CertainTeed's solar shingles offer the best performance, but that doesn't mean they're the best solar shingles for your home. You should also consider aesthetics, warranty, wind rating, cost, availability, and cell type when choosing a solar roof product.
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Performance
When assessing performance, a solar shingle's total power output or wattage and its efficiency are both important. Each type of solar shingle varies so much in size that the best indicator of performance is power output per square foot of exposed shingle. CertainTeed's Solstice shingle tops the list at 16.1 W/sq. ft., while SunTegra's Solar Tile comes in last with 14.1 W/sq. ft.
Aesthetics
If you're choosing solar shingles over solar panels for aesthetics, you probably want the ones that will blend in the best with your roof, even if it means sacrificing performance a bit. We think Tesla and LUMA shingles are the most unobtrusive, but your roof might look the best with one of the other solar shingles on our list. It varies by house and by the design of your existing roof.
Warranty
There are three different warranties to compare for solar roofs. The product warranty ensures the shingles will be defect-free for the period specified. CertainTeed, Tesla, and GAF all offer 25-year product warranties. The power warranty guarantees the solar shingles will output a certain amount of power by year 25. CertainTeed and Tesla both guarantee 85%. Finally, CertainTeed, Tesla, and GAF all also offer wind warranties. Tesla's is the strongest, guaranteeing its shingles can withstand 110 mph winds for 25 years.
Wind rating
In places prone to hurricanes, wind ratings are important. LUMA's shingles are rated the highest, approved by Miami-Dade County to withstand 200 mph winds. However, LUMA's wind rating isn't covered under warranty, unlike CertainTeed, Tesla, and GAF.
Cost
Most solar shingle companies don't disclose pricing publicly. Tesla is transparent with pricing (though they've been sued for reneging on contracts, so take that transparency claim with a grain of salt). It's one of the priciest options with a 9.79 kW system costing $93,100 before incentives, including the roof removal and the required Powerwall.
CertainTeed shared its pricing with us and it's pretty close to a new solar system with a roof replacement. For a 10 kW system, you should expect to pay about $45,000 before incentives. GAF doesn't publicly share its pricing data, but in the recall of its products, the Consumer Product Safety Commission shared that systems installed so far have ranged in price from $40,000, which is a great price, to $100,000, which is very high but could be due to a large system size.
Availability
Solar shingles are not produced at a large scale yet, rolling out very slowly and in limited geographies. They're often very hard to install, so installers usually need to have roofing experience in addition to electrical experience. Some homeowners have been on waiting lists for years, with no clear idea about when they'll receive their shingles, but some brands like CertainTeed are now readily available nationwide, with no waitlist.
Cell type
Solar shingles can be made of CIGS cells (copper indium gallium selenide) or monocrystalline silicon cells like higher-end solar panels. Shingles made with CIGS cells are thin and flexible and have a high conversion efficiency, but they're rare because they cost a lot to produce. Monocrystalline solar shingles are also very efficient and are typically more expensive than CIGS shingles. All of the shingles on our list use monocrystalline cells, except Tesla which doesn't disclose its cell type but is likely monocrystalline based on its efficiency and cost.
CertainTeed has been providing quality roofing materials since , hopping on the solar technology train in . The company currently offers low-profile solar shingles and solar tiles that integrate with your existing roof. You can expect to spend between $47,500 to $67,500, or a national average of $57,500, for the monocrystalline building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems.
CertainTeed solar shingles and solar roof tiles are thin photovoltaic sheets that absorb the sun&#;s energy and convert it into electricity to power your home. The premium materials of CertainTeed&#;s Apollo lineup look and perform like traditional asphalt shingles and concrete tiles, so you do not have to sacrifice design aesthetics.
In this pricing guide, we&#;ll cover:
Before incentives, most CertainTeed solar installations fall into the $47,500 to $67,500 range, but many factors can impact your overall costs. CertainTeed Apollo II Shingles installed on a small, 500-square-foot roof could cost as little as $9,500 before incentives, while a sprawling, one-story, 6,000-square-foot mansion installation can set you back as much as $162,000.
Unlike Tesla&#;s Solar Roof, CertainTeed&#;s systems are not complete roof replacements. The company offers two solar shingle options: the Apollo II Shingle and the Apollo II Tile. Both systems integrate with existing roofing materials. The Apollo II Shingle integrates with asphalt shingles, and the Apollo II Tile integrates with existing concrete tiles.
Many factors affect the cost of your new solar technology. Your contractor will consider your current electricity usage, location, and the size of your home to match you with a system that meets your needs.
CertainTeed&#;s black Apollo shingles cost $19 to $24 per square foot, including labor and materials. The company&#;s Apollo tiles feature black exteriors with custom frames color-matched to your concrete roofing tiles. These systems cost between $21 to $27 per square foot.
Here&#;s a look at some common home sizes:
One of the best ways to estimate the cost of solar shingles is to know how much energy your new solar system must produce to cover your current energy demands. CertainTeed Apollo II solar shingles cost between $6.40 to $8 per watt before incentives. They measure 13.75 inches wide by 46 inches long and are 1.1 inches thick. The solar shingles integrate with new or existing asphalt shingles, matching their design aesthetics.
The Apollo II Tile costs between $8 to $10 per watt. These tiles integrate with new or existing concrete tile roofs. They measure 13.25 inches wide by 46 inches long and are 1.25 inches thick.
The average home requires 9,000 watts, or 9 kilowatts, to cover 100% of utility costs (1kW = 1,000 watts). A 10-kilowatt system costs between $44,800 to $70,000 after the tax credit.
Solar shingles installed between&#; to are eligible for a 30% credit on materials and labor.
Cost Per KilowattTotal Cost for a 10 kW System Before Tax CreditAverage Cost For a 10 kW System After Tax Credit$6,400 &#; $10,000$64,000 &#; $100,000$44,800 &#; $70,000CertainTeed&#;s energy-efficient systems can help you offset up to 100% of your annual energy needs. While weighing your options, note that there are many factors affecting overall solar shingle installation costs, including roof size, energy needs, location, and more.
CertainTeed solar tiles and shingles are eligible for a government tax credit. The program runs from to .
Solar technology installed between&#; to is eligible for a 30% credit. Systems installed in are only eligible for a 26% credit, and those installed in will receive a 22% credit. There is no maximum amount a homeowner can claim.
Expenses include:
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from JM.
Many states also have policies governing renewable energy, offering their own incentives and rebates. The federal tax credit expires in unless it receives a congressional extension.
Year &#; Tax Credit30%26%22%CertainTeed Apollo systems should only be installed by CertainTeed-credentialed solar installers to guarantee workmanship. There are two installation tiers, Credentialed Solar Installer and Master Solar Installer. Each tier affects the length of your installation warranty.
Credentialed Solar Installer15 yearsMaster Solar Installer25 yearsCertainTeed&#;s additional warranties include:
WarrantyWarranty PeriodSolar Power Output25 yearsInverter10 yearsCertainTeed-supplied components10 yearsWind Warranty (Up to 110 mph)10 yearsSolar shingles take more expertise and time to install than traditional solar panels. The total cost of installation combines materials and labor. Most roofing companies charge per hour, with the average cost of solar shingles installation falling between $45 to $70 per hour.
You should be prepared to spend approximately 60% of your total project costs on labor, noting that CertainTeed-certified Master Solar Installers will likely charge more than Credentialed Solar Installers. However, you receive a longer installation warranty period.
Solar shingles require connectors, wiring, and an electrical inverter. Your contractor will work with a local electrician to complete this portion of the job. Typically, electricians cost between $45 to $135 per hour.
Overall, CertainTeed&#;s solar shingle installations cost 30% more than solar panel installations. Labor rates depend on your location, the experience of the CertainTeed-credentialed roofer, and roofing materials.
SpecialtyLabor CostRoofers per sq. ft.$3 &#; $4.50Roofers per hr.$45 &#; $70Electrician per hr.$45 to $135Solar roofs require planning and commitment. The large home improvement project is expensive, requiring numerous services to come together to complete the project.
Solar shingles and tiles require building permits in most areas. The residential permit department in your city will have more information. On average, you can expect to spend between $250 to $1,500 on a roofing permit for your installation.
CertainTeed Apollo II systems integrate with your existing roof. If your roof is old or you need to install asphalt shingles or clay tiles, you will need a full roof replacement before your solar shingles or tiles can be installed. A roof replacement costs between $5,706 to $11,185, or a national average of $8,446.
Roofing MaterialAverage Cost Per Square FootIf you are having your roof replaced before installing your new CertainTeed Apollo system, your roofers will need to remove your existing roof materials for disposal. You can expect to spend between $1 to $3 per square foot, or around $1,200, for the service.
Your new CertainTeed Apollo II shingles or tiles will produce clean energy for your home and reduce your electric bills. However, your new system cannot store the captured energy for later use. To get the most out of your new solar system, consider installing a battery backup system.
The generator stores collected solar power so your home can use it when your shingles cannot produce or collect energy, helping to eliminate your utility costs. The battery backup system costs between $10,000 to $21,000.
The battery system and solar shingles are both building-integrated photovoltaics. It is more cost-effective to install the battery at the same time as your new shingles or tile, and the battery backup system is eligible for the federal tax credit.
CertainTeed systems vary based on location and the cost of living. Certified installers use local electricity costs and your average monthly utility bills to help calculate the cost of your new roof.
There is no way to know exactly what your CertainTeed Apollo system installation will cost without receiving a free quote.
CertainTeed&#;s monocrystalline silicon solar shingles, tiles, and panels use solar cells to harness the sun&#;s rays and convert them into electricity. The company&#;s solar shingle PV systems are simply smaller versions of its traditional rack-mounted solar panel systems.
Check out some of the key differences and similarities between CertainTeed&#;s solar energy systems:
Apollo II ShinglesApollo II TilesSolar PanelsInstallation Cost Before IncentivesCertainTeed&#;s Solstice solar panel systems cost approximately 30% less than the company&#;s Apollo solar shingle or tile systems. For an average house of 2,500 square feet, CertainTeed&#;s Solstice solar panel installation costs approximately $15,000 to $18,000 before incentives, while the Apollo system cost $57,500 for the same home.
Here are other popular solar providers and their average cost per watt before tax incentives. Note that these costs will vary depending on your location and other factors.
BrandsProductionLet&#;s look at the most popular solar shingles:
GAF&#;s Timberline Solar Energy Shingles combine asphalt roof shingle material with monocrystalline solar cells to reduce installation costs. The new material costs $4 per watt and has an output of 45 watts per shingle. GAF&#;s durable solar shingles withstand winds up to 130 miles per hour.
The LUMA solar shingles were one of the first to market. They carry a Category 5 Hurricane Classification and cost $6 per watt. These shingles produce an impressive 80 watts per shingle and come with a 25-year production warranty guaranteeing maximum output.
SunTegra solar shingles attach directly to your roof, integrating with traditional shingles and other low-profile roofing materials. They produce 105 watts and cost $4.50 per watt. Like LUMA solar shingles, SunTegra shingles come with a 25-year output warranty.
Elon Musk&#;s Tesla Solar Roof contains quartz to increase efficiency and durability. The solar shingles produce 71.67 watts and cost $6.50 per watt. Tesla backs each installation with a 30-year production output warranty.
No. CertainTeed Apollo systems require professional installation by a CertainTeed-certified professional.
How long do CertainTeed solar shingles last?CertainTeed solar systems have an average lifespan of 25 years, guaranteeing maximum output and efficiency for the duration of this period. Additionally, the company offers a 25-year warranty on components supplied by CertainTeed and a 10-year warranty on inverters.
How much will my monthly electric bill decrease?The power output of your home solar system and your home&#;s energy demands determine how much your monthly energy bills will decrease. Most homeowners aim to offset 100% of electricity costs with every installation. However, many installations only offset between 40% to 60% of electricity costs.
CertainTeed&#;s high-efficiency solar products produce clean energy for your home at affordable solar prices. Add on the 30% tax credit, and it is a great time to install solar roof shingles or tiles. You can expect to spend between $47,500 to $67,500, or a national average of $57,500, for an Apollo II system. If you are ready to go solar, we connect you to the best solar roofing professionals near you to learn about your options.
Note: RoofGnome may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Image Credit: ben west / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Kimberly Magerl is a writer and editor specializing in home improvement, DIY, roofing, and solar technologies. She enjoys growing vegetables in her garden, getting outdoors, and transforming her space with DIY projects.
For more information, please visit Integrated Solutions Solar.