiencies. If you have a large enough roof, this won't be a problem for you, but if your roof is small and you use a lot of electricity, solar shingles may not provide enough solar energy.

While more limited than traditional solar panels, several companies make solar shingle products. Many companies offering solar shingles also offer conventional roofing as a product. Here are a few of the top competitors in this emerging space:

Tesla Solar Roof

Image credit: Tesla

You've probably heard of the Tesla Solar Roof, either from Elon Musk's Twitter account or reading an article like our complete product overview. It's the most talked about solar roof tile product but has yet to live up to the hype. Though the Tesla Solar Roof is now technically available nationwide, homeowners in some locations still can't get quotes. In November 2022, Electrek reported that Tesla was canceling many Solar Roof installations nationwide and closing its market in a few key areas, including the greater Los Angeles area, Northern California, Oregon, and Florida.

CertainTeed

Image credit: CertainTeed

CertainTeed Solar is a roofing company that also offers solar shingles. In 2023, CertainTeed released its new Solstice Series, which includes a 70 W solar shingle. The Solstice shingle blends in with standard asphalt shingles, is easy to install as part of a new roof, and is available nationwide.

GAF Energy

Image credit: GAF Energy

GAF Energy's Timberline Solar roofing system offers sleek, recessed shingles that integrate with your roof. Very cost-effective, the Timberline solar roofing system provides another significant advantage over others in the market. According to the manufacturer, the Timberline can be attached using only a nail gun, making it a significantly cheaper solar solution than the Tesla Solar Roof, which requires a complicated installation.

HanTiles

Image credit: Hanergy

Hanergy, a Chinese thin-film solar provider, announced their glass HanTiles system in 2019, and we're still waiting for it to launch in the United States. Their product is a wavy, glass solar tile that replaces your existing roofing material, much like the Tesla Solar Roof tiles. One of the most significant selling points for HanTiles is the design; with various styles, this solar roofing system satisfies the demand for an aesthetically pleasing yet efficient solar system.

SunTegra 

Image credit: SunTegra

Somewhere between solar panels and solar shingles are SunTegra's solar shingles, a low-profile solar option that looks like a roof tile-shaped solar panel. However, they do still replace roof tiles. Post-installation, your roof will likely be part SunTegra tiles and part regular roof tiles.

LUMA Solar

Image credit: LUMA Solar

LUMA is a luxury solar roofing company that enables you to upgrade your current roof to include solar shingles. Their shingles install like traditional metal roofing and boast efficiencies comparable to solar panels at 22.1%. With their solar shingles, LUMA has a five-year limited product warranty and a limited power warranty that guarantees 80% of original output at year 25.

Typically, two types of solar cells make solar shingles: CIGS cells and monocrystalline silicon cells. CIGS cells are made of copper indium gallium selenide. These thin and flexible solar shingles have a high conversion efficiency. The other type, monocrystalline silicon cells, is a natural semiconductor in many traditional solar panels. They, too, have a high-efficiency rate and are typically more expensive than CIGS cells.

The simple answer to this question is that it depends. When deciding between solar panels and solar shingles for a solar system installation, there are a lot of factors to consider. Solar roof tiles are becoming increasingly popular for aesthetic reasons. They can be a good roofing option for property owners, subject to homeowners' association (HOA) regulations. Because solar shingles are thin and lie flat on the roof, they look more like a standard rooftop. However, they lack much of the trustworthiness of traditional solar panels, which often offer 25-year warranties.

From availability in your area to the present condition of your roof, deciding on a solar system is truly unique to each property and homeowner or business owner considering making the switch. If you're interested in solar shingles, you'll want to consider these two key factors:

1. Solar shingles cost more, but they are more aesthetically pleasing than solar panels.

2. Solar tiles aren't as efficient as solar panels, but they can still generate enough electricity to cover 40% to 70% of your electricity costs.

What are the costs of solar shingles vs. solar panels?

Solar shingles may be a more cost-effective solution in some cases, such as new construction or replacing a roof. However, solar panels are almost always cheaper for existing roofs.

Can solar shingles power a house?

This depends on how much power can be generated by the solar shingles, the size of the home, and your energy consumption. If a solar roof is exposed to enough sunlight to meet the needs of a household, then yes, solar shingles can technically power a house.

Are solar shingles a good idea?

The choice to get solar shingles depends on many factors. Solar shingles are a more cost-effective choice in some cases, and solar panels might be a better option in other situations. For example, solar shingles may be the more attractive choice if it's time to replace your roof. 

How long do solar shingles last?

Like solar panels, solar shingles are designed to last for many years – on average, 25-30 years.

Can solar panels be used as a roof?

Solar panels are not designed to replace a traditional roof. While they can be fitted to a roof, homeowners can expect damage if a solar panel system is used as their primary roofing material. Additionally, homeowners can't do any construction or walk on solar panels that have been substituted for a traditional roof. Solar shingles allow for a little more flexibility without the risk of damage.

The best way to go solar is to compare your solar installation options in one place through EnergySage. Homeowners should register their property to get multiple quotes for a solar energy system and compare them side-by-side to understand their pros and cons. While many of our installers work with traditional PV panels, some may also be able to provide you with quotes for low-cost solar roof shingles as well.