When to Use solar shingle manufacturers？
Solar Shingles: Turn Your Roof a Power Source (5 Brands)
In the U.S., residential solar installations have been continuously increasing during the last few years, reaching 1GWDC in the Q4 of .
With competitive price and timely delivery, Jiasheng sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
This solar energy adoption is driven by many factors, such as the cutting-edge technologies that are being developed, like instance solar shingles.
Out there in the market, there are many solar shingle manufacturers. To help you decide which brand and product is best for your needs, we chose 4 different solar shingle companies as an alternative to Tesla solar shingles. For each brand, we will check out the products they offer, breaking down their characteristics and more importantly let you know if a solar shingle might be a good match for you.
Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made from our affiliates through links in this article. (Learn More)At are solar shingles and how do they work?
Solar shingles are basically solar cells that convert the sun’s radiation into usable electricity, but also, they work as the roofing material for your home. These roofing solar cells are commonly shaped into shingles or tiles which are seamlessly arranged to provide structural support for the house roof and other types of buildings.
Using solar shingles allows you to have a roof that achieves two functions: generate clean energy and give your home, office or any other of your buildings, an aesthetic look.
Composition/Structure
Solar shingles or tiles are made of solar cells that are commonly manufactured using semiconductor materials, such as monocrystalline silicon and copper-indium-gallium selenide. The cells are assembled in bands or strips to form the shingle or tile shape.
In addition, since solar shingles are quite thin, this allows them to have greater flexibility and be lightweight.
How do solar shingles work?
Solar shingles or tiles perform as roofing material for your home. The main idea is to combine the solar cells with the roof sheathing rather than mounting solar modules on top of the shingles.
Solar shingle's basic principle works just the same as with conventional solar panels. In other words, the PV cells absorb sunlight in order to produce a flow of free electrons, which results in generating an electrical current that can power electrical equipment. The difference between solar shingles and solar panels is mainly their construction.
Why should you choose solar shingle technology?
In order to help you analyze whether choosing solar shingles for your photovoltaic system is the right option, we summarize and list the pros and cons of having them:
Pros
- Perfect solution for those cases in which a roof replacement is required.
- Elegant and sleek design provides a futuristic look to your roof.
- No obstructions from solar panels will be visible on the roof.
- No external wiring that could be exposed to damage and cause potential hazards.
- No weak spots on the roof from roof penetrations as with conventional solar systems.
Cons
- Higher upfront costs and lower return of investment (ROI) than conventional rooftop solar panels (unless roof is to be replaced).
- Solar shingles generally have less energy efficiency than standard solar modules.
- Few companies perform solar shingle installation.
What is the average cost of solar shingle technologies?
The amount of money you are going to pay for installing solar shingles in your roof is going to depend on your energy usage, the conditions, and age of your roof, the solar shingle manufacturer, and other factors.
However, the cost of going with solar shingles can go anywhere from $20,000 to $70,000 whereas Tesla’s solar roof is generally located in the high-end scenario.
Reviews of the best solar shingle brands
Tesla’s Solar Roof
Elon Musk presented the Solar Roof back in . Since then, the product has gained huge popularity across the U.S. and other countries.
It’s clear that the Solar Roof provides a futuristic and sleek look for homes and other types of buildings. Although, the Solar Roof is quite an expensive product and still not as efficient as conventional solar panels.
Tesla’s Solar Roof consists of a rooftop built with solar shingles that contain solar cells. There are two types of shingles used in the final product design: the active ones, those which produce electricity, and the inactive ones, which just act as a roofing material. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using the Solar Roof.
Advantages
- Aesthetics: Solar Roof offers 4 different styles of tile. All have a modern and distinguished looking design.
- Durability: It is claimed to be resistant to hail, wind, and fire, as well as to mechanical forces. Solar Roof is backed by ANSI standard tests.
- Warranty: Offers a 25-year tile and power and weatherization warranty.
- Renowned brand: Who is not excited to have a product of a brand like Tesla? Claimed to be one of the leaders of a zero-carbon emissions future.
Disadvantages
- High upfront Cost: Compared to building a new roof or replacing an existing one plus adding a regular solar system mounted on the rooftop, it can be 2 to 3 times more expensive to buy the solar roof of Tesla. Depending on the complexity of your roof, you could end up paying a total of somewhere between $40,000 to $70,000 to install the solar shingles.
- Low ROI: Depending on many factors like your energy usage habits, the size of the system, your location, and others, the solar roof may have a very low payback in a 25-year lifetime compared to conventional solar systems. In some cases, it could simply be not economically viable.
Considering the previous facts, it would be interesting to look for possible alternatives to buy and install solar shingles. Let’s check out some of them.
CertainTeed Solar Shingles
Another important brand that has been leading the roofing technology in the US for a long time is CertainTeed. It offers two different product alternatives related to solar shingles.
Design Choices
- Apollo Shingle ll: This design has solar shingles that can be installed in a new or existing asphalt shingle roof. The result is a combination of regular asphalt shingles and active solar shingles.
- Apollo Tile ll: This product offers a more integrated design by using tiles that are embedded to a new or an existing concrete tile roof.
Performance
In both Apollo Shingle II and Apollo Tile ll systems, 14 high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells are used in every tile/shingle with a power rating of 70 watts per piece. The conversion efficiency of the shingles and the tiles are 17.2% and 17.8% respectively. In addition, both have an operating temperature that can go anywhere between -40˚C and 90˚C.
Both systems are relatively easy to install, they are placed directly into the roof sheathing using standard deck screws, just as conventional asphalt and concrete tiles are installed.
Their weight is much less than conventional tiles at three pounds per square foot. Moreover, they are long-lasting withstanding up to 250 pounds per square foot. Also, they are waterproof and can resist high wind velocities of 140mph.
Aesthetics
Apollo II provides all-black solar shingles which look like suitable solar stripes or bands placed over the roof.
On the other hand, Apollo Tile II matches the profile of flat concrete tiles. These tiles look like black solar laminate with a custom-colored frame that can complement a wide variety of earth-toned concrete tile colors.
Cost
The cost might change depending on your energy requirements, the difficulty of installation, your roof inclination, and roof age. However, some estimations are shown in the following table.
ProductCost per wattCertainTeed Apollo ll$6.40-$8.00CertainTeed Apollo Tile ll$7.64-$10.00These figures are estimated and subject to changes depending on the specifics of the project, which can elevate the costs by 25%.
Warranty
CertainTeed offers a 25-year limited power warranty claimed to be all-encompassing. The coverage includes 25 years on installation workmanship, PV cells, microinverters, and mounting system. Also, comprises 12 years on optimized inverters, 10 years on wind, and 5 years on data monitoring hardware.
Suntegra Solar Shingles
Another important player in the solar roofing industry is Suntegra, which claims to give a 2-in-1 roof and solar solution by providing solar cells that generate electricity and a roofing material that protects your home or building. It gives installers a cutting-edge way to integrate solar directly into the sloped roof of a house, commercial building, or carport.
Additionally, Suntegra products are regarded to be constructed with 50% fewer materials than conventional rack-mounted PV systems and thus, they might be an alternative to adjust efficiently to your budget.
Available Options
- Suntegra shingles: Like the Apollo ll system, Suntegra also includes a solar shingles that are placed on a new or existing roof composed by asphalt shingles.
- Suntegra tiles: Similar to the Apollo tile design, this system integrates to the existing concrete tiles that are inserted in combination with inactive concrete tiles. They can also be used when a new roof is to be built.
Performance
The solar shingles of Suntegra offer 3 different models with a range of power output between 105W and 114W. All of them use 24 monocrystalline cells per piece, capable of achieving an electrical efficiency from 15.9% to 17.2%.
On the other hand, Suntegra tiles have lower efficiency than the shingles, ranging from 13.9% to 15.1%. Also, the tiles have 16 monocrystalline cells per piece.
Both tiles and shingles have a maximum wind rating of 130mph and a maximum static load rating of 112 pounds per square foot or 5,400Pa. In addition, the temperature operating range is the same as the Certainteed product (between -40˚C and 90˚C).
Aesthetics
Both Suntegra shingles and tiles offer a low-profile, all-black, and pleasing-looking. They are characterized for being a discrete installation, almost hidden and barely noticeable from the ground level, which makes them an elegant design for any home or building.
Price
Just as we did with the CertainTeed shingles and tiles, estimations on the cost are shown in the table below, which are subjected to variations depending on the conditions of your roof, energy requirements, and location.
ProductCost per wattSunTegra Shingle$3.80-$4.26SunTegra Tile$6.16-$6.57Warranty
For both shingles and tiles, Suntegra offers a 10-year product warranty and a 25-year power output warranty.
Forward Solar Shingles
In the few recent years, Forward startup company has had significant growth in the solar shingles market. Forward offers an engineered integration of the roof and the solar cells by the means of state-of-the-art technology and a unique aesthetic that matches the classical U.S. home.
They offer their star product called Forward Metal Solar Roof, claimed to be a cost-effective and efficient solution that harvests a great amount of clean energy while it gives a sleek and futuristic appearance using shining metal standing seam type of roof. The system comes in 8 different possible colors to cover all requirements.
It has a non-solar portions cost of $9.75 per square foot and a $3.75 per watt cost related to the solar parts, which are quite competitive compared to the previous brands mentioned. Also, it has a weatherization warranty of 30 years.
The product is claimed to achieve an energy density of 19 watts per square foot while having an excellent thermal performance by the means of a passive ventilation system, which optimizes the heat dissipation and the airflow between shingles and your roof deck.
Additionally, this design is claimed to be reliable, robust, long-lasting, and can withstand powerful mechanical forces. The most interesting fact about Forward is that they are probably the only valuable brand available that offers a solar-roof integrated solution based on metal standing seam roof type, making it perfect not only for homes but also for garages, barns, and other industrial types of roofs.
Luma Solar Shingles
Luma Solar is another important interesting solar shingle company that has been gaining momentum for many years in the US. It’s recognized by having solar shingles products with a high rate of electrical efficiency while also having a futuristic, seamless, and luxurious looking. Luma offers results in your house that have combinations between active and inactive solar shingles.
The price changes depending on the conditions, roof complexity, energy requirements, and others. However, estimations set the average cost of the solar shingles of Luma at $4.5 per watt and could go up to $38 per square foot.
Additionally, it offers a 25-year limited power warranty at 80% and a 5-year limited product warranty.
Performance
Luma Solar Roof claims to have solar shingles with an incredible conversion efficiency of 22,1%, which is even higher than standard solar panels. It uses 16 monocrystalline 80W cells per shingle.
It handles a temperature operation range between -40˚C to 85˚C, having a great thermal and airflow management that maintains excellent levels of energy yields.
Additionally, every shingle weighs 19.8 lbs., and they are designed to withstand mechanical forces of 2,400 Pa for static wind loading and 5,400 for static load snow loading.
Aesthetics
Luma offers a distinguished good looking for your house, not only because of its futuristic appearance but also because of the Matte black finish, which gives a sleek line.
Are these “solar shingle technologies” right for you?
All the products mentioned above will provide an extraordinary aesthetic view for your home. Not to mention that some of them will offer the functionality of performing as the roofing material and act as the structural support by the means of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV).
Replacing roof or just adding solar?
If you are only looking for a solar PV system, installing solar shingles in the roof of your home can be an interesting alternative to go with if your requirements are more focused on aesthetical objectives than on cost-effective and efficient goals. From an economical point of view, it is still hard for solar shingles to compete with conventional solar panel systems.
However, in cases where changing your roof is necessary, solar shingles may present themselves as a more economically viable choice that combines both approaches into one for a cost similar to a solar panel system plus roof installation. In some other cases, replacing your roof may not be what you need, but the structural engineer may require you to replace the roof to make the solar panel installation feasible. If you find yourself in a situation like that, you may want to reconsider going with a solar shingle installation.
New Home?
Another situation where solar roof shingles can definitely be a great choice is for new houses. Choosing solar shingles since the construction process can drastically reduce the cost impact, increase your ROI, and ease the installation process.
Compare Quotes!
In any case, if you are interested in solar shingles, it is advisable for you to get a quote for your roof-specific layout and compare it with other conventional solar panel systems plus roofing installation quotes. This will allow you to find out which approach would best suit your needs. However, keep in mind that in the end, the house will always look better with solar shingles, which is a plus to consider for the value of your property.
Shingled solar panels: A must-consider solar shingle alternative
Finally, shingled solar panels are an innovative technology which is carrying out a wide range of advanced features in terms of solar energy optimization.
They should not be confused with solar shingles, which are part of BIPV, whereas solar shingled panels are more similar to standard solar panels but with cells that are cut into several strips that are subsequently connected to form modules by the means of an electrically conductive adhesive (ECA).
Major developments on this technology have taken place in the residential sector so far. Solar shingled panels are a promising technology that is much less expensive and more efficient technology than solar shingles.
Final Thoughts
We have examined multiple solar shingle products and brands with the objective to show you some of the best brands available in the market today. We learned that a solar roof shingle investment is a solution that must balance aesthetics and functionality where the new shingles of your roof will actually be generating electricity.
However, we also learned that the decision to install it must be balanced with the costs for such type of project since they can be considerable depending on the house. New houses or cases where a roof replacement is required due to structural stability reasons, are probably the best ones for solar shingle installations. In these cases, the economics can definitely be balanced with the benefits of a high-end finish.
Solar shingles still have a long way to go and with the variety of products available for multiple roof types that go from shingles, concrete standard tiles, and even metal standing seam, there are plenty of choices that you can consider to start generating clean energy and potentially improve the look for your house.
*Last updated: February 15,
Solar Shingles: Top 5 Brands In - SolarReviews
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
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.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of top 10 BIPV manufacturers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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 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
CertainTeed
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
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
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 , 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
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
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
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.
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.