Timberline Solar by GAF Energy Best overall solar roof Tesla Solar Roof Best warranties CertainTeed Solar Highest wattage per square foot Luma Solar Best wind rating The companies providing quotes may differ from those described in our independent reviews.

What is the best overall solar shingle?

Timberline Solar by GAF Energy is our favorite solar shingle in , topping our list for its great efficiency and warranties. The race for first place is close. They didn't make the top spot, but we still found Tesla Solar Roof and CertainTeed Solar to be solid options as well. Luma Solar scored lower than the rest, but we thought its ridiculously high wind rating at least warranted a mention. 

Goto Jiasheng to know more.

Why choose a solar shingle over traditional solar panels? Solar panels can look bulky and detract from the beautiful aesthetic of your home. Solar shingles, on the other hand, integrate into your roof to create a more discreet solar system. Their lightweight and sleekness is also part of the reason companies are working on bringing solar roofs to electric vehicles. 

We've spent countless hours digging through solar shingle specs and speaking with industry experts to get a better understanding of how a solar roof works and what really matters for homeowners who might be interested in this type of solar setup. CNET created a scoring methodology (more on this below) based on our findings to pick out which solar shingles stand out among the pack. The market for this type of solar solution is small, but it's still important to compare your options. 

Can solar panels save you money?

Interested in understanding the impact solar can have on your home? Enter some basic information below, and we’ll instantly provide a free estimate of your energy savings.

Here are our picks for the best solar shingles.

Best solar shingles of

What are solar shingles?

Solar shingles are essentially tiny solar panels designed to mimic traditional shingles and roofing materials. Some solar shingles can be installed with an existing roof, while others might require an entire roof replacement.   

"A solar roof is where you have the [photovoltaic] system integrated into the roof design," Bianca Howard, director of the Building Energy Research Lab at Columbia University, told CNET. "So you've got the solar shingles, which are acting as the PV system, in terms of generating electricity, and also as a functional building material. So it's got a dual purpose."

Similar to normal rooftop solar panels, solar shingles absorb sunlight and use it to generate electricity to power your home. They tend to have lower efficiency and performance ratings than solar panels. 

The main draw with solar shingles is aesthetics. Not everyone wants giant solar panels on their roof. Solar shingles are designed to blend in, which is why you might choose them over solar panels even with the decreased energy efficiency and performance ratings.

"By incorporating them into the roof, people won't immediately know that you've got PV on there, which is good from a design aesthetic," Howard said.

Solar shingles are also made to be weather resistant, offering protection from high winds and water leaks. Most solar shingle manufacturers include some type of limited wind or weatherization warranty in your purchase.

How to choose the best solar shingles for your home

There may only be a handful of solar roof manufacturers, but there are still a few things to pay extra attention to when looking at solar shingle products. If you have the luxury of having multiple solar roof options in your area, compare your options carefully. 

Warranty

Most manufacturers offer a limited warranty package that comes in three parts: a product warranty, a wind/weatherization warranty and a power output/performance warranty. In terms of coverage length, the industry is all over the place. Some manufacturers offer great warranties, others not so much. Howard suggested what this means for your overall roof maintenance over time. Here are the warranty types you need to know. 

Product warranty: This guarantees that your solar roof will be free from manufacturer defects in design and/or material. The best limited product warranty we've seen for solar roofs is 25 years. 

Wind or weatherization warranty: Some solar shingle manufacturers also offer a wind warranty (sometimes referred to as a weatherization warranty). This warranty will typically cover your roof from any wind-related damage for at least 10 years. In some cases, this warranty will also cover water damage caused by leaks. The longest weatherization warranty we've seen is 25 years. However, most manufacturers will only cover wind damage for 10-15 years.

Power output or performance warranty: Every solar shingle manufacturer we've seen offers a power output (or performance) warranty. Just like normal solar panels, your solar shingles will see their production and efficiency drop as the years go by. A power output warranty is the manufacturer's guarantee that your solar roof won't drop below a specific production percentage within a certain amount of time. For example, Tesla Solar has a 25-year power output warranty. The company guarantees your solar roof's production won't drop below 95% of its original level five years after the initial installation. And after five years, your solar roof's production won't decrease by more than 0.5% per year for the next 20 years.  

Wind rating 

Every brand of solar shingle should come with a wind rating. Just like normal roof shingles, solar shingles can only withstand wind speeds up to a certain amount. A solar shingle's wind rating tells you how high a wind speed your solar roof can withstand.

Solar shingles are designed to be weather resistant, with most solar shingles being able to withstand winds of at least 110 mph. We found the most common solar shingle wind rating to be about 130 mph. When deciding what solar solution is best for your home, ask yourself if you need that level of protection for where you're living, said Howard. 

If you live somewhere that is prone to extreme weather patterns, then a solar roof with a higher wind rating is likely a higher priority for you.

Efficiency

Just like traditional solar panels, each solar shingle has a maximum efficiency rating. This is the amount of sunlight that a solar shingle (and panel) is turning into electricity. The efficiency rating usually reflects the product's performance during the best conditions possible. The higher the efficiency rating, the more electricity your roof will generate. The average solar shingle efficiency rating is around 19 to 20%. It is lower than some of the most efficient solar panels on the market. 

Keep in mind that since solar shingles are installed as part of your roof, they can't be angled like solar panels, which can be adjusted for optimal sun exposure. 

"You can't put them on a particular axis, so you might not get maximum efficiency," Howard said. "From what I've seen, the solar shingle efficiency is less than a typical solar panel. So from a performance point of view, you're not getting more in terms of PV output and the amount of renewable energy you're able to generate." 

Wattage per square foot

Every solar shingle comes with a wattage rating, which is the amount of power it can output under ideal conditions. Your solar roof's wattage plays an important role in how much power you'll be capable of generating. But what you'll really want to look for is a shingle's wattage per square foot. This measures how much power you have within a given amount of space.

The higher a solar shingle's wattage per square foot, the less space it will take up on your roof. Depending on the cost of the specific shingle brand, this might save money because you'll be installing fewer solar shingles to meet your energy needs.

"What you'd want to know is the equivalent amount per square foot that you can get," said Howard. "Because if you have a higher wattage per square foot, then that's a better shingle in terms of power output."

Are solar shingles better than solar panels?

Which are better, solar shingles or solar panels? It's honestly up to you and your personal preferences. Solar shingles are a niche technology with very limited availability. So it's tricky to compare them directly against traditional rooftop solar panels. Both have similarities, but they are still two different types of PV systems. Think of solar shingles as an alternative way to install solar on your roof. 

"Solar shingles, as another option for building integrated photovoltaics, is a good thing," said Howard. "It's a personal choice about your values of design versus performance. I wouldn't want to put them against each other and say that one is better than the other, in a holistic sense."

There are certain situations where solar panels might make more sense for you than solar shingles, and vice versa. If you need to replace your roof before installing solar, prefer a more subtle approach to solar and there's a solar roof installer in your area, then solar shingles might be a good choice. Solar shingles might be more likely to be accepted by your homeowners association too. Some states have laws in place that prevent HOAs from banning solar panels.

If you don't mind the look of solar panels on your roof and you're not replacing your roof anyway, traditional rooftop solar panels might be a better fit. Just keep in mind that solar is a personal choice, and the battle between solar panels and solar shingles really just comes down to personal preference and budget.

Pros and cons of solar shingles

Pros:

• A convenient option if you need a roof replacement to install solar panels.
• Weather-resistant.
  
• A more discreet way to install solar on your home.
  
• Modern and sleek roof design.
  

Cons:

• Limited availability.
• Can be less efficient than some solar panels.
• Can't be angled.
• Will likely cost more than solar panels.

How much do solar shingles cost?

Solar shingles are a niche product and are not nearly as widely installed (or available) as regular solar panels. This makes finding reliable pricing data tricky. If you purchase solar shingles, you're also likely paying for an entire roof replacement.

Pricing data for most solar shingle manufacturers is unavailable, but we can use Tesla Solar Roof estimates from Tesla's online estimator to at least get an idea of how much a Tesla Solar Roof would cost. The general consensus is that a solar roof costs more than just installing solar panels. We found this to at least be true for the Tesla Solar Roof. It's probably not your best option if you're looking for cheap solar.

Are you interested in learning more about top 10 BIPV manufacturers? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Tesla estimated a cost of $168,400 for a 12.5kW solar roof system and a Tesla Powerwall battery for a home in Dallas. The Tesla estimated cost of a regular 12kW solar panel system and a Powerwall at the same location is $26,966.

Pricing for the Tesla Solar Roof is an estimate based on your address, average electric bill and the square footage of your roof. Tesla also requires the purchase of at least one of its batteries, the Tesla Powerwall, per solar roof. A Tesla Powerwall will cost you an additional $9,500 or more. 

These prices should be taken with a grain of salt. Just like with solar panels, everyone's solar roof estimates are going to vary depending on your energy needs, location and other factors. The best way to get an accurate price estimate for any solar shingle or panel system is to talk to an installer in your area. If you have multiple installers in your area, make sure to compare prices.

How we evaluated the best solar shingles

CNET has not performed any form of hands-on testing with these products. Solar shingles are part of a complex PV system that is integrated into the roof of a house or structure. This makes hands-on testing difficult. Instead, we took the most common solar shingle brands on the market and made comparisons between them to find the best option. It's also important to note the limited availability of solar roof products, making choices for this list limited as well. Here's how we scored the best solar shingles. 

First, we determined what categories we would use to evaluate each solar shingle. Each category was given a weight reflecting how important we felt it was to the average consumer. After examining data provided by manufacturers and speaking with subject matter experts (who did not influence the choices that were made for this list), these were the categories we chose to evaluate each solar shingle brand on.

• Product warranty: 20%
• Wind/weatherization warranty: 15%
• Power output/performance warranty: 20%
• Wind rating: 10%
• Shingle efficiency: 15%
• Shingle wattage per square foot: 20%  

We looked at five of the most popular solar shingle providers on the market, collected the data for each category and compared the numbers. Each category (for every solar shingle) was given a tier-style rating to evaluate which aspects of each solar shingle were above average (among our list), just average or below average.

Solar shingle FAQs

What Are Solar Shingles in ?

Solar shingles in are a cutting-edge technology that marries the aesthetics of traditional roofing with the power of solar energy. Unlike traditional solar panels that stand out on your roof, solar shingles seamlessly blend in, enhancing your home’s curb appeal. These innovative shingles are designed to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity, providing a clean and efficient energy source for your home. They can also come directly on the roof as a shingle roof which can power your home from direct contact from the sun.

Essentially, solar shingles are building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), meaning they are part of the building’s structure rather than an add-on. This integration offers several advantages, including reduced material costs for construction and increased solar energy utilization.

While still a relatively new technology, solar shingles are gaining traction. They typically resemble asphalt shingles but incorporate solar cells into their composition. This allows them to withstand the elements just like regular roofing materials while generating clean energy.

Key Takeaways

Solar shingles offer an attractive and efficient roofing solution .Initial costs are higher compared to traditional solar panel Installation requires specialized expertise. Energy output might be lower than traditional panels. Explore . Solar Rebates by State: Guide for Solar Incentives and Tax Credits to offset costs

Solar Shingles vs. Solar Panels: A Comparison

Solar shingles and traditional solar panels both offer renewable energy solutions, but they differ in several key aspects:

Appearance: Solar shingles offer a more discreet look, blending seamlessly with your roof. Traditional solar panels, while efficient, can be visually prominent.

Composition: Both technologies use different materials to capture sunlight. Solar shingles often utilize CIGS cells for flexibility, while traditional panels predominantly use silicon cells.

Efficiency and Power Output: Traditional solar panels generally outperform solar shingles in terms of efficiency and power generation.

Installation: Solar shingles can be integrated into new roof constructions or replace existing ones, while traditional panels require a racking system.

Lifespan: While solar panels typically have a longer lifespan, both options offer substantial durability.

Know more about solar panels in this video:

The Cost Factor

Solar shingles cost tend to be more expensive than traditional solar panels. While they offer aesthetic advantages, the higher upfront cost might be a deterrent for some homeowners. However, factors like roof size, power needs, and available incentives can significantly impact the overall cost.

It’s essential to explore federal, state, and local incentives and rebates to offset the cost of solar shingles. These incentives can make a substantial difference in the overall investment.

Leading Solar Shingle Manufacturers

Several companies are at the forefront of solar shingle technology:

• Certainteed Solar: Offers monocrystalline solar roof tiles and shingles compatible with various roof types.
• Luma Solar: Provides durable monocrystalline shingles designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.
• SunTegra Solar: Offers options for composite and tile roofs with solar integration.
• Tesla Solar Roof: Provides a complete solar roof replacement solution with glass and steel tiles.
• Timberline Solar by GAF Energy: Offers low-profile solar shingles compatible with existing roofs.

Solar Shingles in : Pros and Cons

Solar shingles offer an attractive alternative to traditional solar panels, but like any technology, they have their advantages and drawbacks.

Pros of Solar Shingles

1. Aesthetically Pleasing: Solar shingles blend seamlessly with your roof, enhancing your home’s curb appeal.
2. Durability: Many solar shingle models are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, providing long-lasting protection for your home.
3. Potential for Increased Home Value: As solar energy becomes increasingly popular, homes with solar shingles may command a higher resale value.
4. Low Maintenance: Solar shingles typically require minimal maintenance, similar to traditional roofing.

Cons of Solar Shingles

1. Higher Cost: Solar shingles are generally more expensive than traditional solar panels due to advanced technology and production costs.
2. Lower Efficiency: Compared to traditional solar panels, solar shingles often have lower efficiency rates, meaning you might need more shingles to generate the same amount of electricity.
3. Limited Availability: Solar shingles are not as widely available as traditional solar panels, which may restrict your options.
4. Potential Installation Challenges: Installing solar shingles can be more complex than traditional solar panels, requiring specialized contractors.

While solar shingles offer a visually appealing and integrated approach to solar energy, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. Factors such as budget, energy needs, and local climate should be considered.

Solar Shingle in :Installation: Challenges and Considerations

Installing solar shingles can be more complex than traditional solar panels. Several factors influence the installation process:

1. Roof Compatibility: Not all roofs are suitable for solar shingles. Factors like roof pitch, material, and condition must be assessed.
2. Qualified Installers: Due to the specialized nature of solar shingle installation, finding experienced contractors is crucial.
3. Permitting and Inspections: Local regulations may vary, so obtaining necessary permits and passing inspections is essential.
4. Labor Costs: Installation can be more labor-intensive compared to traditional solar panels, potentially increasing costs.

Maintenance and Care

While solar shingles require less maintenance than traditional roofing materials, proper care is essential to optimize their performance:

1. Regular Inspection: Periodically check for damage, debris, or wear and tear.
2. Cleaning: Remove dirt, leaves, or other obstructions to ensure optimal sunlight absorption.
3. Professional Maintenance: For complex issues or deep cleaning, consider hiring a professional solar panel cleaning service.

Financial Considerations

1. Incentives and Rebates: Research federal, state, and local incentives to offset the cost of solar shingles.
2. Payback Period: Calculate the estimated time it will take to recoup the investment through energy savings.
3. Financing Options: Explore financing options like loans or leases to spread out the cost.

Conclusion

Solar shingles represent a promising step towards integrating renewable energy into home design. While they offer aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits, the higher cost and lower efficiency compared to traditional solar panels are factors to consider. Careful evaluation of your home’s energy needs, budget, and local incentives is crucial before making a decision.

Ready to explore if solar shingles are right for your home? Contact a qualified solar installer to assess your roof and discuss your energy goals. Take advantage of available incentives and rebates to maximize your investment. Embrace the future of sustainable living with solar shingles! Get a quote from us!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a roof?

A roof is the top covering of a building, including all materials and constructions necessary to support it on the walls of the building.

What are solar shingles?

Solar shingles are photovoltaic cells designed to look like and integrate with conventional roof shingles.

How does a solar roof work?

A solar roof works by converting sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells embedded in the roof materials.

What are solar panels?

Solar panels are devices that convert light into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.

What are the benefits of using solar energy?

Solar energy is renewable, sustainable, and eco-friendly, helping reduce electricity bills and carbon footprint.

Can Tesla provide solar power solutions?

Tesla offers advanced rooftop solar options, including the innovative Tesla solar roof.

What is GAF Energy known for?

GAF Energy is a leading provider of integrated solar system solutions, including solar shingles.

How can I install solar panels?

Installing solar panels involves hiring a professional to design and set up a solar installation on your property.

What factors affect the cost of solar shingles?

The cost of solar shingles is influenced by factors such as the size of your roof, the brand of the solar shingles, and any additional features.