Updated 1 month ago
Should You Replace Your Roof With Solar Shingles in 2025?
Written by Jamie Smith Jamie SmithJamie is a Content Writer and researcher at SolarReviews. A recent graduate of La Salle University in Philadelphia, Jamie earned her B.S. in communica...Learn more , Edited by Catherine Lane Catherine LaneCatherine has been researching and reporting on the solar industry for five years and is the Written Content Manager at SolarReviews. She leads a dyna...Learn more
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Solar shingles are roof shingles that are designed to look like traditional roofing materials, but they can actually generate electricity like solar panels.
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
Key takeaways
Solar shingles are roofing shingles that contain solar cells and have the same functionality as solar panels.
Solar shingles typically cost between $3.80 and $7.00 per watt, depending on the brand installed.
Solar shingles can come in handy if you want solar and need a roof replacement, are building a new home, live in an HOA that restricts solar installations, or if you’re just interested in the technology.
Solar shingles allow you to enjoy all the benefits of solar without sacrificing your home’s aesthetic, but they come at a higher cost and don’t produce as much electricity as traditional solar panels.
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.
5 best solar shingles
Some of the best brands for solar shingles in 2025 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 |
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
Image courtesy of Tesla, Inc.
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
Image courtesy of 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 2023, 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
Image courtesy of 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.
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
Image courtesy of CertainTeed/Photo by Mark Bealer Studio 66
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
Image courtesy of Suntegra
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.
Pros
Environmentally friendly
Reduces electricity bills
Eligible for incentives
Good curb appeal
Cons
Can be more expensive than solar panels
Limited options to choose from
Requires entire roof replacement
Not as efficient
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.
Unsure if solar is right for your home? If you aren’t sure if your specific home is suitable for solar, you can put your home’s information into our solar calculator to learn more about cost, savings, and available incentives!
Solar roof shingles: FAQs
Are solar shingles worth it?
Solar roof shingles can be worth it in some scenarios. Solar shingles could be cost-effective if you’re looking into getting solar, but your roof requires a replacement. However, depending on the brand and the installation size, solar shingles can cost a lot more than solar panels, with limited incentives to bring down the price.
What is the life expectancy of solar shingles?
Solar shingles have about the same life expectancy as solar panels. Most brands are warrantied up to 25 years before starting to noticeably degrade.
Do solar shingles qualify for incentives?
Solar shingles qualify for the 30% federal tax credit, which credits homeowners 30% of the total cost of materials and installation. If your solar shingle installation costs $28,000, the tax credit will be worth $8,400!
However, the tax credit will likely only apply to costs associated with installing the solar-generating shingles. If you need a full roof replacement as part of your solar roof installation, not all the costs will qualify for the tax credit.
Aside from this, there may be other local solar incentives that solar shingles qualify for.
What is the efficiency of solar shingles?
Solar shingles are typically between 15% and 20% efficient. Traditional solar panels are usually between 19% and 22% efficient, so some brands of shingles tend to be less efficient. However, Luma Solar shingles are over 22% efficient!
Jamie is a Content Writer and researcher at SolarReviews. A recent graduate of La Salle University in Philadelphia, Jamie earned her B.S. in communications with a concentration in journalism, mass media, and public relations. Jamie has previously worked at a marketing company where she had the opportunity to highlight and promote small business owners through long-form stories and interviews. With a deep-rooted passion for creativity, Jamie stri...
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