Solar Roof Shingles

What are Solar Shingles? 

Solar panel roof shingles are a roofing technology designed to look like ordinary asphalt shingles and provide the same level of durability, while harnessing the sun’s solar energy to generate power for your home. Each shingle will produce between 13 and 63 watts of energy, depending on the brand. Solar shingles are energy-efficient, lightweight and easy to install, and built to withstand rain, wind, and hail. Solar shingles cost significantly more than asphalt shingles, but they offer the added benefits of energy production, electricity cost savings, and increased home value.

How Much Do Solar Shingles Cost?

As of 2024, the average cost to install solar shingles is $21 to $25 per square foot, or $2,100 to $2,500 per roofing square (100 square feet), including installation and labor.  For a standard size single family home with a 3,000 square foot roof, you can expect to pay  between $63,000 to $75,000. Note that the cost to install solar shingles can vary based on theslope, pitch, and size of your roof.

Costs can also vary depending on where you live and local installation prices. You can compare local roofing professionals, including available promotions and reviews, to find the best deal.

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Solar Shingles Cost per Watt

Solar shingle installers will typically charge by the watt, rather than the square foot. This pricing model aligns with how most solar energy systems are sold and installed, focusing on the energy capacity rather than the area it covers. The cost per watt for solar shingles typically ranges from about $5.50 to $7. This is generally higher than traditional solar panel installations, which can cost between $2.50 and $4 per watt. The higher cost per watt for solar shingles is due to their advanced integration into roofing materials, ability to mimic the look of traditional roof shingles, and the specialized installation that these systems require.

How Many Solar Shingles and Watts Do I Need?

The number of solar shingles required for your home depends on your local peak sunlight hours, the size of your home, and your household’s typical energy usage. Solar shingles typically produce between 13 to 63 watts, with the most common models generating 18 to 22 watts each.

To determine how many solar shingle watts you need, divide your daily energy usage by the average peak sunlight hours for your location. For instance, the average U.S. home uses about 29 kWh per day. A New Jersey home, receiving about 4.5 hours of sunlight, would need a 6.44 kW system, translating to 358 shingles at a cost of approximately $45,080. In contrast, a Florida home, with about 5.5 hours of sunlight, would need a 5.27 kW system, or 293 shingles, costing about $36,890.

It’s important to consult with a local profesional solar shingle installer to determine the exact cost estimate for your specific home and needs.

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Solar Shingles vs Solar Panels

Trying to decide between installing solar panels or shingles on your roof? Here are a few advantages and disadvantages to consider beforehand.

Benefits of Solar Shingles

• More aesthetically pleasing than bulky solar panels.
• 10% to 15% more cost effective than solar panels if you also plan to replace your roof
• Can be removed and reinstalled if you were to move homes

Disadvantages of Solar Shingles

• Sometimes less energy-efficient than traditional solar panels
• You will need a particular roof slope with high sunlight exposure
• Typically have a shortern lifespan than traditional solar panels
• Some solar and roofing installers do not offer solar shingles yet, as they are still growing in popularity

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

Learn the cost differences between solar panels and solar shingles installation

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What is the ROI of a Solar Shingle Installation?

If your roof is in need of an overhaul anyway, replacing your roof is a good investment. According to the most recent Cost vs. Value report, replacing the roof on your home can have an an ROI of 71.6%.

Additionally, recent Department of Energy-backed studies have demonstrated something else to consider. Home buyers are willing to pay a premium for homes with solar roofing features — up to $15,000 more.

How Long Do Solar Shingles Last? 

Solar shingle technology, like traditional solar panels, typically has a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, during which they maintain maximum energy output. While solar shingles continue to generate power beyond this timeframe, their efficiency can gradually decrease, similar to the way an aging cell phone battery holds less charge.

Most manufacturers guarantee the performance of their solar products with warranties that often cover up to 25 years. This assurance is comparable to that of standard solar panels, which also experience similar degradation in performance over time.

When considering solar shingles, it’s important to factor in not only their initial cost and energy output but also their long-term reliability and the specifics of their warranty coverage.

Finding a Local Solar Shingle Installer

If you are interested in installing solar shingles, the best next step is to talk to local professionals, who can walk you through options and pricing for your specific home. They can also advise on whether solar shingles is a worthwhile investment for your situation. You can use Modernize to match with up to 4 local professionals to start comparing prices.

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