Solar Shingles vs Solar Panels: Pros and Cons

Solar shingles have long been heralded as the future of residential solar power, blending the utility of a standard roofing shingle with the electricity-generating capability and potential bill savings of rooftop solar panels.

However, solar shingles typically cost more than traditional solar panels. This raises the question: When is the increased cost of solar shingles justified, and when is it better to choose the more conventional solar panels? Here's an essential guide to help you decide.

What are solar shingles?

Solar shingles, also known as solar tiles, solar roofs, or solar roofing, are products that generate solar electricity while looking and acting like roof tiles or shingles. Instead of being installed on top of your roof, they're installed as your roof. Solar shingles can partially or completely replace the materials on a home roof with subtle, electricity-generating devices.

Many people know of the Tesla Solar Roof product, which may have the most name recognition of the solar shingle options. 

More recently companies have introduced new products, like GAF Energy with its Timberline Solar shingle, which can be installed just like traditional roofing material without additional solar power expertise. Jackery, a leader in portable energy products, debuted curved solar roof tiles at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. 

Solar shingles have been available in one form or another for years now, and they give homeowners an additional option to save money with solar power.

How much do solar shingles cost?

The cost for the material and installation of a solar shingle system can be between $20,000-$100,000. The labor and installation are significant parts of the cost and can vary widely.

Solar shingles are more expensive than solar panels. If you need to replace your roof before going solar or during your solar panels’ lifetime, solar shingles could make more financial sense.

Solar panels are generally more efficient than solar shingles, so energy savings over the long term would tend to favor solar panels. 

Solar shingles vs solar panels

Solar shingles and solar panels are very similar. They both harness sunlight and produce electricity. Each technology is designed for durable long-term performance, with both modern panels and solar roofing expected to last for 25 years or more. 

However, there are also a few major differences between solar panels and solar shingles.

• Solar shingles make up the roof while solar panels are mounted on top of it
• Solar panels can be ground-mounted, while shingles always require rooftop placement
• Solar panels are widely adopted, while solar shingles remain a niche product for now 

When choosing between a new solar roof or a traditional solar panel system, the cost, availability, and electricity production of both are highly location- and customer-specific. If you’re considering an installation, here are the pros and cons of solar shingles vs rigid solar panels to help you determine the best choice for your property's power.  

Advantages of a solar roof

Compared to solar panels, building-integrated solar tiles have two main advantages: superior aesthetics and dual functionality.

Low profile: Despite their ability to reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions, some homeowners still think solar panels are too ugly for their roof. Solar shingles can provide a less obtrusive, more familiar look. 

2-in-1 functionality: More importantly, solar shingles offer 2-in-1 functionality as both a building material and an energy-generating device. Even though solar shingles tend to be more expensive than ordinary panels alone, replacing an old roof and adding solar shingles simultaneously may bring the prices closer to each other. 

Disadvantages of a solar roof

Despite the hype around solar shingles, they still fall short of PV solar panels in some ways.   

Cost: Unless you also account for the cost of a new roof replacement, solar shingle installations are almost always more expensive than solar panels, with higher upfront costs and slower returns on investments. 

Availability: No matter how much you want a solar roof, the availability of a high-quality installation may still be limited in certain areas. 

Will my whole roof produce electricity?

Solar shingles or solar tiles are designed to integrate with non-photovoltaic roofing materials. Your system can be sized to meet your home’s electricity demand. Like any rooftop solar installation, solar shingles are limited by the shape and size of the roof. Homeowners can potentially save money by choosing not to install solar tiles on roof faces with less sun exposure or limited power generation potential.

Prominent solar shingle manufacturers 

In 2025, American homeowners can choose from a handful of popular solar shingle companies from cleantech and roofing companies alike. Here are some of the top solar roofing manufacturers currently on the market, in alphabetical order. 

• CertainTeed
• GAF Energy
• Jackery
• LUMA Solar
• Tesla Solar Roof

As we mentioned earlier, finding a solar shingle contractor can be difficult in many parts of the country. So, even if you can get your hands on an order of shingles directly from the manufacturer, your local solar installer may not have the experience to help install them.

As mounting and interconnection methods for different makes and models vary, some manufacturers like GAF Energy are aiming to make installation as easy as possible. Their new Timberline Solar product can be installed by any roofer with a nail gun.

Of course, unless you are an experienced electrician and a roofer with a nail gun, you’ll still need to find one in your area.

Is solar roofing the future of home solar?

In the right scenario, solar shingles are worth it for homeowners looking to replace their roof and install a renewable energy system at the same time. With 2-in-1 functionality, a solar roof consisting of building integrated photovoltaics allows you to generate independent and clean electricity for your home without losing any curb appeal.  

Unfortunately, price and availability are still limiting factors for solar shingles in the US. As a result, many homeowners may find an investment in traditional solar panels can be quicker, cheaper, and easier to achieve.  

To find out if solar will save you money at your home, you can request a free solar design and savings estimate today.

Frequently asked questions

What are the advantages of solar shingles?

Some people think solar shingles look better than solar panels. Solar shingles can be more durable than asphalt shingles and some other roofing material. In some cases, solar shingles can be cheaper than replacing a roof and installing new solar panels.

What are the disadvantages of solar shingles?

Solar shingles are more expensive than solar panels. Panels generate electricity more efficiently and so can save you more over time. Shingles are not a fit for all roofs, and you might have difficulty finding professional installers who offer solar shingles. 

What is the lifespan of solar shingles?

Solar shingles are still new enough that this is in the “to be determined” category, but it’s expected solar shingles will last 25 years or longer. 

Are solar shingles worth it?

In most cases, solar panels are going to be the better choice for upfront cost, energy efficiency, and long-term energy costs. The state and layout of your roof, your budget, and your individual preferences could make solar shingles the right choice.