Solar Shingles vs. Solar Panels: Which Is Right for You?
Updated: Oct 14
Solar panels aren't your only option anymore.
If you’re considering solar for your home, you already know about conventional rooftop solar panels. But there’s another option quietly gaining momentum: solar shingles.
Both solar shingles and conventional solar panels generate clean, renewable energy and save you money on electricity costs. But these products differ in appearance, installation methods, maintenance, durability, and cost.
At Sun Vault Roofing, we offer both solutions and help homeowners throughout Wisconsin choose the right system for their home, budget, and goals.
Short answer: choose solar shingles if you are replacing your roof anyway or want a low-profile look that fits an HOA or historic district. Choose conventional solar panels if your roof has 20 or more years left and upfront cost matters most. A free assessment from Sun Vault Roofing tells you which fits your home.
What Are Solar Shingles?
Solar shingles, also known as solar roofing tiles or simply “solar roofs”, combine the function of a solar panel with the look and performance of a standard roofing shingle. They install directly onto the roof deck and serve as both waterproof roofing material and energy generator.
At Sun Vault Roofing, we install CertainTeed Solstice Shingles, one of the most advanced and well-respected integrated solar roofing solutions on the market. Solstice solar shingles are designed to integrate seamlessly into the look and function of an asphalt roof. They are lightweight, sleek, and do not require bulky metal racking systems. They were also recognized as the Best Energy Efficient product at the International Builders’ Show.
Tesla Solar Roof vs. solar shingles: what’s the difference?
Many homeowners come to this article after searching for terms like “Tesla solar roof” or “Tesla solar tiles.” Those searches are usually about a broader idea: solar that’s built into the roof itself, rather than panels mounted on top.
The Tesla Solar Roof is just one example of an integrated solar roofing system. It uses a combination of active solar tiles and visually similar non-producing tiles to create a uniform, glass-like roof surface that generates electricity while serving as the roof.
CertainTeed Solstice solar shingles fall into the same category of integrated solar roofing, but use a different construction approach (see our full comparison of solar shingle brands in Wisconsin). Instead of covering the entire roof in glass tiles, Solstice solar shingles are installed only where energy production makes sense, and the rest of the roof is finished with asphalt shingles. This allows the roof to function like a conventional asphalt roof while producing solar power in key areas.
Availability is also worth understanding. At this time, Tesla solar tiles have limited availability and, to our knowledge, have not been widely offered in Wisconsin in recent years. Integrated solar roofing options like CertainTeed Solstice are currently available through certified local roofing contractors, which makes installation, permitting, and long-term service more straightforward for Wisconsin homeowners.
For the rest of this article, when we refer to solar shingles or solar roofing, we’re talking about the asphalt-integrated approach and how it compares to conventional rack-mounted solar panels.
What are Conventional Solar Panels?
Conventional solar panels are mounted on top of an existing roof using racking systems. While they are highly efficient and widely used, they do not replace your roofing material. Panels are often more visible and may not meet aesthetic guidelines set by HOAs, historical districts, or personal preference.
Sun Vault Roofing also installs conventional rack-mounted solar panels for homeowners who desire solar, but aren’t yet in need of a new roof. See how solar roofing works.
What Are the Key Differences Between Solar Shingles and Solar Panels?
Aesthetics: solar shingles vs. solar panels
Solar Shingles: Integrated into the roof for a clean, low-profile appearance.
Conventional Panels: Mounted on racks above your existing roof, more obvious/visible
Solar shingles are ideal for homeowners who want a modern, subtle look, especially those in HOA communities, historical districts, or high-visibility areas. Homebuyers may also prefer the look of integrated, low-profile solar shingles.
Installation Method: solar shingles vs. solar panels
Solar Shingles: Installed as part of the roofing system, often during roof replacement or initial build.
Conventional Panels: Mounted onto the existing roof with brackets and rails
Because Solstice Shingles replace the need for a separate roofing material, they’re an excellent option when your roof is nearing end-of-life or when you are just beginning construction on your home. Sun Vault Roofing offers full roof replacement combined with solar installation in one streamlined process.
Weight and Structural Considerations: solar shingles vs. solar panels
Solar Shingles: Lightweight and suitable for almost all roof structures. Each shingle is smaller than a conventional panel, so they can also fit in tighter spaces, and are ideal for maximizing output on unusual roof shapes. Since they are so light, solar shingle installations often avoid the cost of a structural engineering assessment.
Conventional Panels: Heavier and may not be suitable for older homes without structural upgrades. Large area/size can prohibit placement in certain roof areas. Since the combined weight of solar panels and steel racks can add up, conventional rooftop solar panel installations often require expensive structural engineering assessments.
This makes shingles a better fit for older or lower-load roofs. Every roof still gets inspected first: we photograph the framing and decking, and a structural engineer runs load calculations when a project calls for it.
Energy Output and Efficiency: solar shingles vs. solar panels
Conventional Panels generally offer slightly higher efficiency (by about 2%) than shingles due to optimized airflow
Solar Shingles have come a long way in the last 3-4 years and now offer nearly identical efficiency to panels. From a sustainability perspective, solar shingles are the superior choice because their material footprint is much smaller (one shingle material that services two functions compared to panels which require shingles + panels + steel racks). CertainTeed's newer Landmark PWR solar shingle released in October 2026 uses a higher-efficiency cell that sits closer to conventional panels, narrowing that gap further.
A free assessment from Sun Vault Roofing will determine which system best meets your energy goals.
Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability: solar shingles vs. solar panels
Solar Panels are mechanically reliable, but one of the most common real-world causes of solar system issues is wildlife damage. Rack-mounted panels create a sheltered gap between the roof and the array, which can become an ideal nesting space for squirrels, birds, and other animals. Over time, exposed wiring and connectors are vulnerable to chewing, nesting debris, and moisture buildup.
Solar shingles remove the nesting gap entirely. Because they install flush to the roof deck, there is no cavity for animals to get into and no exposed wiring beneath the array. That removes one of the most frequent maintenance and failure points we see in conventional rooftop solar. For homeowners who want the lowest-maintenance solar option over the long term, this is a meaningful advantage.
Warranty and Accountability: solar shingles vs. solar panels
With conventional solar panels, homeowners often end up with two separate systems installed by two separate contractors: a roofing contractor and a solar contractor. If a leak or issue occurs near the array, responsibility can become unclear. Homeowners may find themselves caught between installers, each pointing to the other as the source of the problem. Further, in some cases, roof warranties may be partially limited or excluded around solar panel penetrations, depending on the roofing manufacturer and installation details.
Solar shingles simplify this. The roof and the solar are installed by one contractor, so one company is responsible for both performance and weather protection. With Sun Vault Roofing, that is covered by the Sun Vault One Vault Warranty. That means clearer accountability and a more straightforward warranty path.
That means clearer accountability, fewer gray areas, and a more straightforward warranty path for homeowners who value long-term peace of mind.
We’ve seen this play out more than once. In one case, a homeowner, Sarah, in Verona had a new roof installed, then added conventional solar panels a few years later. Everything worked fine for over a decade.
Around year 12, slow leaks started appearing near the solar array. When she called her roofing contractor, they said the issue was caused by the solar mounting penetrations and declined warranty coverage. The solar company pointed back to the roof and the shingle manufacturer.
With no single party taking responsibility, the homeowner ultimately paid out of pocket for repairs that fell into a gray area between systems.
Cost and Long-Term Value: solar shingles vs. solar panels
Solar Panels: Lower initial cost, especially if your existing roof is in good condition and less than 5 years old
Solar Shingles: Slightly higher upfront cost due to enhanced aesthetics and cutting-edge tech, but they can be more economical over the long run, especially if you are replacing your roof anyway, because of resale value and longevity. In most cases, solar shingles have a return on investment that is just 1-2 years longer than conventional panels.
Sun Vault Roofing helps homeowners compare both options. The 30% federal residential solar credit ended on December 31, 2025. The Focus on Energy rebate pays $600 per kW, up to $2,400, for single-family systems installed in 2026, and the application is due within 60 days of installation and no later than January 31, 2027. Sun Vault Roofing files it for our customers.
Home Insurance: solar shingles vs. solar panels
In practice, insurers tend to treat conventional rack-mounted solar panels and integrated solar roofs differently.
Solar panels are typically insured as an add-on to the roof and may require endorsements or adjustments to coverage, depending on the carrier and location.
Integrated solar roofs are usually insured as part of the roofing system itself. Because they replace traditional roofing materials and sit flush with the roof deck, they often avoid the underwriting concerns associated with racks, penetrations, and wind uplift. In some cases, homeowners installing a new integrated solar roof have even seen insurance premiums decrease due to the reduced risk of a brand-new roof. One Wisconsin homeowner we worked with recently reported a significant reduction in her home insurance premium after installing an integrated Sun Vault Roofing solar roof. In her case, a 39% decrease following the roof replacement.
Insurance outcomes vary by carrier and home, but for many homeowners, integrated solar roofs can be a simpler and more insurance-friendly long-term solution than traditional panels.
Permitting and Structural Review: solar shingles vs. solar panels
Both solar shingles and conventional solar panels require permits. In most cases, that includes a municipal building or roofing permit, an electrical permit, and utility interconnection approval.
Where the two systems often differ is structural review.
Solar panels carry a lot of additional weight due to thick glass panels, steel racks, and rails. For this reason, many panel installations require a structural engineering assessment or a separate municipal solar permit to confirm the roof can support the added load of the system.
Solar shingles, by contrast, replace traditional roofing materials. CertainTeed Solstice Shingles weigh about 2.3 lb per square foot, which is actually lighter than typical architectural asphalt shingles (roughly 2.5–2.7 lb per square foot).
As a result, solar shingle installations are often exempt from additional structural calculations, depending on the jurisdiction and roof design. In our experience, municipalities rarely require the added time or expense of a structural assessment for solar shingles, which can simplify permitting, reduce soft costs, and make solar feasible on homes that may not support the added weight of panels and racks.
Permitting requirements vary by municipality, but this weight difference is one reason solar shingles can be a cleaner, more straightforward upgrade when a roof replacement is already planned.
Wind and Storm Resistance: solar shingles vs. solar panels
Solar shingles are engineered as roofing products first, and energy systems second. Because they install flush to the roof deck, they experience far less wind uplift than rack-mounted panels. CertainTeed Solstice Shingles are rated for wind speeds up to 110 mph and are approved for use in Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone. They also carry a Class A fire rating when used with the right underlayment and are tested for impact resistance consistent with modern roofing standards.
Conventional Solar Panels: Mounted on racks above your existing roof. While many systems are rated for high winds, they rely on attachment hardware and penetrations that are more vulnerable to wind uplift, vibration, and storm debris, especially if not perfectly installed.
This makes shingles a better fit for roofs in windy or storm-prone areas.
Do Solar Shingles Hold Up to Wisconsin Winters?
Yes. Solstice solar shingles are installed as part of an asphalt roof with the same underlayment and ice-and-water protection as the rest of the roof, so snow and ice behave much as they do on any shingle roof. Ice dams are mainly caused by heat escaping from the attic, and a solar roof does not fix that. What flush shingles do avoid is the shaded, uneven melt patterns and snow-catching hardware that rack-mounted panels can add.
Do Solar Shingles Increase Home Resale Value More Than Solar Panels?
Both options add value to your home, and integrated solar roofs may add a little more. Zillow's solar resale research found homes with solar sold for 4.1% more on average. That is a national figure based largely on rack-mounted panels. A separate study found that premium solar options, like integrated solar roofs, added roughly another 3% on top of that.
Solar shingles look like a high-end shingle roof instead of equipment mounted above it. A home that looks like it has a beautiful new roof appeals to a wider audience than one with a visible panel array, and with solar shingles the buyer gets the roof condition and the energy system in one warrantied package. In a market like Madison, where buyers value sustainability, that is a real selling point.
Solar Shingles vs. Solar Panels in 60 Seconds
What About Other Roofing Materials?
If you're already planning a roof replacement, the solar decision doesn't happen in isolation. The roofing material itself matters too. Homeowners weighing their options often ask about metal roofing in Wisconsin and whether it makes sense alongside or instead of an integrated solar system.
Our response?
If you're going to pay 3x the cost of a normal roof, it should at least do something for you.
Is Solar Roofing Catching On in Wisconsin?
In Business Madison recently featured the work of Sun Vault Roofing in its coverage of why integrated solar roofing is gaining ground in Wisconsin, from fewer roof penetrations and a cleaner look to the economics of combining a roof replacement with solar in one project.
Are Solar Shingles or Conventional Solar Panels Right for You?
First step: learn if your home is a good fit for solar. And if it is, begin weighing your options.
Choose solar shingles if:
You’re already replacing your roof
You want a sleek, modern look
Your best sun-facing roof plane is on the front of your house
You live in a neighborhood with aesthetic, historical, or HOA restrictions
You live in a windy or storm-prone area
Your home’s structure can’t support conventional panels
You want the latest, cutting edge technology
You desire the lowest-possible maintenance option
Squirrel justice is a priority
Choose conventional panels if:
Your existing roof is in good condition with 20+ years of life remaining
Cost is your primary concern
You are not concerned about high winds or storms
Your best sun-facing roof planes are not visible from the front of your house
But sometimes the answer is that neither option is right for your home or your roof. This can be the case if you don’t get enough sun or don’t use enough electricity.
But don’t worry: you still have plenty of alternatives to rooftop solar. Read our writeup about how to determine which solar alternatives can best achieve your goals. Options include utility programs, standalone battery systems, generators, and balcony or plug-in solar panels.
Can Solar Shingles Get Approved in a Wisconsin Historic District?
In 2025, we worked with a homeowner in Evansville whose property sits within a historic district. The district board rejected conventional rack-mounted solar panels outright. The hardware profile was too industrial and did not meet the district’s architectural standards. CertainTeed Solstice Shingles were a different story.
Because Solstice shingles install flush with the roofline and are visually indistinguishable from a high-end asphalt roof, the historic district approved the installation. The homeowner got solar. The district got a roof that met its standards. That outcome isn't possible with rack-mounted panels.
If your home is in a historic district or an HOA with strict appearance guidelines, solar shingles are often the only solar option that clears the review process. We have direct experience navigating those approvals in Wisconsin and can advise on what documentation and product specs the reviewing body will need.
Do HOAs in Wisconsin Restrict Solar Panels?
Wisconsin law prohibits HOAs from banning solar energy systems outright. That said, some associations still attempt to restrict where panels can be placed. Most commonly, they bar installations on street-facing roof planes. For homeowners in those situations, fighting the HOA is a winnable battle, but it takes stamina. Solar shingles offer a quieter path.
CertainTeed Solstice Shingles install flush with the roofline and are visually indistinguishable from a premium asphalt roof. In practice, most HOA architectural review boards have approved them where rack-mounted panels were rejected. You get full solar production on the street-facing side of your home, a roof that looks exactly like a high-end shingle roof, and the quiet satisfaction of having technically complied with every rule your HOA thought would stop you.
Why Work With Sun Vault Roofing?
As a certified installer of CertainTeed solar solutions, Sun Vault Roofing offers trusted expertise in both conventional solar and integrated solar roofing systems. We work with each homeowner to evaluate energy usage, roof condition, design preferences, and budget, then build a custom solution that delivers long-term performance and value.
📞 Need a partner? Call us 608-608-1082 or Request a Free Solar Assessment to find out whether shingles or panels are the right solar solution for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between solar shingles and solar panels?
Solar shingles are the roof itself, while conventional solar panels are mounted on top of an existing roof. CertainTeed Solstice shingles replace asphalt shingles where they are installed and sit flush with the roof deck. Panels use racks, rails, and brackets that attach through the shingles.
Are solar shingles a good option if I already need a new roof?
Usually, yes. Solar shingles let you replace the roof and add solar in one project, while panels installed on an aging roof often have to be removed and reinstalled when the roof is replaced. If your roof is young and in good shape, conventional panels are usually the lower-cost route.
Are solar shingles lower maintenance than rooftop solar panels?
They can be. Solar shingles sit flush with the roof deck, so there is no gap beneath the array for squirrels and birds to nest or chew on wiring. They also skip the roof-mounted feet that conventional panels use, which are the most common source of roof leaks from solar.
Do solar shingles weigh less than conventional solar panels?
Yes. Solar shingles replace roofing material instead of adding a panel-and-rack system on top of the roof. CertainTeed Solstice shingles weigh about 2.3 pounds per square foot, similar to or slightly lighter than many architectural asphalt shingles, while panels add weight on top of a roof. That is why older homes and lower-load roofs are often a cleaner fit for solar shingles.
Do solar shingles add more resale value than solar panels?
Homes with solar sell for more on average, and solar shingles may add a little more because the system looks like a new roof. Zillow's solar resale research found a 4.1% premium nationally, and a separate study found premium solar options added roughly another 3%.
What solar incentives are available in Wisconsin in 2026?
The 30% federal residential solar credit ended on December 31, 2025. Focus on Energy pays $600 per kW, up to $2,400, for single-family systems installed in 2026, and the application is due within 60 days of installation and by January 31, 2027. Sun Vault Roofing files it for our customers.
