Solar shingles vs solar panels
A solar roof looks better and costs a lot more. Here's by how much, and when it can still make sense.
Panels make more power for less money. EnergySage puts solar shingles at roughly 60–190% more than panels for the same output. Top panels exceed 22% efficiency and 20 watts per square foot; shingles are usually under 20% and up to about 16 watts per square foot (EnergySage, updated 2024-12-04).
Side by side
| Rack-mounted panels | Solar shingles | |
|---|---|---|
| Power per sq ft | 20+ W (top panels) | up to ~16 W |
| Example price | 11 kW REC system about $29,500 | 10 kW CertainTeed about $45,000 |
| Replaces the roof | No | Yes, where installed |
| Looks | Visible array | Flush, part of the roof |
Examples from EnergySage, before incentives. EnergySage reports Tesla Solar Roof quotes that exceeded $200,000.
When shingles can make sense
- You need a new roof anyway, so part of the price replaces roofing you'd buy regardless.
- The look matters to you or your HOA more than payback.
- You have plenty of roof area, so lower watts per square foot isn't a limit.
What to ask either way
- Price per watt of solar capacity, separate from the roofing part.
- Roof warranty and who honors it: the roofer, the solar company or both.
- Expected yearly kWh, to compare with what panels make in your city.
Run your own numbers
Enter your ZIP and bill to see what a standard panel system would cost and save.
Keep reading
- How much solar panels cost in 2026 — Average price per watt by state and city, and what a 5, 7 or 10 kW system costs before incentives.
- How much electricity a solar panel produces — Daily, monthly and yearly output per kW and per 400 W panel, city by city.
- Do solar panels increase home value? — What the largest US study found, why it only covers owned systems, and what a lease does to a sale.
Installer records by city: solar companies in Phoenix, solar companies in Tucson, solar companies in San Antonio, solar companies in Austin, solar companies in San Diego, solar companies in Fresno, solar companies in Chandler, solar companies in Scottsdale, solar companies in Gilbert, solar companies in Glendale, solar companies in Tempe, solar companies in Peoria, solar companies in Surprise, solar companies in San Jose, solar companies in Bakersfield, solar companies in Clovis, solar companies in Chula Vista, solar companies in Oceanside, solar companies in Carlsbad, solar companies in Toms River, solar companies in New York, solar companies in Elizabeth, solar companies in Yonkers.
Updated 2026-09-22.