Which is right for your home?

Written by Lisa Iscrupe    Edited by Hannah Hillson   Last updated 08/24/2022

kevinjeon 00/E+/Getty images

A solar panel roof is made up of solar shingles or solar tiles, which are smaller versions of traditional solar panels. Many people prefer solar shingles and solar roof tiles in 2022 because they more closely resemble a conventional roof with asphalt shingles. These solar energy alternatives are not as noticeable on your roof as traditional solar panels.

Overall best solar shingles for 2022

1.Tesla Solar Roof

2.Luma Solar Roof Shingles

3.CertainTeed Solar Roof Shingles

4.SunTegra Tile Solar Roof

5.Timberline Solar™ by GAF Energy

The best solar shingles for your home 2022

Shingles and tiles can be a 2-in-1 product when they replace your roof and capture solar energy. However, some tiles and shingles are on top of your existing roof, similar to the best solar panels. For example, Tesla is one solar panel company that offers solar tiles that replace your entire roof. However, not all solar tiles serve that dual function.

Solar shingles and solar tiles are very similar, so you may see these terms used interchangeably. The difference between solar shingles and solar tiles is that solar shingles tend to be smaller and resemble a non-solar roof. In contrast, solar tiles are usually larger than shingles but still smaller than standard solar panels. Both tiles and shingles are visually appealing options for a long-lasting solar panel roof in 2022.

The amount of solar panels you need is not equivalent to the number of solar roof tiles or shingles that you may need. Because both shingles and tiles are smaller than conventional solar panels, you will need more of them to power your home.

Tesla Solar Roof

The Tesla solar roof consists of identical monocrystalline solar and non-solar tiles. The tiles are made of tempered glass and claim to be “three times stronger than standard roofing tiles, with a 25-year limited warranty to support that claim. These shingles have an ASTM D3161 Class F wind rating, which means they can withstand winds up to 110 mph. The Tesla solar roof also has a Class A fire rating, which means they fall into the category of ordinary combustibles that are least likely to spread fire rapidly (similar to standard home-building materials). 

Luma Solar Roof Shingles

Luma solar roof is an upgradable shingle option with a smartphone app for monitoring energy consumption. Luma monocrystalline solar shingles boast an impressive 80 watts per shingle and can withstand high winds, including hurricane-force gusts. Luma shingles have a 25-year limited power warranty, a 5-year limited product warranty, and a Class 5+ Hurricane rating. Discover the full Luma Solar spec sheet for more details. 

CertainTeed Solar Roof Shingles

CertainTeed solar products only work with asphalt shingled roofs, so wood or metal roof owners may want to look elsewhere. This solar shingle system comes in a stock size of 14 all-black monocrystalline cells (70 watts per shingle) with a standard 25-year limited-power warranty. The CertainTeed shingles can be positioned on an existing roof and include water channels to safeguard against leaks. The length of the installation warranty depends on the rank of the CertainTeed-credentialed installer as outlined in the warranty section of the ApolloⓇ II solar shingle spec sheet. 

SunTegra Tile Solar Roof

SunTegra shingles are low-profile monocrystalline solar shingles that install without racking. Due to its lightweight design that needs 50% fewer parts than conventional solar panels, SunTegra roofing is installed quickly and may let you avoid extra building permits. These solar roof shingles have a 25-year limited power and a 10-year limited product warranty. 

Timberline Solar™ by GAF Energy

Timberline Solar™ Monocrystalline shingles were a 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) award winner for Best of innovation. These solar roof shingles were highlighted as the “first nailable solar energy shingle” designed for fast installation. Like the Tesla solar roof, the Timberline shingle replaces your roof. Therefore, the overall price is higher since you get two products: a new roof and solar technology. These waterproof shingles are the largest single-unit shingle and come with a 25-year warranty. Check out the Timberline™ Solar spec sheet for more details.

Get an exact quote from our solar advisors

The SaveOnEnergy marketplace helps you search, compare, sign up and save on the right energy fit for your home — all for free. If you’re interested in solar, answer a few questions to get an exact price quote from our solar advisors.

1. Complete the form below
2. Schedule an appointment with a solar advisor
3. Get an exact price quote for solar panels for your home

Best solar tiles of 2022 compared

Other than the popular Tesla Solar Roof (and accompanying Powerwall), there are a handful of solar tile and shingle options. We took a look at the top solar shingle options and ranked them by size, efficiency, and wattage.

Options in the solar tile and solar shingle category are limited as this product is less common than traditional solar panels. To compare and contrast the quality of the top solar shingles in 2022, we looked at the following features:

1.Aesthetics: Solar shingles are  less obvious than standard solar panels and look more like a conventional roof.

2.Installation: Solar shingle installation can be easier to get approved by Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) since they are less noticeable than conventional solar panels. 

3.Savings: Can reduce your electricity bills and qualify for the 30% Solar Tax Credit. Solar shingle can also be eligible for state solar incentives, net metering, and renewable energy credits (RECs). However, solar roof tiles and shingles are not typically an option when leasing solar panels or in a power purchase agreement (PPA). 

4.Value: Solar shingles and tiles can Increase your property value.

5.Materials: Solar shingles can be monocrystalline or polycrystalline. Monocrystalline solar shingles or tiles are more efficient.

6.Warranty: Standard solar warranties are 25-years long.

How do solar shingles work?

Solar shingles work similarly to standard solar panels. The shingles or tiles use a photovoltaic (PV) system to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity through a solar inverter. If you’re trying to get solar panels on your home, consider the advantages and disadvantages of solar. For example, if you have a roof that needs to be repaired or replaced, solar shingles or tiles might be a great fit. Solar shingles that serve as a roof and as a solar system let you replace your roof and get the benefits of renewable solar energy all at once. This plan can save time and money versus replacing your roof and then adding solar panels on top of it.

Pros and cons of solar shingles

Original Information Resource:

https://www.saveonenergy.com/solar-energy/solar-roof-shingles/