Sun Vault Roofing Installs Wisconsin’s First Solar Shingle Roof

Imagine a world where your roof isn’t just shelter.

It’s a power plant.

In Madison, Wisconsin, that future is here. With the installation of the state’s first solar shingle roof, we’ve crossed a threshold into a new era of energy independence and architectural innovation. We're in the midst of a solar roofing revolution, and it’s happening above your head.

The aesthetics of Madison's first solar roof blend seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhood and offer a low-profile, sleek view from the curb, enhancing appeal.

What Are Solstice Solar Shingles?

Conventional rack-mounted solar panels require drilling through your roof, into your structural attic rafters. But Solstice solar shingles from CertainTeed are the next evolution in residential solar technology. These solar shingles integrate directly into your roof. Solar shingles attach to the roof deck in place of asphalt shingles, offering a sleek, low-profile design that blends seamlessly with asphalt shingles. They generate clean energy without compromising curb appeal. The tech is a game-changer for homeowners who want sustainability without sacrificing style or the roof's waterproof integrity.

Zoom in on the tight spacing and perfectly parallel rows of our first solar roof installation in Madison, WI. The surface looks sleek and monolithic from the street. There are no exposed screws, brackets, or rail ends, so wind‑driven debris and curious critters have nowhere to catch or nest. This shot shows the finish homeowners want: energy‑producing shingles that look like a refined, modern roof.

Why Solar Roofing Matters in Wisconsin

This isn't another vanilla solar panel install. It’s Madison’s first solar shingle roof, marking a major milestone for renewable energy in Wisconsin. Before this year, solar shingle roofing options weren't available in Wisconsin. Sun Vault Roofing is the first to offer them. By embracing solar shingles, homeowners can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower energy bills, and contribute to a greener future, all while maintaining their roof's manufacturer warrant and producing an enviable aesthetic. Learn more about why we are so passionate about solar roofing.

“Solar shingles create clean energy without the trade-offs of conventional panels,” says Jon Torre, co-owner of Sun Vault Roofing. “They maintain clean, modern aesthetics while preserving the waterproof integrity of the rooftop—every roofer’s top priority.”

Solar shingles attach directly to the roof deck, without bulky steel racks or screws that compromise the integrity of your roof's watertight seal. Notice how there is no space under the solar array.

Behind the Scenes: Our First Solar Shingle Roof Installation in Wisconsin

Installing solar shingles is a meticulous process, and we want to share what it took to make this historic project happen:

1. Shingle Removal & Deck Inspection: We started by removing the old asphalt shingles down to the wood decking. Every inch of plywood was inspected for moisture or rot, and any compromised sections were replaced to ensure a solid foundation.

2. Underlayment Application: Next came the ice-and-water shield underlayment. This is a critical barrier against moisture and Wisconsin’s harsh winters, even for conventional asphalt roofs. We use a thicker product for solar roofs for extra and longer-lasting protection.

3. Starter Courses & Solar Shingle Prep: We laid the first few courses of asphalt shingles at the bottom edge of the roof, then installed the Solstice solar shingle starter strip to prepare for the solar array.

4. Solar Shingle Installation: The first row of Solstice solar shingles went in, each connected with native wiring. From there, we zig-zagged up the array, linking shingles together until we reached the top.

5. Inspection Pause: Because this was the first solar shingle roof in Madison, WI, we paused before installing ridge venting so the city inspector could see inside the open roof to review the product firsthand.

6. Finishing Touches: After inspection, we dropped the wires into the attic, flashed around the array and completed the remaining asphalt shingles for a seamless finish.

Nearly-completed array of CertainTeed's Solstice solar shingles on a rooftop on Madison's West Side.

Since this was the city of Madison's first-ever install of this kind, we had to wait patiently for t

Caption: (Left) Nearly-completed array of CertainTeed's Solstice solar shingles on a rooftop on Madison's West Side. The asphalt shingles around the top of the array aren't yet in-place, so the ice and water shield underlayment and some wiring is still partially visible. (Right) Since this was the city of Madison's first-ever install of this kind, we had to wait patiently for the city inspector to have a first-hand look at our work before we closed everything up.

How Solar Shingles Compare to Panels

• Aesthetics: Solar shingles look like traditional roofing, unlike bulky panels.

• Durability: They’re built to withstand extreme weather conditions.

• Efficiency: Comparable energy output with integrated design.

• Value: Adds both energy savings and property appeal.

• Low-maintenance: Nowhere for squirrels to live. Don't contribute to ice damming.

Squirrel Justice

Ask anyone who’s owned a rack-mounted solar system for a few years, and you’ll hear a familiar story: squirrels. The open space beneath conventional rack-mounted panels makes perfect real estate for nesting. You can try to prevent it with "critter guards," but those systems aren't perfect. There is, however" a foolproof ( . . . squirrel-proof?) method. When the solar sits flush to the roof deck, there's simply no room for unwelcome tenants. If we assume that roughly 10–20% of traditional solar arrays will eventually host a squirrel family, then in 2025, Sun Vault Roofing has statistically prevented at least two pest control calls (and spared those furry tenants the ordeal of eviction).

Call it a small act of squirrel justice.

Solar Roofing in Wisconsin: Where Sun Vault Roofing is Headed Next

This project is just the beginning.

We’re committed to bringing solar shingles to more homes across Wisconsin, making renewable energy accessible and beautiful. By year-end, we’re on track to complete solar roofing projects across Madison, Evansville, Sheboygan, Oconomowoc, Cambridge, and Wauwatosa, adding over 62 kilowatts of solar capacity to Wisconsin homes. That’s the environmental equivalent of planting 1,400 trees statewide.

And it’s not just about energy output. Integrated design means:

• Zero unnecessary holes in your roof. We've over 1,200 avoided so far.

• Fewer leaks and lower maintenance risks.

• Longer-lasting roofs that protect your investment.

Drone Photography: A Behind-the-Scenes Challenge

Capturing aerial shots wasn’t easy. The home is near long-distance, high-voltage transmission lines, which can interfere with drone navigation due to electromagnetic signals. Despite the challenge, our licensed drone pilot followed all FAA and local regulations to safely capture these stunning views.

Interested in solar? Contact Sun Vault Roofing!

Ready to transform your roof into a power plant? Contact Sun Vault Roofing today or call 608-608-1082 to learn more about solar shingles and schedule your consultation.

Not sure if your home is a good fit for solar? Or feeling uncertain about whether solar shingles or conventional solar panels are the right choice? Fear not. Sun Vault Roofing can help you with the analysis.

Sun Vault Roofing exists because we're passionate about reimaging the future of roofing. If you're interested in joining us on that journey, we'd be excited to have you on board.