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Written by Faith Foushee/
Edited by Jamie Cesanek /
Last updated 03/05/2024
Solar shingles are a great option for you if you want to upgrade your home with a sustainable energy solution but don’t like the appearance of rooftop solar panels. Solar roof shingles are solar panels that resemble traditional asphalt shingles. By installing solar roof shingles, you can reduce your energy bills and contribute to a greener environment. Learn more about solar shingles, how they work, and their benefits.
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*Due to testing limitations, our team does not have firsthand experience with solar shingles. However, the facts and reviews explained on SaveOnEnergy.com come from proprietary data, solar pricing from Berkeley Lab, and extensive research by our in-house team. We are confident in our product reviews and guidelines for our valued readers through analysis from these sources.
Learn more about the top solar shingles and product details. Your energy goals and preferences for efficiency and durability can help determine the best solar shingles for you.
| Manufacturer | Size (LxW) | Efficiency | Warranty | Wattage per shingle/tile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CertainTeed Solstice® Shingles | 46” x 13-⅝” | 19.85% | 25-year limited power output warranty, 10-year warranty for inverter and other components, 10-year 110 mph limited wind warranty, 5-year warranty for communication hardware | 70W |
| Luma Solar Roof Shingles | 52.5” x 14.65” | 22.1% | 25-year limited power warranty at 80%; 5-year limited product warranty | 80W |
| SunTegra Solar Roof | 52” x 16 ⅞” | 15.1% | 25-year limited power; 10-year limited product warranty | 70W |
| Tesla Solar Roof | 17” x 45” | Not specified | 25-year tile and power warranty | 12W |
| Timberline Solar Roof | 64 ¼” x 17 ⅛” | 22.6% | 25 years for defects that cause leaks, 15-year wind warranty, 25-year power production warranty | 45W |
The CertainTeed Solstice® solar shingles are designed with 14 all-black monocrystalline cells, each providing 70 watts of power. These solar shingles come with a standard 25-year limited-power warranty. Additionally, they are equipped with water channels to guard against leaks. They are suitable for both new construction and roof replacement projects. CertainTeed solar shingles only work with asphalt shingle roofs, so wood, metal, or tile roof owners may want to look elsewhere for compatible products.
| Headquarters | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 1904, started manufacturing solar roof shingles in 2010 |
| Where to buy | Locate a solar distributor on CertainTeed’s website. |
| What we like | 25-year warranty for shingles and quality of work, water-tight solar roof shingle installation, warrantied for winds up to 110 mph. |
| What to consider | Only works with asphalt shingles. |
Luma Solar offers a solar shingle featuring a power inverter for convenient mobile app energy consumption monitoring. Luma shingles deliver 80 watts of power, the highest wattage on our list. The shingles can withstand high winds, including hurricane-force gusts. Luma shingles have a 25-year limited power warranty and a 5-year limited product warranty. Review the full Luma Solar spec sheet for more details.
| Headquarters | Michigan |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 2007 |
| Where to buy | Submit a request for Luma solar shingles on the company website. |
| What we like | Miami-Dade Hurricane Rating: Class 5+, defined as sustained winds greater than 155 mph. Works with all roofing materials. |
| What to consider | The 5-year limited product warranty is shorter than competitors. |
SunTegra solar tiles are installed without racking for a sleek appearance on your roof. The tile’s lightweight design needs 50% fewer parts than conventional solar. The quick installation design may let you avoid extra building permits. SunTegra provides two types of solar shingles: SunTegra Tile and SunTegra Shingle. The Tile system accommodates roofs with concrete tiles, while the Shingle system tailors to work seamlessly with asphalt shingle roofs. These solar roof products have a 25-year performance and a 10-year product warranty.
| Headquarters | New York |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 2013 |
| Where to buy | Fill out a form on the company website for a SunTegra solar roof shingles quote. |
| What we like | Uses integrated wiring for a quick installation. Performs in extreme weather including snow, wind, and fire. |
| What to consider | Lower efficiency than other solar energy roofing systems on the market. SunTegra works with flat concrete tile roofing. |
The Tesla solar roof replaces your existing roof with identical monocrystalline solar and non-solar tiles. The tiles are made of tempered glass and steel, with the glass tiles producing energy and the steel to match aesthetically. Backed by a 25-year limited warranty. These shingles have an ASTM D3161 Class F wind rating, which means they can withstand winds up to 110 mph. The Tesla solar roof also has a Class A fire rating, which means they are least likely to spread fire rapidly (similar to standard home-building materials).
| Headquarters | Texas |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 2003 |
| Where to buy | Receive a quote for the Tesla solar roof on the company’s website. |
| What we like | Tesla solar roof blends seamlessly with asphalt shingle roofing. Mobile app for real-time system monitoring. |
| What to consider | You may be on a waitlist for production and installation. Roof tear-off may be an added cost. |
Timberline Solar shingles are specifically designed for quick and easy installation. Like the Tesla solar roof, the Timberline shingle replaces your roof. Therefore, the overall price is higher since you get two products: a new energy-efficient roof and solar technology. These waterproof shingles are the largest single-unit shingle and can withstand winds up to 110 mph. Timberline Solar shingles come with a 25-year product and solar output warranty and a 15-year warranty against winds up to 130 miles per hour.
| Headquarters | California |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 2019 |
| Where to buy | Submit a request on the GAF Energy website. |
| What we like | The highest efficiency of other solar roof tiles on our list. |
| What to consider | Lower wattage means more tiles installed. |
You can significantly lower your energy costs by investing in solar panels. Enter some basic information below and we’ll provide an instant, free estimate of solar cost and savings for your home.
Options for solar roof tiles and shingles are limited as this product is less common than traditional solar panels. To compare the quality of the top solar shingles in 2024, we looked at the following features:
Solar shingles and panels convert the sun’s rays into usable energy for your home and share other similarities. Both options qualify for the federal tax credit and can increase your property value. Additionally, you can choose how many shingles or panels you install based on your energy goals. If you only want to cover a portion of your usage, you can install fewer solar panels or shingles versus a homeowner who wants to cover their entire usage.
The following compares the differences between solar roof shingles and panels.
Solar shingles and solar tiles are similar, and these terms are sometimes used interchangeably. However, solar roof tiles are larger in size than shingles. Some shingles sit on top of your existing roof, while others replace it. Both tiles and shingles are visually appealing, energy-efficient solar roof options.
Solar shingles work like standard solar panels. The shingles or tiles use a photovoltaic (PV) system to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity through a solar inverter. If you’re interested in solar panels for your home, consider the advantages and disadvantages of solar.
For example, solar shingles or tiles might be a great fit if your roof needs repairs or replacement. Solar shingles that serve as a roof and as a solar system let you replace your roof and get the benefits of renewable solar energy all at once, saving time and money.
According to Modernize, the average cost of solar shingles is between $63,000 and $75,000, which is higher than the average cost of standard solar panels. Based on Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory data, U.S. solar panels cost $31,558 on average. Brands like Tesla tend to be more expensive; however, they serve a double purpose as a roof and solar system. The price for solar shingles or tiles will depend on your home’s size and energy use.
Yes. The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit offsets the total cost by 30%, reducing the average range of a solar roof to $44,100–$52,500. Additional incentives and rebates may be available in your area to reduce costs.
Solar roof shingles and solar tiles are worth it if you are concerned about the look of solar panels on your home but still want the benefits of solar energy. HOAs may be more likely to approve solar shingles and tiles because they resemble a traditional roof.
Yes. The slope or angle of the roof matters, but it is not variable. Solar roof tiles will always be at the angle of the roof. On the other hand, the angle of conventional solar panels can be modified for efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, solar panels are most efficient when facing south and tilted between 15 and 40 degrees.
Yes. does not affect solar roof shingles; accumulated snow may block the sun’s rays.
The Tesla Solar Roof is available throughout the U.S. but may be unavailable for some addresses. Check your home’s serviceability by entering your address on Tesla’s website for a solar roof estimate.
Possibly. Some solar roof tile manufacturers do not require a new roof because they are installed on top of your existing roof. If your roof is old and damaged, it may need maintenance or repairs before solar roof shingle installation. However, some solar shingle systems, like the Tesla Solar Roof, will replace your current roof material.