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Oct. 28, 2024
If you are interested in adding solar panels to your new roof , solar shingles are a much more cost-effective option. With solar shingles, youll knock out the cost of a roof replacement and the cost of a renewable energy system with one combined price tag.
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Compared to traditional solar panels, solar shingles are much more aesthetically pleasing. They look like mini solar panels shaped in the form of traditional roof shingles, allowing homeowners to bypass the bulky appearance of standard photovoltaic (PV) panels.
The average cost of solar roof shingles ranges between $25,000 to $60,000 , or between $15 to $35 per square foot , for the average U.S. roof size of 1,700 square feet. The total cost will depend on the solar roof tile brand and the roofing contractor you choose for installation.
Though in recent years other solar companies have started to offer similar guarantees, ADT Solar has been at it since , performing over 30,000 installations across the country.
This is what ADT Solar refers to the manufacturer warranty as, and it ensures that any manufacturing defects are repaired or your ineffective panels replaced.
This covers any issues with the installation of your system and is also known as a workmanship warranty.
Also known as a performance guarantee, this ensures your solar system will produce the amount of electricity thats outlined in your proposal, or ADT will write you a check for the difference.
Its warranty coverage includes all of the following for 25 years:
ADT Solar sets the industry standard for warranty coverage by including a multifaceted guarantee, making it one of the top installers for homeowners who want added peace of mind.
In contrast, other installers can only offer similar financing through solar leases, PPAs or third-party providers (such as Mosaic or Sunlight). Third-party loan providers can complicate the process, while opting for a loan or PPA will disqualify you from some of solars biggest benefits (additional property value, federal solar tax credit and local solar incentives).
Eligible homeowners enjoy 18 months of solar power before having to pay their first bill. When coupled with the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), the initial energy savings can offset more than a third of the overall cost of a system before requiring a dollar down.
For that reason, Blue Raven Solar developed an innovative solar financing plan that offers in-house, flexible, zero-money-down options. The results speak for themselves, as Blue Raven Solar is now one of the fastest-growing solar companies in the nation and was recently acquired by SunPower. Its BluePower Plus+ plan (exclusive to Blue Raven) mimics the flexible structure of a lease while still providing the greatest benefits of owning your system.
We like Blue Raven Solar because it understands that, for most homeowners, the cost of solar presents the biggest barrier to entry.
SunPowers biggest downside? Its high-efficiency panels are considerably more expensive than most of its competitors products. However, its powerful panels are workhorses that make up for the initial cost with more backend production (think about this like spending more money for a car that gets more miles per gallon).
If that werent enough, SunPower systems come packaged with products all manufactured in-house by its sister company, Maxeon. This means that your panels, solar cells, inverters, battery and EV chargers are designed to work together and are all covered under the same warranty.
SunPower earns its position as the top national installer on our list for a handful of reasons: It installs the most efficient solar technology on the residential market, offers the most expansive service area and backs its installations with a warranty well above the industry standard. All the while, SunPower pioneers sustainability efforts within the industry.
SunPower designs and installs industry-leading residential solar and storage solutions across all 50 states. With a storied history of innovation dating back to , no other company on this list can match SunPowers experience and expertise.
Cost of Installing a Solar Shingle Roof
The overall cost for a solar shingle installation ranges between $25,000 to $60,000 for the average U.S. home, which comes out to around $15 to $35 per square foot.
But unlike regular shingles, shingles with solar cells a type of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology are priced per watt, not per square foot. The cost of a solar shingle ranges between $3.50 and $8.00 per watt depending on the brand. Compared to the average cost of solar panels $3.33 per watt in the U.S. solar shingles are significantly more expensive for a system with a similar output.
Most solar companies dont advertise pricing online, but market research shows the total cost of a solar shingle installation is typically 15%-25% higher compared to a traditional solar panel system installation. The national average solar panel installation costs roughly $30,000, which puts the national average solar shingle installation at around $36,000.
Of course, there are some outliers. For example, a Tesla Solar Roof may cost as much as $70,000 or more for full roof installation, while the budget-friendly SunTegra solar shingles may run closer to $20,000 for the entire roof.
While solar roof shingles cost substantially more than asphalt shingles, youll be producing your own electricity, therefore lowering your electric bills (or in some cases completely offsetting) by producing your own clean energy.
A solar roof is a great and obvious way to reduce energy use and has the added benefit of being environmentally friendly, said David Snyder, CEO of Nova Home Buyers, LLC.
If you go solar, youll also be eligible for solar financial incentives and rebates, like the 30% federal tax credit and net metering credits. Keep in mind that these are also available for solar panels, although the typical credit amount will be higher for solar shingles than it will for panels due to the cost difference.
You can expect an average credit value of around $8,991 (30% of the typical system cost of $29,970) for solar panels, while the credit should be closer to $10,789, with an average solar shingle installation cost of $35,964 before the credit.
How to Calculate the Cost of Your New Solar Roof Shingles
As discussed, BIPV solar shingles are priced per watt. So to calculate the cost of your solar shingle roof, youll need to know how much solar power you need to power your house.
The only way to know the exact cost of your solar roof is to get a professional estimate, but you can get a rough estimate yourself by walking through the follow the following steps:
Find out how much energy your home consumes (typically found on your energy bills)
Assess your roof space and the amount of sunlight your home receives
Figure out the average system size in your area to estimate necessary system size (you can also use our
solar calculator
to find an estimate)
Check the wattage of the shingles you intend to purchase
Divide the required wattage of your system by the solar panel wattage
The average U.S. home needs a solar system that produces 9,000 watts (or 9 kilowatts) to completely offset their utility bills. With the cost of solar shingles ranging between $3.50 and $8.00 per watt, a 9,000-watt solar shingle installation would range from $31,500 to $72,000.
The table below includes a quick look at average solar roof costs by state. These numbers assume you use the average amount of electricity for your area, see the typical solar irradiance for your state, and pay the average cost in your state 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
But dont let those numbers scare you. Remember, your solar shingles dont need to power your entire home.
Having a roof that produces any amount of clean energy can still significantly reduce your energy bills and your carbon footprint, making it much more impressive than a regular roof made of asphalt.
Factors That Go Into Solar Roof Shingle Pricing
Solar panel shingles are primarily priced based on watt, so that will have the biggest impact on the total installation cost of your solar roof. However, there are a few other considerations to discuss.
Solar shingles are often made from the same semiconductor material as most thin-film solar panels, which is copper indium gallium selenide. This material typically has 12-14% efficiency.
Most standard residential solar panels are instead made of monocrystalline silicon, which has efficiency closer to 20%. While there are some monocrystalline solar shingles, expect to shell out a lot more money for them.
Some brands also offer different variations of solar shingles that may be priced differently, including solar tiles and solar glass roofs.
Certain solar brands will cost more than others. For example, a Tesla Solar Roof may cost you $70,000, but youll be paying for the sleekest, highest-efficiency solar tiles in the market. If youre more concerned about budget, you may want to opt for a brand like SunTegra.
Not all solar companies offer BIPV, but here are a few that do:
CertainTeed Solar (Apollo shingles)
GAF Energy (Timberline Solar)
Luma Solar
SunTegra
Tesla Solar
Since the majority of your total will go toward the materials, the manufacturer you choose will play a massive role in your pricing. Youll see material costs for the following including in your quote:
Each solar installer will have varying labor costs, typically priced per hour. That also means the longer it takes the roofers to complete your solar roof installation, the more youll be paying for labor. The labor generally includes the following services:
Labor costs often vary by location, even for the same national installer.
Pro tip: Solar shingles are a new technology that not all roofing contractors have ample experience installing. Inexperienced contractors will take far more time to complete a solar shingles installation, therefore driving up labor costs. Try to find a contractor that has experience installing solar shingles if you want to keep labor costs low.
While solar roofs are still relatively new, roofing professionals have told EcoWatch that theyre catching on to the benefits.
I am very excited about the possibility of solar roofs, said Marty Ford, Shingle Master and President of Bullet Proof Roof Systems. [Solar roofs] can help to lower your energy bills and even make your home self-sufficient. I think this is a technology that has a lot of potentials, and I anticipate entering the field in the near future.
Unless youre building a new home, your solar roof installer will need to remove your existing roof, which will add to your installation cost. Theres no standard removal cost, as it will vary depending on the company, the type of roofing material and the difficulty of the removal.
Most roofers will have additional fees for roof disposal.
Obviously bigger roofs will require more material and longer labor times, therefore costing more than smaller roofs.
Roofers wont just take size, but also the complexity of your roof into consideration when factoring costs. If your roof is exceptionally steep, tiered or if it has a lot of obstructions (chimneys, skylights, ventilation systems etc), expect additional installation fees.
For more bipv solar roof tilesinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
Pros and Cons of Installing Solar Roof Shingles
Heres a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages of installing solar roof shingles:
Pros of Installing Solar Shingles Cons of Installing Solar ShinglesGet the benefit of solar panels and a roof with one quick installation
More cost effective than a standard roof replacement
More attractive than standard solar panels
Weather-resistant and durable
Have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years
Come with solid 25-year warranties
Can be paired with solar batteries, (like the
Tesla Powerwall
) for backup energy storage during storms or blackouts
One of the most expensive roofing materials
Typically less efficient compared to standard solar panels
Not compatible with every roof
Not many solar companies offer solar shingles
Lifespan is shorter compared to some roofing materials like metal, clay or slate
You cannot DIY install solar roof shingles
Cant reach out to local roofing companies for solar roof repairs or maintenance
Generally speaking, its still going to be much more financially beneficial to install solar panels than it will to opt for solar roof shingles. A typical solar array will cost around 20% less than installing solar roof shingles.
However, there are a few key considerations to make. First, many people choose solar shingles if they dont like the look of solar panels. Shingles are much sleeker and more modern, so the added investment might make sense for you if you prioritize aesthetics.
Solar shingles also have less of a chance of leading to roof leaks, so its possible you could end up paying less over time for solar roof shingles if a poor panel installation leads to expensive water damage in your home.
Ultimately, youll have to decide for yourself if solar shingles are right for you. Just remember that theyre more expensive than installing solar panels, so theyre likely only worth it if you value the appearance of your solar array over minimizing the cost.
Lifetime and Durability of Solar Roof Shingles
Solar shingles are still a relatively new technology, but almost all solar shingle roof installers offer at least a 25-year warranty, so its safe to assume solar roof shingles will last at least 25 years.
For example, Tesla Solar offers a 25-year warranty for its solar roof that protects against design defects and weather damage, as well as a module warranty that guarantees power output of at least 95% for the first five years and a decline by no more than .05% for the following 20 years.1
Despite the 25-year warranty, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has boasted that the solar roof will last 30 years.2
CertainTeed offers a 25-year warranty that covers installation workmanship and product, but only a 12-year warranty for the inverters and 10-year coverage for weather damage.
Its worth mentioning that solar roof shingles arent going to last as long as most other roof materials, so while they provide savings on your electric bills throughout theyre lifetime and are likely worthwhile in the long run, youll also have to replace them more often.
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 yearsAre Solar Shingles Environmentally Friendly?
Installing solar shingles will not only reduce your electric bills but also your carbon footprint. Helping the environment is one of the top reported reasons why homeowners get solar panels.
The average U.S. household produces a whopping 7.5 tons of CO2 equivalents per year.3 So switching to a clean energy alternative, like solar roof shingles, can significantly reduce your households reliance on electricity from natural gas, coal or a nuclear power plant.
Unfortunately, not all homes can accommodate solar shingles. If youre looking for another eco-friendly roofing material, consider switching to a metal roof. When comparing metal and asphalt shingles, metal is much more energy-efficient and can save you up to 30% on cooling costs.
Financing Your New Solar Roof Shingles
Solar roof shingles are one of the most expensive roofing materials, but yield the highest return on investment (ROI). Fortunately there are also some solar financial incentives available to homeowners who install solar shingles.
Installing a solar roof qualifies homeowners for the federal solar tax credit equal to 30% of their total solar roof installation cost.
Some states offer
tax credits similar to the one from the federal government. Combined, these tax credits can significantly reduce the cost of your solar shingle installation.
Most solar shingle roof installers offer in-house solar loans but theyre also available from banks and other third-party lenders.
Because solar glass is more durable than asphalt shingles, you may be able to secure a homeowners insurance reduction from your insurance company.
Multiple statistics prove solar panels increase home value, and most of those studies and surveys were conducted with traditional, bulky solar panels in mind the ones that are far less attractive compared to solar shingles.
That means you can expect a bigger ROI for installing solar roof shingles over solar panels.
According to Remodeling Costs, BIPV solar shingles produce an ROI between 50% and 80% depending on style and type of installation.4 For a $30,000 solar roof installation, youd be looking at a home value increase of between $15,000 and $24,000. Or if you opted for a high-end $70,000 Tesla Solar roof, your home increase would be closer to $35,000 to $56,000.
Costs of Maintenance and Repairs for Solar Roof Shingles
Because solar roof shingles involve complex PV equipment, you typically cant call your neighborhood company for roof repair quotes as you normally would. Although there are exceptions, like if the damaged panels are non-solar or if you need emergency roofing repair after hours.
The good news is that, as discussed, most solar shingle roof installers offer a 25-year warranty that covers repair and maintenance issues, so you shouldnt have many costs for maintaining and repairing your solar roof.
Be sure to speak with your solar roofing installer about what is and isnt covered under the warranty before installation.
Costs of Cleaning Your Solar Shingles
Theres very little cost data available for cleaning solar roof shingles, as theyre still a relatively new roofing option. But to get an idea, the average household pays between $300 and $600 for solar panel system cleaning.
Its typically recommended to clean solar panels once a year, although it could be more or less depending on where youre located and what type of elements youre facing. The most common way to clean a solar roof is with water, although new technology is changing the process of solar panel cleaning to become waterless.
Rain and snow also act as natural cleaners for solar panels, as water helps to keep them free of dirt and debris obstructions. However, the smoothness of the glass may also lead to a lot of debris in your gutters, so you may want to couple your solar roof installation with durable gutter guards.
Are Solar Roof Shingles Worth the Cost?
The cost of installing solar panels has dropped significantly, but solar roof shingles and tiles are still relatively new and, therefore, more expensive compared to standard panels.
However, if youre a good candidate for solar panels and a solar installation company tells you that youll need a new roof, it might be worth opting for solar roof shingles instead of paying for a roof replacement and a solar panel installation.
Remember that going solar is an investment that will lead to energy savings over time. Not to mention solar roof shingles look much more attractive compared to solar panels, so theyll save you on energy costs and increased home value. If you still arent sold on shingles but do want to have solar with your new roof, installing both at the same time is the best way to go.
Switching to solar also makes you eligible for several financial incentives that can help to lower the cost of your solar shingle installation.
The cost information presented in this article is derived from a comprehensive analysis, incorporating data from multiple industry sources. The average cost per watt per state was calculated based on figures from Consumer Affairs, Energy Sage, and Berkeley Labs Electricity Markets & Policy Department. Additionally, monthly energy consumption and the average monthly cost of electricity were sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, ensuring a well-rounded and accurate representation of the information presented.
Solar shingles are an alternative to traditional photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that some people believe could be the future of renewable electricity generation for homes and businesses.
If youre wondering what solar shingles are, how you can get them, and if they are worth it, we will examine the answers to all of those questions and more in this comprehensive guide.
Step 01
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My electric bill is
$290
/mo
Solar shingles, also known as solar tiles, solar roof, or solar roofing, are a product with the shape of traditional roof tiles and the functionality of solar panels, able to turn sunshine into electricity. Solar shingles can either partially or completely replace the materials on a home roof with subtle, electricity-generating devices.
Many people know of solar shingles from the Tesla Solar Roof product, which made headlines a few years back when Elon Musk debuted them on stage. More recently, companies like GAF Energy have started to compete against the Tesla Solar Roof with products like their Timberline Solar panel, which can be installed just like traditional roofing material without additional solar power expertise.
Essentially the blend of thin-film solar panels and building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), solar shingles are a relatively new product in the residential renewable energy industry, and are among the most exciting technologies to watch in the s. Helping to shape the appearance of a solar-powered future, homeowners may be able to install solar shingles and save money on their long-term electricity costs with renewable power.
Talk to Palmetto about going solar today.
Solar shingles and solar panels are very similar. They both harness sunlight, produce electricity, and can qualify homeowners for solar tax credits upon installation. Each technology is designed for durable long-term performance, with both modern panels and solar roofing expected to last for 25 years or more.
However, there are also a few major differences between solar panels and solar tiles. Most importantly:
When choosing between a new solar roof or a traditional solar panel system, the costs, availability, and value of each technology are highly location and customer-specific. If youre considering an installation, here are the pros and cons of solar shingles vs. rigid solar panels to help you determine the best choice for your property's power.
In , solar shingles and solar roofing products are emerging from a variety of manufacturers, with ongoing improvements in efficiency and durability. Compared to ordinary solar panels, building-integrated solar tiles have two main advantages: superior aesthetics and dual-functionality.
Low Profile: Despite their ability to reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions, some homeowners still think solar panels are too ugly for their roof. While we can see the beauty in both black and blue solar panels, there is no arguing that solar shingles can provide building owners with familiar roofing aesthetics, thus creating a less invasive installation. Sleek, modern, and even futuristic, solar shingles certainly win the aesthetic battle compared to traditional solar panels.
2-in-1 Functionality: More importantly, solar shingles offer 2-in-1 functionality as both a building material and an energy-generating device. Even though solar shingles tend to be more expensive than ordinary panels alone, this does not account for the costs associated with roofing materials. When replacing an old roof and adding solar shingles simultaneously, homeowners may be able to save money by combining two upgrades at once.
Despite all of the hype around solar shingles, the technology is still experiencing many growing pains when compared side by side with PV solar panels. With that being said, solar roofing is still finding its footing in the residential market, and many of its disadvantages could be overcome by the end of the decade with further advancements.
Cost: Unless you also account for the cost of a new roof replacement, solar shingle installations are almost always more expensive than solar panels, with higher upfront costs and slower returns on investments. The average cost to install a solar shingle system can be between $60,000 and $75,000, which is significantly more than the price of a similar solar panel system. Of course, when the timing is right, there are instances in which a solar shingle installation can cost less than a total roof replacement and a solar energy system combined.
Availability: No matter how much you want a solar roof, the availability of a high-quality installation is still very limited nationwide. While Tesla famously paused solar roof installations amid supply chain shortages, other providers are also struggling to deploy their products, largely due to a lack of local installers. As a result, anyone looking to purchase solar shingles may experience long waiting periods due to an imbalance of supply and demand.
Power Efficiency: With less surface area and depth to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity, solar roofing tiles are generally less efficient than solar panels. Today, the average home solar panel has an efficiency of 15% to 20% and higher, while solar shingle efficiency tends to be on the lower end of this range. Knowing this, more roof space is required to install solar tiles than rigid panels.
Installation Flexibility: Unlike rigid solar panels, solar shingles are designed to physically replace roofing materials, which limits their overall installation flexibility. While solar panels can be installed on nearly every roofing material, and even angled to maximize power generation, building integrated solar shingles can only be installed on roofs that are specifically compatible with the products make and model.
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My electric bill is
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/mo
While true solar shingles are installed directly into your roof, some companies will also market thin-film or flexible solar panels as a less invasive alternative to rigid PV panels.
In cases like this, your thin-film or flexible solar shingles would simply be overlaid on top of existing roofing materials, rather than built into the roof. Without dual-functionality, this limits one of the main benefits of solar roofing vs PV panels.
When buying a solar roof there are two different installations a homeowner can consider: total replacement or partial integration.
In a total solar roofing replacement, every single piece of your new roof will be generating electricity and powering your home. Although this can produce tons of power, a full-roof replacement limits homeowners to one specific system size. Depending on the installation, this may be either too expensive or not large enough to offset a homes electricity demand.
Alternatively, with partial building integration, solar shingles or solar tiles are designed to seamlessly integrate with existing (or brand new) roofing materials. Here, your roof would contain a combination of solar shingles and other materials to best meet your homes electricity demand. In this kind of installation, homeowners can potentially save money by choosing to not install solar tiles on roof faces with less sun exposure or limited power generation potential.
In , American homeowners can choose from a handful of popular solar shingle companies. Emerging from cleantech and roofing companies alike, here are some of the top solar roofing manufacturers currently on the market, in alphabetical order:
As we mentioned earlier, finding a solar shingle contractor can be difficult in many parts of the country. So, even if you can get your hands on an order of shingles directly from the manufacturer, your local solar installer may not have the experience to help install them.
As mounting and interconnection methods for different makes and models vary, some manufacturers like GAF Energy are aiming to make installation as easy as possible. They claim their new Timberline Solar product can be installed by any roofer with a nail gun.
Of course, unless you are an experienced electrician AND a roofer with a nail gun, we highly recommend talking to a professional before ever attempting to install solar shingles yourself.
In the right scenario, solar shingles are worth it for homeowners looking to replace their roof and install a renewable energy system at the same time. With two-in-one functionality, a smart solar roof consisting of building integrated photovoltaics allows you to generate green electricity for your home without losing any curb appeal.
Unfortunately, price and availability are still very strong limiting factors for the short-term expansion of solar shingles in the United States. As a result, many homeowners may find that an investment in traditional solar panels can be quicker, cheaper, and easier to achieve.
No matter where you are in your solar journey, Palmetto can help you find answers, products, and contractors you can trust. To get started, you can request a Free Solar Design and Savings Estimate today, and find out how much you can save by going solar.
My electric bill is
$290
/mo
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 others looking to improve 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 company he founded to rate and review beer!
If you want to learn more, please visit our website pv roof tiles.
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