What is the best roof tile for solar panels?

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Choosing the best roofing for solar panels is crucial when planning an installation. The roofing material plays a significant role in the effectiveness, durability, and longevity of the solar system. The right material can enhance the performance of the panels, ensure the structural integrity of the roof, and provide a seamless integration of the solar system with the overall aesthetics of the property.

Conversely, using the wrong roofing material for solar panels can lead to various problems. Inadequate weight-bearing capacity can lead to structural issues, potentially compromising the integrity of the roof. Incompatible materials may make it challenging to properly mount and secure the solar panels, increasing the risk of damage or detachment during extreme weather conditions.

Key Considerations for the Best Roofing for Solar Panel

Several key considerations need to be taken into account when selecting the best roof material for solar panel installation. These factors directly impact the solar system's performance, durability, and compatibility, making them essential for homeowners and businesses alike.

Weight-bearing capacity and structural integrity: It is crucial to select a roofing material that can support the weight of the solar panels and mounting equipment and the possible added weight of snow during the winter season. The best roofing for solar panels can handle the maximum expected weight to avoid any potential structural damage or safety hazards.

Heat resistance and thermal conductivity: The solar panel roofing should have good heat resistance to protect the solar panels from excessive heat and prevent any thermal damage. Solar panel efficiency decreases above temperatures of 77°F (25°C ), so selecting solar panel roofing with low thermal conductivity boosts the energy output of the solar panels.

Durability and lifespan: A durable roofing material must withstand the harsh effects of weather conditions like rain, hail, wind, and UV radiation. Choosing a material with a long lifespan will ensure that the roof can provide reliable support for the solar panels throughout their operational lifespan. Remember that solar power systems can easily last 25 to 30 years, so the best roofing for solar panels has a similar or longer lifespan.

Compatibility with solar panel installation and maintenance: The best roofing for solar panels is compatible with the installation and maintenance requirements. This includes considerations like the ease of installing the solar panel mounting brackets and the accessibility for future panel maintenance or repairs. For example, it's ideal if the solar installers can walk on the roof without damaging it.

Cost and energy efficiency: Cost and Energy Efficiency: When selecting a roofing material for solar panel installation, it is important to consider the balance between cost and energy efficiency. While some materials may have a lower upfront cost, they may not be as energy efficient and may require more maintenance and repairs in the long run.

On the other hand, some materials may have a higher initial cost but provide significant cost savings through their increased energy efficiency and durability over time. So, it is essential to weigh both the short-term and long-term costs and benefits when selecting a roofing material for solar panel installation.

Comparing Popular Roofing Materials for Solar Panels

Let's explore the most popular types of roofs to determine which are the best roofing for solar panels.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are an increasingly popular choice for both residential and commercial buildings due to their durability, longevity, and sustainability. Standing-seam metal roofs are one of the best roofing materials for solar panels.

Pros

One of the big advantages of metal roofs is their exceptional durability. They can withstand extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, high winds, and hail. Metal roofs also have a long lifespan, often lasting 40-70 years, which aligns well with the lifespan of solar panels.

Also, metal roofs are environmentally friendly as they are typically made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable at the end of their life. Their reflective properties can also enhance energy efficiency by reducing cooling costs.

Cons

Despite their benefits, metal roofs can be more expensive upfront than other roofing materials like asphalt shingles. The installation process can also be more complex, requiring specialized skills to ensure proper handling and attachment. Also, metal roofs can be noisy during heavy rain or hailstorms, although this can be reduced with proper insulation.

Longevity and Maintenance

Metal roofs require minimal maintenance compared to other roofing materials. Regular inspections are still recommended to check for any potential issues such as loose fasteners or accumulated debris that might affect the performance of both the roof and the solar panels.

Given their long lifespan, metal roofs typically outlast the solar panels, which can simplify future roof replacement. Proper care and periodic maintenance ensure that both the roof and the solar panels continue to perform effectively over their expected lifespans.

Solar Panels on Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are excellent for solar panels, especially on standing seam metal roofs. The standing seams allow for solar panels to be clamped directly onto the roof without the need for penetrations, reducing the risk of leaks and preserving the roof's integrity. This solar panel mounting approach simplifies the installation process and ensures a secure and stable mounting system for the solar panels. For other types of metal roofs, mounting brackets and flashing are used to ensure secure attachment and prevent water intrusion.

When installing solar panels on metal roofs, it is crucial to ensure the roof can support the additional weight. Fortunately, metal roofs are generally sturdy enough to handle solar panel installations without significant structural modifications. The installation process involves careful planning to ensure the panels are optimally placed for maximum sunlight exposure while maintaining the roof&#;s structural integrity.

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Asphalt shingles are a popular roofing material known for their affordability, ease of installation, and wide range of style options.

Pros

One of the main advantages of asphalt shingles is their low cost, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. They are also widely available in a variety of colors and styles, allowing for customization to match the aesthetic of the property. Also, asphalt shingles are relatively easy to install, which can help reduce installation costs.

Cons

Unfortunately, asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan than other roofing materials, typically lasting around 15-30 years, depending on the quality. They are also more prone to damage from harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind, and hail. Furthermore, asphalt shingles are not the most environmentally friendly option as they are not easily recyclable and contribute to landfill waste.

Longevity and Maintenance

Asphalt shingles have a moderate lifespan compared to other roofing materials. Regular maintenance, such as inspections and repairs, can help extend the lifespan of asphalt shingles. It is important to replace damaged or missing shingles promptly to prevent water damage and ensure the overall integrity of the roof. Also, routine cleaning and maintenance can help prevent debris buildup and moss growth, impacting the performance and longevity of both the shingles and the solar panels.

Solar Panels on Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Asphalt shingles are considered a suitable roofing material for solar panel installation due to their widespread use and compatibility with most mounting systems. However, it is important to ensure that the roof structure can support the weight of both the shingles and the solar panels. Proper installation by experienced professionals is crucial to prevent any damage to the roof or the solar system.

When installing solar panels on an asphalt shingle roof, it is crucial to seal roof penetrations to prevent water leakage and maintain the integrity of the roof. Proper flashing methods that securely seal the penetrations can help divert rain, snow, and other moisture away from the roof penetrations, ensuring the roof's protection and longevity.

Tile Roofs (Clay or Concrete)

Clay or concrete tile roofs are known for their exceptional durability, longevity, and aesthetic appeal, making them a popular choice for homeowners seeking both functionality and beauty.

Pros

One of the main advantages of tile roofs, whether clay or concrete, is their exceptional durability. Tile roofs can last 50 years or more with proper maintenance, making them one of the longest-lasting roofing materials available.

They are also highly resistant to fire, rot, and insect damage, providing excellent protection for the home. In addition, tile roofs offer superior insulation properties, helping to keep homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which can reduce energy costs. Their aesthetic appeal is another significant benefit, as they come in a variety of styles and colors that can enhance the architectural beauty of a home.

Cons

Despite their benefits, tile roofs have some drawbacks. They are considerably heavier than other roofing materials, requiring a strong roof structure to support their weight. This may necessitate structural reinforcement, increasing the overall cost of installation.

Tile roofs can also be more expensive upfront than materials like asphalt shingles. Additionally, while durable, individual tiles can be brittle and prone to cracking if walked on or impacted by heavy objects, which can complicate maintenance and repairs.

Longevity and Maintenance

Tile roofs have a long lifespan, often outlasting the solar panels themselves. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning debris and inspecting for damaged tiles, helps to preserve their longevity. It's important to replace any broken tiles promptly to prevent water damage. Since tile roofs are heavy, routine inspections ensure that the roof structure remains sound. Properly maintained tile roofs can continue to protect homes effectively for many decades, supporting solar panels without significant issues. Routine cleaning and upkeep of both the tiles and the solar panels help to maximize their performance and durability.

Solar Panels on Tile Roofs

Tile roofs are suitable for solar panel installations, but they require special considerations to avoid damaging the tiles. Solar installers need to use specific mounting systems designed for tile roofs, which often involve removing tiles and installing flashing and brackets that support the solar panels without causing leaks or damage. Proper installation by experienced professionals is crucial to ensure both the roof and the solar system remain intact and functional.

When installing solar panels on a tile roof, it is essential to work with a solar installer experienced in handling tile materials. This ensures that the tiles are not broken or cracked during the installation process, which could lead to costly repairs. The use of proper flashing techniques helps to seal roof penetrations and prevent water leakage, maintaining the roof's integrity and longevity.

Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofs

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Synthetic cedar shake roofs are durable and low-maintenance, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood shakes. They offer the aesthetic appeal of natural cedar, plus increased longevity and resistance to rot and insects.

Pros

Synthetic cedar shake roofs offer several advantages, including enhanced durability compared to natural wood. They are designed to mimic the appearance of traditional cedar shakes but are made from engineered materials that resist rot, mold, and insects, providing a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance needs. These synthetic shakes are also lightweight, so they can be installed on most roof structures without requiring additional reinforcement. Also, synthetic cedar shakes are often made from recycled materials, making them a more environmentally friendly option.

Cons

Despite their benefits, synthetic cedar shakes can be more expensive upfront than traditional wood shakes or other roofing materials like asphalt shingles. The initial cost can be a deterrent for some homeowners. Furthermore, although they are durable, synthetic materials may not perfectly replicate the natural aging process of real cedar, which can be a drawback for those seeking an authentic weathered look over time.

Longevity and Maintenance

Synthetic cedar shake roofs typically have a longer lifespan than natural wood shakes, often lasting 30-50 years with proper maintenance. This means that the roof can outlive the solar power system. Regular inspections and cleaning can help extend their longevity and ensure that both the roof and the solar panels continue to function effectively.

It is important to promptly address any damage or wear to prevent water infiltration and other issues. Synthetic shakes require less maintenance than natural wood but should still be checked periodically for any signs of degradation. Proper care and maintenance of both the roofing material and the solar panels will maximize their performance and durability over time.

Solar Panels on Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofs

Synthetic cedar shake roofs are suitable for solar panel installations due to their durability and ease of installation. Like traditional cedar shakes, these roofs provide a stable base for solar mounting systems. Proper installation techniques are crucial to avoid damaging the synthetic material and to ensure the solar panels are securely attached. Installers typically use specialized mounting brackets and flashing to prevent leaks and maintain the integrity of the roof.

When installing solar panels on synthetic cedar shake roofs, it's important to ensure that the roof can support the additional weight of the solar panels. Fortunately, synthetic shakes are lighter than their natural counterparts, which generally simplifies the installation process. Experienced solar installers will use methods that avoid penetrating the roofing material whenever possible to maintain its water resistance and durability.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are common on commercial and residential buildings, especially in urban environments.

Pros

Flat roofs are generally easier to access and navigate during the installation and maintenance of solar panels. They offer an ample, unobstructed area, allowing for flexible solar panel layout and orientation to maximize sun exposure. Space not used by solar panels can be utilized for other purposes, such as rooftop gardens, decks, or for mechanical equipment. Solar panels on flat roofs help shade the building, which can reduce cooling costs by keeping the roof and the building cooler.

Cons

Flat roofs require vigilant maintenance to prevent water pooling, which can lead to leaks if not properly managed. Depending on the structure, there may be weight limitations that could restrict the number of solar panels that can be installed. Flat roofs are more exposed to wind, which can apply upward force on solar panel installations if they're not anchored properly. Certain flat roofing materials may not be as durable as pitched roof options, potentially requiring more frequent repairs or replacement.

Longevity and Maintenance

Ensuring the longevity of flat roofs with solar panels requires the use of roof coatings and sealants, which help protect the materials beneath the panels. Also, frequent inspections are crucial for identifying and addressing issues such as water pooling, debris, and potential damage that can affect the integrity of the roof with a solar installation. Equally important is careful weight management during maintenance or repair efforts to prevent overstressing the roof structure. Careful attention to these aspects helps maintain the overall health and efficiency of the roof and solar panel system.

Solar Panels on Flat Roofs

Unlike pitched roofs, flat surfaces need special mounting systems to angle solar panels for optimal energy production. Ballasted mounting systems are a non-invasive choice that use weights to secure panels, maintaining roof integrity and preventing leaks. If there are roof penetrations from mounting the solar panels, waterproofing is crucial to protect against water damage. It's also helpful to have a structural review to ensure the roof can handle the additional weight of the solar modules and the racking system.

Worst Roofing for Solar Panels

Unfortunately, mounting solar panels on certain types of roofs is extremely difficult. Beware of taking on projects on the following roof types.

• Wood Shake Roofs: They are highly flammable, less durable, and challenging to install solar panels without damaging the roof. Plus, the solar installation may void the roof warranty.

• Slate Roofs: They are fragile and prone to cracking under the weight of solar panels, making installation difficult and potentially costly due to the need for specialized mounting equipment and labor.

• Gravel Roofs: Installing solar panels on gravel roofs is difficult due to the uneven surface and the potential for gravel displacement, which can lead to instability and potential roof damage.

• Rubber Roofs: They may not provide the necessary stability and support for solar panel racking systems, and improper installation can lead to leaks and roof damage.

Selecting the Best Roofing for Solar Panels

Choosing the ideal roof for solar panels is crucial for maximizing energy generation and ensuring long-term efficiency. Various factors such as orientation, tilt, shading, and material composition play significant roles in determining the suitability of a roof for solar installation.

Flat or low-slope roofs offer versatility and ease of installation, while south-facing, steeply angled roofs often yield optimal solar exposure. Also, durable roofing materials like metal or tile are recommended to support the weight of solar panels, withstand environmental elements, and have a long lifespan. By carefully considering these factors, your customers can make informed decisions that save money and boost solar energy production over time.

Another critical step in installing a solar system is the design and engineering. The GreenLancer platform was created to help solar energy contractors overcome design, permitting, interconnection, and engineering challenges. Our services include permit-ready solar plan sets, PV interconnection applications, and PE stamps for solar drawings. Create a GreenLancer account to begin shopping for solar design and engineering services for residential and commercial PV contractors.

What is the best overall solar shingle?

Timberline Solar by GAF Energy is our favorite solar shingle, mainly for its great efficiency and warranties. But the race for first place is close. Even though they didn't make the top spot, 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. 

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. 

I'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. I created a scoring methodology (more on this below) based on my findings to pick out which solar shingles stand out among the pack. While the market for this type of solar solution is small, it's still important to compare your options. 

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Here are our picks for the best solar shingles.

Best solar shingles of

GAF Energy

Timberline Solar by GAF Energy

Best overall solar roof

Timberline Solar by GAF Energy takes the top spot with its excellent warranties and efficiency ratings. GAF Energy offers three limited warranties with its solar roof: a 25-year product warranty against leaks and manufacturer defects, a 15-year wind warranty and 25-year power output warranty. The power output warranty guarantees that your solar roof's performance won't dip any lower than 98% after one year and won't decrease by any more than 0.55% per year for the next 24 years. These shingles come with the highest efficiency we've found (23%) and a solid wind rating of 130 mph. The only thing holding GAF Energy back is its lower wattage per square foot (14.3).

See at GAF Energy

Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.

Tesla Solar Roof

Best warranties

Tesla has a track record of making average but well-rounded solar products. The Tesla Solar Roof is no different. But it does come with the strongest solar roof warranties we've seen. Tesla offers three limited warranties for its Tesla Solar Roof. You'll get a product warranty that protects your roof from manufacturer defects, a weatherization warranty that covers damage from wind and rain, and you'll also get a power output warranty. The power output warranty guarantees that your solar roof's performance won't decrease to any less than 95% for the first five years and won't decrease any more than 0.5% per year for the next 20 years. The Tesla Solar Roof has a lower wind rating of 110 mph and its shingle efficiency was not disclosed. We found Tesla Solar Roof's wattage per square foot (15.3) to be average.

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CertainTeed

CertainTeed Solar

Highest wattage per square foot

CertainTeed might not be as well-known as Tesla or GAF, but it's still a good solar roof option for your home. You'll get three limited warranties: a 25-year product warranty that protects you from manufacturer defects, a 25-year power output warranty and a much shorter 10-year wind warranty. The company guarantees that your solar performance won't fall below 98% after one year, and won't decrease by any more than 0.55% per year for the following 24 years. CertainTeed Solar's shingle wind rating is 110 mph, which is lower than others on this list. This solar roof also comes with a fairly average efficiency rating (19.85%) and a slightly higher wattage per square foot (16.1).

See at CertainTeed

Luma Solar

Luma Solar

Best wind rating

Luma Solar scored much lower than our top three picks for the best solar shingles, but we thought it was worth including Luma Solar in the rankings for its standout wind rating. You'll only get two warranties with a Luma Solar roof: a five-year product warranty and 25-year power output warranty. Luma's power output warranty guarantees that your solar roof's performance won't have decreased by more than 80% after 25 years. As far as we know, the company doesn't offer any kind of wind or weatherization warranty. But these shingles do come with an incredibly high 200+ mph wind rating, according to the product's data sheet (PDF). Luma Solar's efficiency rating (22.10%) and wattage per square foot (14.9) aren't bad either.

See at Luma Solar

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 the 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.

Tesla's Solar Roof shingles, like these seen at CES , look a lot like regular rooftop shingles, particularly up close.

Jon Reed/CNET

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: product warranty, 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%. But 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. However, 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.

While pricing data for most solar shingle manufacturers is unavailable, 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. And it's probably not your best option if you're looking for cheap solar.

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. 

But 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 hand-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

How long do solar shingles last?

The longevity of your solar roof depends on the manufacturer and the installer. But most solar roofs are designed to last between 20 and 30 years. This is comparable with traditional solar panels, which typically last 25 years or more. You should also check solar shingle warranties. If your solar roof is warranted for 25 years, that's a good sign. Most solar shingle product warranties that we found lasted at least 25 years. However, there were some that only covered five or 10 years.

Can solar shingles cause leaks?

Yes, if not installed properly. You'll want to select an installer that has a proven track record of installing solar on the type of home you're in and the type of roof you have. If the job is done right, you shouldn't have to worry about leaks. Some solar shingle manufacturers include water damage in their product or weatherization warranty. GAF Energy in particular promises fewer leaks than others.

How many solar shingles do you need?

You'll need as many solar shingles as it takes to meet your home's energy needs. Your installer will help conduct an energy audit to determine how many solar shingles you'll need. Keep in mind that not every solar shingle on the market has the same wattage (or power output), and traditional solar panels offer a significantly higher wattage than an individual solar shingle.

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