What are solar shingles?
Solar shingles (also called solar tiles or a solar roof) are roofing shingles that generate electricity. Instead of mounting separate panels on top of your roof, the solar-generating material is built into the roof surface itself — “building-integrated photovoltaics,” or BIPV. You get a complete roof and a solar system in one product, with no visible raised panels. It’s the most seamless-looking way to put solar on a home, and also the most expensive.
The main solar shingle brands in 2026
- Tesla Solar Roof — the best-known option: glass solar tiles plus matching inactive tiles. Premium look, premium price. See our full Tesla Solar Roof vs. solar panels breakdown.
- GAF Energy Timberline Solar — a nailable solar shingle from the largest roofing manufacturer in North America, installed by roofers. Often lower cost than Tesla and integrates with a standard shingle roof.
- Other BIPV / solar tile products — a handful of smaller manufacturers; availability and serviceability vary by region, which matters over a 25-year life.
Solar shingles cost vs. solar panels
A solar shingle roof typically runs $50,000–$100,000+ installed for a normal single-family home, because you’re buying a whole roof and a solar system together. A new roof with conventional solar panels usually runs $28,000–$50,000 for the same or more power. The 30% federal solar tax credit applies to the solar-generating portion either way. For most homes, panels on a new roof produce the same energy for roughly half the cost — the solar roof wins mainly on appearance.
Pros and cons of solar shingles
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Seamless look — no visible raised panels | Much higher cost per watt than panels |
| Roof + solar in one install | Complex rooflines drive cost up fast (more inactive tile) |
| Great when you need a new roof anyway | Fewer installers can service them long-term |
| Strong curb appeal / HOA-friendly | Often lower production per square foot than panels |
When solar shingles are worth it
Solar shingles make sense when three things line up: you need a full roof replacement anyway, you value the seamless panel-free look over maximizing savings, and you have a relatively simple roofline that keeps the active-to-inactive tile ratio efficient. If your goal is the best return per dollar, conventional panels on a new or existing roof almost always win — we’ll show you both numbers honestly.
Why work with a roofer who also installs solar
Solar shingles are a roof and a solar system at once, so the worst outcome is a crew that’s good at one and not the other. Higher Power Solar is a licensed roofer and a solar installer, so we assess the roof and the energy system as one project — and if a solar roof isn’t the right call for your home, we’ll tell you and show you the panels-plus-new-roof alternative side by side. See our combined solar + roofing and roof replacement pages.
Frequently asked questions
How much do solar shingles cost?
Roughly $50,000–$100,000+ installed for a typical home, depending on roof size, pitch, and complexity. A new roof plus conventional panels usually costs about half that for comparable power.
Are solar shingles better than solar panels?
They look better and integrate into the roof, but conventional panels generally cost less and produce more per square foot. Solar shingles win on aesthetics and when you’re replacing the roof anyway; panels win on value.
Do solar shingles work as well as panels?
Per square foot, conventional panels are usually more efficient, and complex rooflines reduce a solar roof’s output because more of the roof is non-producing inactive tile. On a simple, large roof the gap narrows.
Who installs solar shingles?
Certified roofers/solar installers — the install combines roofing and electrical work. As a licensed roofer and solar installer, Higher Power Solar handles both, and services the system afterward.
Do solar shingles qualify for the tax credit?
Yes — the 30% federal solar tax credit applies to the solar-generating portion of a solar shingle roof.
Get an honest solar roof vs. panels recommendation
Call (941) 830-4937 (Florida) or (619) 456-5352 (California). We’ll inspect your roof and compare solar shingles against new-roof-plus-panels for your actual home — numbers both ways, no pressure. See also our solar installation guide and solar panel cost breakdown.