What Are Solar Shingles?

Solar shingle key points:

• Solar shingles provide the same function as traditional solar panels but look like standard roofing materials.

• The cost of solar shingles is much higher than standard panels for systems with a similar capacity.

• Many tax credits and other solar incentives can also be applied to solar roofing setups, helping bring down the upfront cost.

There have been major advances in the efficiency and durability of solar panels in recent years, but we’ve also seen breakthroughs in how they look, too. Solar shingles work just like the large panels that mount onto rooftops, but they are similar enough in appearance to standard asphalt shingles that they can blend right in.

In this article, we take a look at what solar shingles are, how they’re made, and how they work. We also examine how they compare to traditional solar panels in a few key ways to help you decide if they’re the right solar energy technology for your home.

What are solar shingles, and how do they work?

Solar shingles are photovoltaic roofing materials that look like standard asphalt shingles but generate electricity like solar panels. They blend into home design and convert sunlight into usable energy using embedded PV cells, making them ideal for new builds or HOA-restricted homes.

Photovoltaic (PV) shingles are constructed by assembling PV cells into small, shingle-shaped modules that replace or integrate with conventional roofing materials. These solar panels work by absorbing sunlight and converting it into direct current (DC) electricity. The electricity is then passed through an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) for use in residential applications.

Most modern solar shingles use different types of panel technology:

• Monocrystalline cells  

• Polycrystalline cells

• Thin-film panels

What’s appealing about solar shingle design?

Here’s why solar shingles appeal to homeowners:

• Design-focused: Resemble standard roof shingles

• Low-profile: Avoid bulky panel appearance

• Aesthetic integration: Blend into residential architecture

• Visual value: Preserve a home’s overall design integrity

For many homeowners, the look of conventional solar systems is a hesitation point, especially in communities where HOAs or local regulations restrict solar panel placement or installation. Solar shingles address this concern by providing access to solar energy without the visual impact of traditional rooftop arrays, making them a preferred option for aesthetically sensitive environments.

What’s involved in solar shingle installation?

Although solar shingles typically consist of more individual components than traditional solar panels, many types are easier to install since they don’t require solar racking or additional infrastructure. Instead, solar shingles are designed to be mounted directly onto the roof surface, similar to how asphalt shingles are applied, which simplifies installation.

In many cases, homeowners can install solar shingles alongside standard roofing materials without needing to cover the entire roof, preserving both function and visual consistency. 

However, some systems, like the Tesla Solar Roof, use a proprietary mounting approach that requires removing and replacing the existing roof, making installation more complex and potentially costlier.

How do solar shingles compare to traditional panels?

Solar shingles and traditional panels both generate electricity from sunlight. Traditional panels are more efficient and cost-effective, while solar shingles offer superior aesthetics and roof integration. Panels are ideal for retrofits, whereas shingles suit new builds or HOA-restricted properties.

Which companies manufacture solar shingles?

Several companies manufacture solar shingles. Tesla offers the Tesla Solar Roof. GAF Energy produces Timberline Solar shingles. CertainTeed installs Apollo II shingles. Luma and SunTegra also create integrated solar roof tiles for residential use.

How long do solar shingles last?

In general, solar shingles have a similar estimated lifetime to the traditional solar panel lifespan of 25 to 30 years. This long working life means that they can provide a strong return on investment in the form of energy savings. However, solar panels may last a bit longer on average because it's easier to replace your roof material with panels compared to shingles.

Overall, solar panels are worth it for most homeowners who get at least 4 hours of average peak sun and have higher-than-average electricity bills.

Like other panels, solar shingles will experience a loss in efficiency over time. Homeowners can expect a similar decrease in efficiency of about 0.5% to 1% per year.

How do you maintain solar shingles?

Photovoltaic shingles aren’t likely to need as much maintenance as traditional panels due to having less racking and other infrastructure. However, shingles should still be cleaned regularly to maximize solar efficiency. It’s also important to periodically check for debris that may be covering up photovoltaic cells and reducing the amount of light that reaches them.

How much do solar shingles cost?

According to data from Angi, the average cost of solar shingles ranges from $21 to $25 per square foot, or an average of around $35,000 for a standard residential installation. The average cost of a 5 kW standard panel setup is $17,823 for comparison.

The most notable downside of solar shingles is their cost. Even at their least expensive, a solar array using photovoltaic shingles can easily cost more than twice the cost of standard solar panels with the same capacity.

Solar shingle costs can also go much higher. In recent years, some people have reported quotes of over $200,000 for a Tesla Solar Roof, for example. Ultimately, with fewer competitors in the market, pricing for solar shingles is less standardized than traditional solar panels, making it even more important to get multiple estimates.

Are there incentives for solar shingles?

The good news is that many of the same government incentives for solar panels apply to solar shingles as well. That means that you’ll likely pay substantially less than the initial price tag.

Homeowners in the United States who install solar shingles are eligible for a 30% tax credit through the Residential Clean Energy Credit (RCEC). Many states and even some municipalities also offer rebates and tax credits for installing a solar energy setup that includes using photovoltaic shingles. In the private sector, some energy providers also offer rebates and incentives that can bring down the initial cost of installing solar shingles.

What’s the bottom line on solar shingles?

Solar shingles are an expensive way to access clean, renewable solar energy for your home compared to traditional panels. However, they have the unique advantage of integrating with the design of your home, enabling people who live with strict HOA regulations or who don’t want the bulky look of traditional panels to switch to solar. That aesthetic difference could also increase the value they add to your home compared to regular panels.

The bottom line is that solar shingles are still a bit of a luxury among your options for a solar array. But if you can afford the difference in cost, they provide an attractive, elegant solution with few downsides beyond the price tag.

Learn more about solar from PowerOutage.us

At PowerOutage.us, we monitor real-time power disruptions for over 150 million U.S. customers using data from 900+ utilities. Trusted by news outlets and emergency agencies since 2016, we create educational content to help homeowners understand technologies like solar energy that improve power resilience and independence.

This artice is part of our expert series on solar panel technology, which also includes:

• Are solar panels efficient?

• What are bifacial solar panels?

• Are solar batteries worth it?

You might also find these in-depth solar guides useful:

• Home solar panel guide

• How solar panels work

• Are solar panels worth it?

• Solar panel cost

Taking your time to research is important, because solar panels aren’t always best for every situation.

Solar shingle FAQ

Below are a few frequently asked questions about solar shingles:

What are the drawbacks of solar shingles?

The primary drawback of solar shingles is cost: they are significantly more expensive than traditional solar panels. Some systems, like the Tesla Solar Roof, require full roof replacement, increasing installation complexity, time, and the overall impact on your home.

Are solar shingles worth the money?

Despite higher upfront costs, solar shingles can be worth the investment. They generate solar electricity, reduce long-term energy bills, and often increase home value due to their seamless design. This makes them attractive for aesthetics-focused homeowners or those under HOA restrictions.

Do solar shingles qualify for tax credits?

Solar shingles qualify for the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit, offering a 30% tax credit. You might also qualify for other rebates that vary by state or municipality. Homeowners should confirm local rebate and incentive policies before committing to a solar roofing project.

Can solar shingles power a house?

Yes, solar shingles can power a home when properly sized. Energy output depends on roof area, geographic location, and household usage. Like solar panels, shingles convert sunlight into electricity, supporting full or partial home energy needs depending on system design.

What is a solar off-grid system and can solar shingles support it?

A solar off-grid system operates independently from the utility grid, relying on solar energy and battery storage. Solar shingles can support off-grid setups if paired with inverters and batteries, but system size and energy needs must be properly calculated.

How does a solar inverter work with solar shingles?

A solar inverter converts the DC electricity generated by solar shingles into AC used in homes. This device enables energy integration with your electrical system and is essential in both grid-tied and off-grid installations.

What is a PERC solar cell and is it used in solar shingles?

PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) solar cells enhance efficiency by reflecting unused light back into the cell. While common in high-performance panels, some advanced solar shingles (like GAF Timberline) may incorporate PERC technology to boost output per square foot.