Solar Shingles vs. Conventional Solar Panels: Which Is Right for You?

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.

Solar shingles lie flat against the roof deck instead of (not on top of) asphalt shingles. Fully integrated solar rooftops, like this one in Cambridge, WI, outperform conventional rack-mounted solar panels when it comes to aesthetics, installation, weight, sustainability, and maintenance.

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.

Individual Solstice solar shingle modules are installed in a method similar to asphalt shingles. The shingles are installed, starting with the bottom row and each shingle is secured directly to the roof's plywood decking by 5 screws. The screws are covered up by the next course of shingles in the row above. Each shingles contains 70 Watts of photovoltaic power capacity.

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 Solstice solar panels for homeowners who desire solar, but aren’t yet in need of a new roof.

Conventional solar panels sit above the rooftop, secured to the roof using steel racks that raise the panels above the shingles. This lift makes the solar equipment more visible and creates potential environments for critters like squirrels to nest.

Key Differences Between Solar Shingles and Solar Panels

1. Aesthetics

• 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.

Solar shingles are prized for their aesthetic superiority. This lakefront home in Sheboygan, WI has all the benefits of solar power without the bulky, industrial look of conventional solar panels.

2. Installation Method

• 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.

3. Weight and Structural Considerations

• 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.

4. Energy Output and Efficiency

• Conventional Panels generally offer slightly higher efficiency (by about 2%) than shingles due to optimized airflow

• Solar Shingles Solar shingles have come a long way in the last 2–3 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).

  
  

A free assessment from Sun Vault Roofing will determine which system best meets your energy goals.

5. Maintenance

• Solar Panels have a low failure rate. But most failures have to do with wildlife interfering with wires. This is because the space between the bottom of the panel and the rooftop makes an attractive place for critters like squirrels to nest.

• Solar shingles eliminate the space where critters can nest, and therefore eliminate any risk to wiring from wildlife. Overall, therefore, solar shingles have a lower failure rate and require less maintenance than conventional solar panels.

6. Cost and Value

• 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 can be more economical if replacing your roof anyway. 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 evaluate both options using current federal tax credits (ending for residential customers after 2025) and Focus on Energy rebates available in Wisconsin.

7. Wind and Storm Resistance

• Solar Shingles: Because they’re installed flush with the roof, solar shingles are highly wind-resistant. CertainTeed’s Solstice Shingles, for example, are rated to withstand wind speeds up to 110 mph and are approved for use in Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone.

• Conventional Solar Panels: Mounted on racks above your existing roof. While many systems are rated for 90–110 mph wind speeds, they rely on mounting hardware that can be more vulnerable to wind uplift, especially if not properly installed.

  
  

This makes shingles a better fit for roofs in windy or storm-prone areas. As we’ve just had the windiest Spring in 50 years, this is becoming a bigger concern for homeowners across the country.

See our work in the wild! In September 2025 we installed Wisconsin's first-ever full integrated solar shingle roof and our director of operations, Mike, was recognized by Clean Jobs Midwest for the achievement.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choose solar shingles if:

• You’re already replacing your roof

• You want a sleek, modern look

• Your home faces south and the solar needs to be placed on the front of your house

• You live in a neighborhood with aesthetic, historical, or HOA restrictions

• You live in an excessively windy and 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+ of life remaining

• Cost is your primary concern

• You are not concerned about high winds or storms

• Your largest southern-facing roof planes are not visible from the front of your house

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 is right for your home.