Solar shingles are roof shingles that are designed to look like traditional roofing materials, but they can actually generate electricity like solar panels.

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Solar roofs are more discrete than regular solar panels, making them a popular choice for people building new homes, replacing their roofs, or those living in a homeowner's association (HOA) that prohibit solar panels. 

Solar shingles are a newer technology, so fewer companies sell them. But there are a few stand-out solar roof brands, including:

• Tesla's solar roof

• GAF solar shingles

• Luma Solar 

• CertainTeed

• Suntegra

What are solar roof shingles?

Solar shingles are roofing shingles that contain photovoltaic solar cells so they can generate solar energy. They are designed to look like and offer the same level of protection as traditional asphalt shingles, all while producing solar power at the same time. 

Homeowners can be hesitant to install solar panel systems because of the way they look on their roofs. Solar shingles allow homeowners to still get all the benefits of solar energy without having to sacrifice the aesthetic of their homes.

Just like traditional solar panels, solar shingles are also typically monocrystalline.

How much do solar shingles cost?

The average solar shingle installation costs $27,360 to over $100,000. The cost will vary depending on the brand you choose, your roof size, and where you live.

Most solar shingle installations cost somewhere between $3.80 and $7.00 per watt of solar installed. Tesla's solar roof costs less, at just $1.80 per watt, but it requires a full roof replacement and expensive materials ' making the total cost one of the most expensive options for solar shingles.

Calculate how much a solar installation will cost for your home based on recent installations near you

5 best solar shingles

Some of the best brands for solar shingles in include:

• Tesla Solar Roof

• GAF Energy

• Luma Solar

• CertainTeed

• Suntegra

Solar shingle brand

Output (per shingle)

Warranty

Cost (per watt)

Tesla Solar Roof

72 W

25-year tile and power warranty

$1.80 + roof replacement costs

GAF Energy

45 W

25-year manufacturing warranty

25-year performance warranty

10-year workmanship coverage

$4.00 - $4.25

Luma Solar

80 W

25-year limited power warranty at 80% 

5-year limited product warranty

$4.50

CertainTeed

70 W

25-year limited power warranty

25-year limited workmanship warranty

10-year 110 limited wind warranty

$3.00 - $6.00

Suntegra

114 W

25-year power warranty

10-year product warranty

$4.00 - $6.00

Tesla Solar Roof

Out of all the products offered by Tesla's Energy line ' the solar roof has definitely generated the most buzz. Each shingle has a wattage rating of 72 W, which isn't bad compared to other solar shingles on the market. If you want to fully invest your home in renewable energy, you can integrate a Tesla solar roof, Tesla Powerwall battery, and a Tesla EV!

As for the cost, Tesla is on the pricier side. This is because Tesla's solar roof acts as a solar installation and a full roof replacement all in one. The solar tiles and expensive roofing materials cost about $99,500 for an average-sized home.

Installing a Tesla solar roof includes a 25-year product and power warranty, so you'll have coverage for any faults in your system. Bottom line, Tesla products offer a one-stop-shop for solar power, EVs, and energy storage.

GAF Energy

GAF is a well-established roofing materials company that has also ventured into the world of clean energy. GAF Energy offers its line of Timberline Solar Energy Shingles, each of which has a 45 W power rating and comes with a  25-year manufacturing and performance warranty, as well as 10-year workmanship coverage.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000 for a GAF solar shingle installation, but the total cost will ultimately depend on your home's characteristics. 

GAF's solar shingles are designed with roofers in mind. The top portion of the shingles are made of asphalt so that they can be nailed into the roof like regular shingles, simplifying the installation process and making it possible to get your roof replaced and solar installed by one company. 

In , about 2,100 units of GAF's Timberline Solar energy shingles were recalled due to fire hazard concerns. The issue has since been resolved, and GAF Energy's response made it clear that they provide top-notch support.

Luma Solar

Luma Solar developed the first fully integrated solar roof system in the U.S., referring to their solar shingles as a luxury product that homeowners can upgrade in the future to meet advanced solar technology standards. 

Luma Solar's solar roofing is similar to Tesla's, where you must get a full roof replacement of solar and non-solar tiles. A full end-to-end installation can cost between $70,000 to over $100,000.

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Luma's shingles have a power rating of 80 W per roof tile and come with a 25-year production warranty and a 5-year limited product warranty. The shingles are also rated to withstand winds of 200+ miles per hour, which can be useful for residents living in areas prone to major storms and hurricanes.

CertainTeed Solstice Shingle

CertainTeed is a reputable company that manufactures traditional roofing shingles and has begun offering a line of solar products. CertainTeed currently offers a line of residential building-integrated photovoltaic roofs (BIPV) and solar panels.

CertainTeed solar shingles cannot be installed over an existing roof system and are designed to be installed in new construction or during a roof replacement. There's no indication online on how much a full installation of CertainTeed's Solstice shingles will cost, but you can expect to pay between $210 and $420 per shingle.

CertainTeed's Solstice Shingles offer 70 W of power output per shingle and 19.85% efficiency ' all backed by a 25-year power and performance warranty. As an added bonus, CertainTeed also offers a 10-year 110 MPH limited wind warranty.

Suntegra Shingle

Suntegra is another popular brand that manufactures solar shingles. Suntegra offers solar shingles and solar tiles, so you can choose which integrates better with your existing roof material.

These low-profile monocrystalline solar shingles have three different output wattages to choose from, 105 W, 110 W, and 114 W, giving homeowners different options to support their energy production needs. The cost varies from $4.00 to $6.00 per watt, depending on which wattage you choose. Suntegra's shingles are also backed by a 25-year power warranty and a 10-year limited product warranty.

What are the pros and cons of solar shingles?

Just like a traditional solar installation, solar shingles come with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of solar shingles

• Environmentally friendly: Solar shingles are a renewable energy source that does not give off any harmful emissions.

• Reduces electricity bills: Energy generated by solar shingles powers your home, so you use less electricity from the grid and save money on your monthly electric bill.

• Eligible for incentives: Solar shingles are eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit and may also be eligible for other local incentives depending on location. 

• Good curb appeal: Solar shingles are integrated into your roof, giving a sleeker look than a bulky solar panel installation. Shingles could also be a solar solution if you live in an HOA that doesn't allow solar panels.

Disadvantages of solar shingles

• Expensive: In most cases, the total cost of installing solar shingles is about three times the cost of conventional roofing materials, and most solar shingles are at a higher price point than solar panels in the U.S.

• Limited options to choose from: Solar shingles are a newer technology, so there are fewer brands to choose from.

• Requires roof replacement: A traditional solar system is placed on top of an existing roof, whereas solar shingles replace the roof itself, which might require an entire roof replacement. 

• Not as efficient: Solar shingles can't produce energy as efficiently as solar panels because they're installed flat against the roof, unlike panels that can be angled for optimal performance as needed.

Solar panels vs. solar shingles: Which option is better?

The truth is that it depends on your circumstances! In general, traditional solar panels will be a better financial investment for most homeowners because they cost less to install and produce more energy. Solar shingles are more of a luxury purchase. 

There are scenarios where solar shingles are the right option. For example, if you want solar but can't install panels due to HOA restrictions, solar shingles can provide the benefits without the look of solar panels. Aside from this, solar shingles could come in handy if your roof is in desperate need of a replacement ' it's a roof replacement and solar installation all in one! They might be right for you if you have the money and are interested in the technology.

But, in general, traditional solar panels will be a better financial investment for most homeowners. For starters, solar panels are substantially cheaper than solar shingles. Not only that, but solar panels can generate electricity more efficiently, meaning you'll save more money on your bills, all while spending less upfront.

Solar roof shingles: FAQs

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• Solar roof tiles: are they worth it?

Solar roof tiles: are they worth it?

Solar-technology Last updated on 2 January 6 min read

Solar roof tiles are an exciting new technology, but are they worth the significant expense? We weigh up the pros and cons.

Written byMelody Abeni

Why you can trust our content

We know that the solar industry is full of misinformation, but we only use reliable sources, including:

• Our experienced solar experts, installers and system designers
• Our own database of solar & battery system designs
• Authoritative bodies like MCS and the UK government

What's in this guide?What's in this guide?

At a glance

Solar roof tiles provide a discreet and visually pleasing option for design-conscious homeowners. But with much higher installation costs compared to traditional solar panels, are they truly worth the investment?

Below, we'll explore the pros and cons of solar roof tiles to help you make an informed decision for your property.

We don't offer solar roof tiles here at Sunsave, but if you'd like to find out how much a traditional solar & battery system could save you, enter a few details below and we'll provide an estimate.

What are solar roof tiles?

Solar roof tiles, also known as solar slates or solar shingles, are made to look a lot like normal roof tiles, except they also contain photovoltaic (PV) cells and can generate electricity. 

Unlike traditional solar panels, which sit on top of your roof, solar roof tiles are your roof, i.e. they completely replace your old tiles.

This makes them a great option for homeowners looking to switch to solar without changing the appearance of their property, however they do also come with some considerable downsides (which we explore further down).

How do solar roof tiles work?

Solar roof tiles work in the same way as traditional solar panels, making use of PV cells within the tiles to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. The PV cells generate direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted to alternating current (AC) by an inverter, making it suitable for household use.

The tiles come in various styles to match different architectural aesthetics, including smooth glass, textured glass, French slate, and Tuscan. Smooth and textured glass tiles provide a modern look, while French slate and Tuscan offer a more classic or rustic appearance, respectively.

What colour are solar roof tiles?

Solar roof tiles are typically a dark blue-grey colour, but there are also plenty of alternative options like red solar tiles from Crest and black solar tiles from XO.

However, you don't have to cover your entire roof with solar tiles - several manufacturers, like the UK-based GB-Sol, offer "infill slates" that don't contain solar cells but are designed to match the appearance of your solar tiles and maintain a consistent look across your roof. 

This means you can save money by only partially covering your roof in solar tiles, whilst still having a roof where every tile looks the same.

How efficient are solar roof tiles?

Solar roof tiles are usually about 10-20% efficient, whereas standard monocrystalline solar panels tend to achieve around 18-24% efficiency. 

Why does this matter? Well, solar panel efficiency refers to the % of daylight hitting the panel at any given moment that is converted into electricity. The higher a solar panel's efficiency rating, the more electricity it can produce - and so a solar panel system with low efficiency will not save you as much money on your electricity bills. 

Solar roof tiles are still capable of producing as much electricity as a traditional solar panel system, but to achieve this you may have to cover your entire roof with them - and this comes with a very hefty price tag.

Solar roof tiles vs solar panels

There are certain situations where solar roof tiles are more useful than traditional solar panels, but in most cases it's not worth the additional expense.

Let's look at their comparative pros and cons in more detail.

The advantages of solar roof tiles vs solar panels

• Fantastic appearance
• Useful for buildings with strict aesthetic limitations
• Integrated design

Realistically, solar roof tiles don't offer much more than traditional solar panels, which are usually cheaper and more efficient - but they do offer a significant advantage in terms of aesthetics. For those who simply do not want to have solar panels sitting on top of their roof tiles, solar roof tiles provide the perfect alternative. 

This also makes solar slates the ideal choice for listed buildings or homes in conservation areas. Their ability to blend seamlessly into the appearance of a property means people can switch to solar energy and still adhere to strict regulations - plus, they're usually just as light as (or even lighter than) real slate tiles, so they won't cause any damage to heritage buildings.

The disadvantages of solar roof tiles vs solar panels

• Higher cost
• Longer installation time
• Lower efficiency

Solar roof tiles come with significantly higher costs (which we discuss below), both in terms of materials and the installation process. You'll also need to have your existing roof tiles removed before you can begin having solar tiles installed, which adds to the expense even further. If you want to switch to solar quickly, solar roof tiles are not the option for you. 

But an even bigger problem is their lower level of efficiency compared to traditional monocrystalline panels - 10-20% versus 18-24%. This consequently means lower electricity output, smaller savings, and reduced export income. The only way to make up for the weaker efficiency rating is to ensure your rooftop is fully covered in solar tiles, which is very expensive.  

How are solar roof tiles installed?

Solar roof tiles are more complex and time-consuming to install compared to standard solar PV panels. The process starts with taking off the old roof and then installing a new underlay before carefully fitting the new tiles and wiring the entire system.

Each solar tile goes through a precise installation process to make sure it's weatherproof and can work at its best. This means it usually takes around two weeks, while most standard solar panel systems can be installed in just one to three days.

How much do solar roof tiles cost?

Solar roof tiles are significantly more expensive than standard solar panels, typically costing about 200-400% more.

For instance, while a 3.5 kilowatt peak (kWp) standard solar PV system for an average three-bedroom home might cost around £9,000, the same size system using solar roof tiles could set you back an eye-watering £36,000.

Why are solar roof tiles so expensive?

Solar roof tiles are much more expensive than traditional solar panels for two key reasons.

The first is low supply. As a relatively new technology, solar roof tiles aren't anywhere near as widely produced as standard panels, meaning suppliers can charge a comparatively higher price. 

The second is the installation process. The numerous, meticulous steps involved in installing solar roof tiles means more time, more skill, and consequently higher labour costs.

How reliable are solar roof tiles?

When installed professionally, solar roof tiles usually offer better durability and weather resistance than traditional roofing materials. Tesla's solar slates, for example, are reported to be at least three times stronger than standard roof slates.

Like standard PV panels, solar roof tiles are built to last for at least 25-30 years, with a corresponding warranty.

To learn more, check out our guide to how long solar panels last.

Do solar roof tiles require any maintenance?

Solar roof tiles have broadly the same maintenance requirements as standard solar panels, which is to say they're pretty tough, but may still need some attention at various points in their life. 

When it comes to cleaning, rain usually does a good job, because all modern solar panels have a hydrophobic coating and are 'self-cleaning'. However, solar roof tiles will still need a more thorough clean every two or three years to ensure optimal efficiency, especially households in dustier areas or by the coast.

The inverter, a crucial component, is also likely to need replacing after around 10-12 years.

Even though solar slates are durable, they can still be damaged by severe weather or debris impact. It's always a good idea to have the tiles professionally checked every few years to catch faults early and keep them running smoothly for longer.

Solar roof tiles: FAQs

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Written byMelody Abeni

Based in London, Melody is a specialist green technology writer who has been covering sustainability, climate action and ESG for the past five years, after gathering operational experience in green investing and financial services. She has written for various industry publications, including renewable technology advisor The Eco Experts, and she holds a Master's degree in law from Birkbeck University.