Updated: January 30, 2026
Written by Dan Simms
Laura Madrigal is the Home Design Specialist at Fixr.com, dedicated to identifying and analyzing significant changes within residential design. She is the author of leading trends reports on interior design, kitchen, and bathroom, and her insights have been featured in publications like Realtor and the New York Post.
Learn moreReviewed by Laura Madrigal
Under current federal law, the Residential Solar Tax Credit (ITC) ended for customer-owned systems on December 31, 2025. As a result, solar panels, solar shingles, and battery systems placed in service in 2026 or later are not eligible for the 30% federal tax credit when homeowners own the system. Third-party owned systems (such as solar leases or PPAs) may still qualify under commercial credits, with savings sometimes passed on through lower rates.
Solar roof shingles cost an average of $46,000 to cover an average-size roof with the product, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $27,600 and $60,000. There are many factors that influence the price, including the brand of solar shingles you install, the size of the system you need, whether you cover your entire roof in solar shingles or integrate just the shingles you need into more affordable asphalt shingles, and the size of your home.
Solar has become more and more popular over the past decade, but one sticking point some homeowners can’t get over is the appearance of bulky panels on their roof. That’s where solar shingles come in. Although they’re more expensive than traditional solar panels, they integrate directly into your roofing to maximize curb appeal while still offering massive savings on your electric bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
Cost of Solar Roof
What Are Solar Shingles?
Solar shingles are a modern roofing material that doubles as a power generator. These small, thin solar cells are installed directly onto the roof deck, replacing traditional shingles to create a seamless, sleek aesthetic without the need for bulky, rack-mounted solar panels.
Like traditional panels, solar shingles collect sunlight and convert it to DC electricity, which is then sent through a dedicated inverter to become the AC energy used throughout your home. In short, they serve a dual purpose: they protect your home from the elements while simultaneously generating electricity to reduce your energy bills.
Solar Shingles Cost per Square Foot
Solar shingles cost an average of $23 per square foot, and they usually range between $21 and $25 per square foot. Your total cost mainly depends on how much of your roof you plan to cover. Some homeowners install solar shingles on just one section, while others cover the entire roof to maximize energy savings.
For the most accurate estimate, use the actual square footage being covered, since roof pitch and complexity can increase the surface area. The table below shows approximate total costs based on different coverage sizes.
Square Footage Covered | Cost Range |
200 | $4,200 – $5,000 |
500 | $10,500 – $12,500 |
1,000 | $21,000 – $25,000 |
1,200 | $25,200 – $30,000 |
1,800 | $37,800 – $45,000 |
2,000 | $42,000 – $50,000 |
2,400 | $50,400 – $60,000 |
3,000 | $63,000 – $75,000 |
The system size you need is influenced by many factors, including your home size, the climate in your area, your latitudinal location, your energy consumption habits, shading on your property, and more. To get an accurate cost based on the production level you need, you’ll have to get a quote from a local installer.
Cost per Watt
The typical cost per watt for solar shingles is between $3.50 and $8. Many solar roof installers will charge based on the size of the solar array you’re installing in watts, which is a measurement of how much power output your solar roof can provide. Individual solar shingles generate between 13 and 100 watts, with the most common models producing 18 to 22 watts and some high-efficiency options reaching 70 to 100 watts.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Solar Shingles
The typical costs of solar shingle installation range so widely because there are many factors at play that can drive costs higher or lower based on your particular circumstances. Consider all of the following cost factors to get a more accurate estimate.
Roof Size and Complexity
Larger roofs require more shingles, which increases material costs, especially if you plan to cover the entire roof rather than just one section. Roof design also affects pricing; layouts with features like skylights, chimneys, or multiple slopes usually take longer to install and require more labor, which can increase your solar roof shingle costs.
Old Roof Removal
Most homeowners install solar shingles as part of a total reroof, so it’s a good idea to factor in the cost to remove your existing roof. Removing your existing roof typically costs $50 to $150 per square, depending on material, with heavier roofs like slate or concrete tile costing more.
Energy Needs
Energy needs help determine your solar roof size. To maximize savings, your solar shingles should be sized to meet your household’s electricity consumption. You can check recent electric bills to get a sense of your monthly usage, but a professional can help calculate the optimal system size in kilowatts.
Smaller systems or partial roof coverage can sometimes increase costs, since solar shingles are rigid and may need to be integrated with other roofing materials like asphalt shingles. Taking into account that most common solar shingles produce between 20 and 50 watts each, the table below provides a ballpark estimate of system size and cost based on home size, but exact costs will depend on your roof layout and energy needs.
Home Size (Sq. Ft) | Estimated Electric Monthly Bill | System Size (kW) | Estimated number of solar shingles | Typical Cost Range |
1,000 | $80 | 3.5 – 4.7 | 70 – 235 | $12,250 – $37,600 |
1,500 | $115 | 5.1 – 6.8 | 102 – 340 | $17,850 – $54,400 |
1,700 | $135 | 6 – 7.9 | 120 – 395 | $21,000 – $63,200 |
2,000 | $150 | 6.6 – 8.8 | 132 – 440 | $23,100 – $70,400 |
2,500 | $190 | 8.4 – 11.2 | 168 – 560 | $29,400 – $89,600 |
3,000 | $230 | 10.1 – 13.5 | 202 – 675 | $35,350 – $108,000 |
Estimates assumed a $0.17/kWh electric rate.
*Note: For smaller system requirements, you’ll see higher costs for auxiliary roofing, as smaller arrays of solar shingles will require larger sections of roofing covered with asphalt shingles or other materials.
Materials and Brand
Solar shingles are typically made from copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) or silicon. CIGS shingles are more affordable but less efficient. Monocrystalline silicon offers the highest efficiency and energy output, while polycrystalline sits in the middle for both cost and performance.
Pricing also varies by manufacturer. For example, GAF solar shingles usually fall on the lower end, averaging $3.80 to $4 per square foot, while Tesla shingles are typically more expensive, closer to $7 per square foot.
Geographic Location
Labor costs vary by region, so installations in high-cost states like California or New York tend to be more expensive. Climate also matters; sunnier areas may require fewer shingles, while cloudy or snowy regions often need larger systems.
Local incentives can still affect your total cost. Since customer-owned solar systems installed in 2026 or later are no longer eligible for the federal Residential Solar Tax Credit (ITC), state and local programs play a larger role in reducing overall expenses. Some areas, including California and Texas, offer rebates, tax incentives, and net metering programs that can help lower installation costs, though availability varies by location.
Labor Cost
The labor cost to install solar shingles accounts for around 60% of your total, which means the average homeowner will pay $27,600 for labor alone. Labor charges can vary quite a bit, depending on the complexity of your roof, the size of your home, your roof design, whether or not you need to remove your old roof, and what type of traditional roof, if any, you’re coupling with your solar shingles.
Labor costs also include wiring your solar shingles in series, installing an inverter, and connecting your system to the grid, so anything that complicates the electrical work will also drive up the cost charged by your installer’s electrician.
Additional Costs and Considerations
There are additional minor costs that can affect your total, as well as some other things to consider when deciding if solar shingles are worth it for you.
Permits and inspections: Roof replacement will almost always require permits and inspections, and installing solar shingles comes with added electrical permits to connect them to your home and the grid. Permits for solar shingle installation can cost anywhere from $150 to $500 on average.
Roof condition: If your installer finds evidence of water damage under your old roof when removing it, you may run into additional costs to repair or replace the roof decking. This could add between $150 and $1,000 to your total.
Warranty: Most shingles include three warranties: manufacturer (product defects), workmanship (installation issues), and efficiency (energy production). While these don’t usually add extra cost, coverage varies by product and installer.
Structural reinforcement: Solar roof shingles weigh around 13 pounds per square foot, while asphalt shingles usually weigh between 4 and 8 pounds per square foot. There’s a chance you’ll need structural reinforcement before your home can support the added weight of solar shingles, and this can add time and money to your installation timeline and cost.
Suitability for solar: A professional assessment can confirm whether your home is a good fit for solar power, considering factors like energy use, shading, orientation, latitude, and roof pitch to ensure long-term savings.
Shading on your property. Just like solar panels, solar shingles work best and generate the most electricity when they’re exposed to direct sunlight. That means any shading on your property from tree coverage can affect the size of the system you need and even the square footage of solar shingles it’s worth installing.
Solar Shingles vs. Solar Panel
Once you’ve determined that you want to go solar, choosing between solar shingles and traditional solar panels is a key decision to make. Both options absorb sunlight and convert it to usable electricity for your home to reduce your utility costs, but the options differ in their upfront cost, long-term payback periods, aesthetics, product lifespan, and the installation timeline.
Solar shingles can either act as your roof or integrate seamlessly into more conventional roofing products, like asphalt shingles, so they provide a sleeker, more modern appearance. Traditional solar panels are bulky and sit above your roof on racking systems, so they’re more noticeable. Aside from aesthetics, these products differ in a few other key areas.
Cost of solar shingles vs. solar panels: Solar shingles are much more expensive than solar panels. The average solar shingle system costs between $27,600 and $60,000 whereas a traditional solar panel system costs between $19,000 and $23,800 for the average home.
Savings and payback period: Solar shingles can reduce electricity bills over time, but their payback period is usually longer due to higher upfront costs and lower efficiency.
Efficiency and power output: Traditional solar panels are more efficient, with most monocrystalline panels reaching up to 19% to 22% efficiency, compared to 15% to 20% for solar shingles. This means you will need more shingles to match the power output of traditional panels.
Installation process: Solar panels are relatively quick to install, requiring mounting racks, panels, and wiring. Solar shingles require removing your existing roof and installing a new one, followed by electrical connections.
Curb appeal: Solar panels are bulkier and sit above your roof’s surface, while solar shingles integrate directly into the roof for a cleaner, more modern look.
Durability: Both systems typically last 20 to 30 years and can withstand wind, moisture, and debris. Warranty coverage varies, so it’s important to review both product and installation guarantees.
Solar Shingles ROI
Solar shingles can provide a significant return on investment over time, despite their high upfront cost. In some areas, you can get compensated for overproduction and take additional incentives, which can help improve the ROI beyond 100%. A major part of their value comes from the long-term energy savings they provide by reducing or eliminating your monthly electricity bills. Over a system's 25 to 30-year lifespan, these savings can offset or exceed much of the initial installation cost. Additionally, owning a solar energy system can increase your home's value, with some studies showing a resale value increase of up to 10%. This makes solar shingles a dual investment: a new roof and an energy-generating asset, which is particularly cost-effective if your roof is already due for a replacement.
Repair vs. Replacement
If you already have solar shingles installed and are experiencing performance issues or simply want to refresh your home’s look, you’ll need to decide whether to repair or replace them. Repairs are the most affordable option for minor or isolated problems, especially if your warranty covers the issue, as you’ll likely only pay for labor. However, if your shingles have reached the end of their lifespan, suffered widespread damage, or the product has been discontinued, a full replacement is usually the better long-term investment to restore both efficiency and curb appeal.
How to Save on Solar Shingles
Solar shingles are an expensive roofing option, but there are some things you can do to help keep your costs as low as possible.
Explore state and local incentives: In addition to the federal credit, many states and local municipalities offer their own rebates, tax credits, or other financial incentives for solar equipment to encourage renewable energy adoption. You can check resources like the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) to see what is available in your area..
Combine with a roof replacement: If you’re already planning a new roof, installing solar shingles at the same time can save on labor and materials compared with doing them separately later.
Consider financing options: Solar loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), and similar products can lower upfront costs. Just keep in mind that financing adds interest and can increase long-term cost.
Federal Solar Tax Credit (ended 2025): Homeowners who completed solar installations by December 31, 2025, could still claim a 30 % tax credit. This incentive is no longer available for systems installed in 2026 or later, so check with a tax professional if you’re referencing past projects.
Many homeowners instead mix solar shingles with more affordable materials, like asphalt shingles. The solar shingles still lie flat and look far more modern and less obtrusive than traditional solar panels, and the cost is significantly lower.
Are Solar Shingles Worth It?
Solar shingles can be a smart investment for certain homeowners. They’re often a good fit for homeowners who already need a roof replacement and know they want the long-term benefits of energy independence. However, they cost more than most other types of roofs, so they may not be ideal for homeowners on a tight budget. Consider the following pros and cons to help you decide.
Pros
- + They offer a sleek, low-profile design that integrates seamlessly with your roof.
- + Solar shingles can increase your property's value by up to 10%.
- + They serve as a durable roofing material while also generating clean energy.
- + They can reduce or even eliminate your electric bills, providing long-term net savings on energy costs.
- + They are eligible for the same federal and state incentives as traditional solar panels.
Cons
- - The initial cost is about twice as much as traditional solar panels.
- - The installation process is more complex and takes longer.
- - They have lower efficiency and power output than traditional solar panels, so you’ll need a larger system to produce the same amount of electricity.
- - They are more difficult to repair and access for maintenance compared to individual panels.
Solar Roof Shingle Maintenance and Lifespan
Solar shingles require minimal maintenance. Like traditional roofing, they’re built to withstand most weather conditions, and regular rainfall often helps keep them clean. Most homeowners only need a professional inspection every few years to check for physical damage or performance issues.
You should also monitor your system’s output through the installer’s app or dashboard to catch potential efficiency drops early.
In terms of longevity, solar shingles typically last 25 to 30 years, similar to traditional solar panels. Many manufacturers back their products with 25-year warranties, covering both performance and durability.
FAQs
The cost of solar shingles per square foot ranges between $21 and $25. Your final price depends on factors like roof complexity, system size, energy needs, and location, so it’s best to get a customized quote from a local installer.
The main drawbacks of solar shingles include higher upfront costs, lower efficiency compared to traditional solar panels, and the need for a full roof replacement. Because it’s still a newer technology, there are also fewer brands to choose from and fewer experienced installers.
A Tesla solar roof for a 1,500-square-foot home typically starts around $95,000, but costs can increase based on roof design and energy needs. Tesla also requires pairing its solar roof with a Powerwall battery, which adds about $15,700, bringing total costs to $110,000+ in many cases.
Luma solar shingles cost an average of $4.50 per watt for partial installations, but a full, edge-to-edge system can cost up to $38 per square foot. Luma is known for its high wind ratings and seamless appearance, so it’s an excellent option for homeowners looking for a solar roof in a more extreme climate.
No, solar shingles cost an average of twice as much as traditional solar panels, in most cases. Not only do solar shingles cost more than panels on a per-watt basis, but they also have a lower efficiency rating, which means you need more square footage for an equivalent amount of electricity generation.
No. Unlike traditional panels that mount on top of your roof, solar shingles replace your roofing material entirely. Installing them requires removing your existing roof and rebuilding it with solar shingles.