Best Solar Roof Shingles for 2022

Solar shingles FAQs

• Are solar shingles efficient?

  Currently, the cost of solar shingles and tiles is higher than standard solar panels. Solar panels cost around $3.82 per watt. The exact cost depends on the size of the solar array. Similarly, the price for solar shingles or tiles will depend on the size of your home and your energy use. According to Modernize, “The average roofing installation price for a solar shingle roof costs anywhere between $60,000 to $75,000 depending on the slope, pitch, and size of your roof.” This cost equals roughly $21–25 per square foot. Solar tiles and shingles qualify for the Residential Clean Energy Credit, which can offset the cost with a federal tax credit of 30%

• What is the average cost of solar shingles?

  Currently, the cost of solar shingles and tiles is higher than standard solar panels. Solar panels cost between $15,000 and $25,000. Brands like Tesla tend to be more expensive; however, they are doubling as your roof and a solar system. The price for solar shingles or tiles will depend on the size of your home and your energy use. According to Modernize, “The average roofing installation price for a solar shingle roof costs anywhere between $60,000 to $75,000 depending on the slope, pitch, and size of your roof.” This cost equals roughly $21–25 per square foot. Luckily, solar tiles and shingles still qualify for the Solar Tax Credit (ITC), a federal tax credit available through 2034 for homeowners who install solar on their homes.

• Are solar shingles worth it?

  Solar roof shingles and solar tiles are worth it if you are concerned about the look of solar panels on your home but still want to have the great benefits of solar energy and earn a return on your investment. Another reason people choose a solar shingle roof versus solar panels is because HOAs are more likely to approve solar shingles and tiles. Community standards’ boards like solar shingles because they closely resemble traditional roofing construction.

• Does the pitch of the roof matter with solar shingles?

  Yes. The pitch or angle of the roof matters, but it is not variable. Solar roof tiles will always be at the angle of the roof. On the other hand, the angle of conventional solar panels can be modified for efficiency. According to the U.S. Energy Information Association (EIA), the majority of solar panels are “tilted between 11 and 30 degrees,” and face south.

• Does the amount of snow make a difference when choosing solar shingles?

  Yes. Light snow does not affect solar roof shingles as much as a heavy downfall. According to Energy.gov, “A dusting of snow has little impact on solar panels because the wind can easily blow it off. Light is able to forward scatter through a sparse coating, reaching the panel to produce electricity. It’s a different story when heavy snow accumulates, which prevents PV panels from generating power. Once the snow starts to slide, though, even if it only slightly exposes the panel, power generation is able to occur again.”

• Are there areas where Tesla solar shingles are not allowed?

  Yes. There are areas of the country where it is not yet possible to get a Tesla Solar Roof. However, most of the top solar electricity states are within the approved regions. According to Inverse, “Tesla’s website accepts orders for its retrofit solar panels in 24 locations: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.”

• Will I have to replace my entire roof to get solar shingles?

  Possibly. Some solar tile manufacturers do not require a new roof because they are installed on top of your existing roof. However, some solar shingle systems will replace your current roof material.