Question 1

Do you put solar roofs on homes that are under construction / new construction?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We install solar roofing on new construction homes across Wisconsin and would love to partner with you. New builds are often ideal for solar because we can design the roof layout and solar roofing installation together, without working around old materials or mature trees. If you are building a home and want an integrated solar shingle roof instead of panels added later, email info@sunvaultroofing.com (mailto:info@sunvaultroofing.com )and we will walk you and your builder through the process.

Question 2

Will you install conventional solar panels on top of existing roofs?

Accepted Answer

Yes! While integrated solar shingles are our flagship product, we also design and install conventional roof-mounted solar panels (https://www.sunvaultroofing.com/traditionalsolarpanels)when that is the better fit. As a solar roofing contractor, we can compare solar shingles vs conventional solar panels for your roof, explain the cost and performance tradeoffs, and help you choose the system that best matches your home and long-term plans.

Question 3

Are solar shingles less efficient than conventional solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Solar shingles are only about 2 percent less efficient than conventional solar panels. That difference is smaller than the year-to-year changes in sunshine most homes already see, so it is trivial for most homeowners. When you compare solar roof shingles vs solar panels, the better choice often comes down to aesthetics, roof age, and long-term plans rather than a small efficiency gap.

Learn more in our blog post: are conventional panels or solar shingles right for you? (https://www.sunvaultroofing.com/post/solstice-shingles-vs-traditional-solar-panels-which-is-right-for-you)

Question 4

Does installing solar shingles replace my entire roof?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In an integrated solar roofing installation, solar shingles are installed as part of a full roof replacement. They replace asphalt shingles in select areas of the roof and function as both your roofing material and your solar energy system. If your roof is newer and not due for replacement, we may recommend conventional rack-mounted solar panels (https://www.sunvaultroofing.com/traditionalsolarpanels)instead.

Question 5

How long does a solar shingle roof installation take?

Accepted Answer

A solar shingle installation typically takes slightly longer than a standard roof replacement because it includes both roofing and electrical work. Most residential projects are completed over 1-3 days, depending on roof size, shape, and system complexity. We provide a clear timeline before work begins and coordinate all trades so the process is smooth and predictable.

Question 6

Is a solar roof right for my home?

Accepted Answer

A solar roof is a great option if your roof is due for replacement and you want to combine a new roof with clean energy production in a single project. Solar shingles work best on homes with good sun exposure and long-term ownership plans. During a free inspection, we evaluate your roof’s age, structure, orientation, and energy usage to determine whether solar shingles are the right fit or if a conventional panel system would make more sense.

Question 7

What’s the difference between solar shingles and conventional solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Solar shingles replace part of your roofing material and generate electricity as part of a full roof replacement, creating a seamless, low-profile appearance. Conventional solar panels are mounted on top of an existing roof and are typically the better option when the roof is newer and in good condition. If you’re already planning a roof replacement, solar shingles allow you to combine roofing and solar into one integrated project with a beautiful, aesthetic outcome.

Question 8

Are solar shingles built for Wisconsin weather?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingles are engineered to withstand harsh Midwest conditions, including heavy snow loads, high winds, and hail. They carry the same impact resistance ratings as premium asphalt shingles and are installed with proper underlayment and waterproofing to protect against ice dams and freeze–thaw cycles common in Wisconsin.

Question 9

Do solar shingles affect my roof warranty?

Accepted Answer

When installed correctly by a certified contractor, solar shingles do not compromise your roof warranty. As a CertainTeed–certified installer, we follow manufacturer-approved installation methods that preserve both roofing and solar warranties. This ensures your roof and energy system are protected for the long term.

Question 10

Do solar inspections and installations require attic access?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Solar roofing inspections and installations typically require attic access. This allows us to safely route wiring, install required electrical components like remote shutdown receivers, verify structural details, and evaluate ventilation. Attic access is an important part of ensuring the system is code-compliant, safe, and properly integrated into your home. We’ll always explain what’s needed ahead of time and answer any questions before work begins.

Question 11

Will a solar shingle roof affect my homeowners insurance?

Accepted Answer

It can. In at least one recent Sun Vault Roofing project, a homeowner saw their insurance premium drop 3(https://maps.app.goo.gl/NycUHrjNmBM2apdi9)9% (https://maps.app.goo.gl/NycUHrjNmBM2apdi9)after updating their policy to reflect a newly replaced roof with integrated, impact-rated solar shingles. While insurance outcomes depend on the home, materials, location, and carrier, solar shingle roofs often combine a full roof replacement with Class 4 impact resistance, which insurers may view differently than an older asphalt roof. Homeowners should always review updated roof details directly with their insurance provider.

Question 12

How do you maintain solar shingles on a roof?

Accepted Answer

Solar shingles require very little maintenance beyond what’s already recommended for a standard asphalt roof. That typically means an annual roof inspection (https://www.sunvaultroofing.com/post/what-happens-during-a-professional-roof-inspection-process)and periodic gutter cleaning, especially once a roof is more than five years old. One of the biggest advantages of solar shingles is their low ongoing maintenance compared to traditional rack-mounted solar panels.

Homeowners should not attempt to clean solar shingles themselves. Proper cleaning requires specialized equipment and water pressure controls to avoid damaging the shingles or electrical components. Snow removal is also not recommended. The small potential increase in winter production is generally not worth the risk of damaging the system, especially since most solar energy is produced outside of the winter months.

Question 13

What are the benefits of solar shingles in Madison?

Accepted Answer

For Madison homeowners, solar shingles offer a combination of strong aesthetics, low maintenance, and long-term value.(https://www.sunvaultroofing.com/why-solar) Because the solar cells are integrated directly into the roof, they create a clean, low-profile appearance that many homeowners prefer over traditional panels. This often translates into higher resale value and broader buyer appeal.

Solar shingles also require less ongoing maintenance, which means fewer service calls and fewer long-term headaches. When combined with energy savings, incentives, and improved curb appeal, many homeowners see a higher overall return on investment compared to conventional solar options.

Question 14

Are solar shingles eco-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A large portion of the environmental impact of solar systems comes from material manufacturing and transportation. Solar shingles use significantly fewer materials than traditional solar installations because they don’t require steel racks, rails, or mounting hardware, while still producing nearly the same amount of energy.

In addition, when solar shingles are installed as part of a roof replacement, old asphalt shingles are recycled rather than sent to a landfill.(https://www.sunvaultroofing.com/post/asphalt-shingle-recycling-in-wisconsin-what-happens-to-your-old-roof) This combination of reduced material use and clean energy generation makes solar shingles an environmentally responsible option for many homeowners.

Question 15

Do you install Tesla solar tiles?

Accepted Answer

At this time, Tesla solar tiles have limited availability and, to our knowledge, have not been widely offered or supported in Wisconsin in recent years. Instead, we install CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingles, a proven solar roofing system manufactured by CertainTeed.

CertainTeed has over 120 years of experience in roofing materials and backs its solar shingles with established manufacturing, warranty, and distribution support.

Question 16

Are solar roofs compatible with Tesla batteries or other home batteries?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Solar roofs, including solar shingles, are compatible with battery storage systems such as Tesla Powerwall and other leading home battery options. The solar shingles generate electricity the same way other solar systems do, allowing excess energy to be stored for later use or backup power.

Battery storage can be useful for homeowners who want outage protection, time-of-use optimization, or greater energy independence. During your solar consultation, we can help evaluate whether battery storage makes sense based on your usage patterns, outage frequency, and long-term goals.

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Solar Shingle Installation Seamless Roofing + Energy for Wisconsin