Many are looking for cost-saving measures in today’s inflationary climate, sparking interest in Timberline Solar Shingles. These shingles offer dual benefits: they protect your home and generate solar energy, reducing electricity costs. They integrate the solar system within your roof shingles, a step up from traditional solar panels. 

Timberline Solar shingles, priced approximately between $4 to $7 per watt, offer longevity, lasting up to 30 years on average. 

This article will discuss the advantages, cost implications, and various factors affecting the price of solar shingles.

Are Solar Shingles Worth It?

Having helped dozens of people decide if they should get one, we can confidently say solar shingles are worth it.

Let me explain how;

  • With GAF Solar Shingles, homeowners reported saving up to $1,500 per year on bills, similar to the energy efficiency one might inquire about when asking, “What are composition shingles?
  • Secondly, a solar shingled roof is an excellent and more cost-effective alternative to solar panels that have to be drilled into the roof membrane, leading to potential leaks and future problems.
  • Timberline solar shingles are very easy to install, just like your typical asphalt shingles; they can be nailed with a nail gun and ensure proper shedding of water. 

Cost For Solar Shingles

Although installing GAF Solar Shingles on your roof can be more costly than solar panels, the government encourages households to use renewable energy by offering certain incentives, similar to those available for different types of shingles.

Cost-For-Solar-Shingles

We can only give you an average figure because we will look into several factors soon to determine the ultimate cost of solar shingles.

After incentives, the shingles might cost between $15,000 and $29,000 on average. The initial cost can be significantly reduced with financial incentives. 

With the incentives, installing a Timberline Solar ES roof can be relatively inexpensive, costing up to $40,000.

However, as we said earlier, the final cost depends on certain factors, like the size of the roof, the amount of sunlight available, the type of shingles you choose, etc.

Factors That Affect The Price Of Solar Shingles

It is crucial to consider the following factors before you begin a solar roofing project.

1. The Size And Design Complexity Of Your Roof

The number of solar shingles that can cover an average-sized rooftop is 350. This number can increase with an increase in the size of the roof and will contribute to the final cost.

Now, with installing solar shingles, what are we aiming for? Maximum exposure to sunlight and more energy production, correct?

If your roof has a low slope or, say, it’s flat, any additional work to angle the shingles for maximum light consumption will add up to the cost. 

2. Type Of Solar Shingle You Choose

The cost can vary significantly depending on the type of solar shingles you opt for. 

For instance, the most expensive solar shingles in the family are the Tesla Solar Roof Shingles, which can cost up to $70,000. 

Similarly, the average cost of SunTegra solar shingles is $45,000. See the variation?

GAF Energy solar shingles — $25,000 on average.

CertainTeed Solar Shingles — $57,000 on average. 

It’s best advised to talk to the solar roofing contractors in your locality for fair options.

3. Efficiency Of The Shingles

Some solar shingles, a type of common roofing material for low-pitch roofs, are more efficient compared to others. The greater the efficiency of the shingles, the more heat energy is converted into electricity, and that’s what we need, right?

Efficiency-Of-The-Shingles.

Efficient solar shingles are required in fewer numbers to get the job done but cost more than the less efficient ones.

4. The Electricity Consumption

Based on how much electricity your household needs and consumes, you will get more or less numbers of solar shingles.

Considering the average electricity consumption of many households, you can go for a solar system of 7KW to 9KW power. 

If your requirement is more than due, that will cost you more.

5. Shading

If your house is in a shady area with little sun, like surrounded by trees or something, you need more solar shingles to get the same results that fewer numbers give in a sunny location. 

This will have a direct impact on your cost.

Pros And Cons Of Solar Shingles

Here is why you should and why you should not get solar shingles. 

Pros

  • More waterproofing compared to solar panels. 
  • Greater weather resistance.
  • Much durable.
  • Save up on monthly bills.
  • Very cost-effective.
  •  Easy maintenance.

Cons

  • Lesser efficiency compared to typical solar panels. (solar shingles can give 14%-18% efficiency while panels are about 22.8% efficient)
  • Solar shingles have yet to be as well known as solar panels; therefore few retailers offer to sell due to little demand for them.
  • They are expensive.

The question, “Do I have to replace the entire roof to install solar shingles?” must have crossed your mind till now. 

Well, yes and no, both. Solar shingles can lay down on existing shingles but can also require the replacement of the entire roof if it’s not conducive enough for solar shingles. 

GAF Solar Shingles Cost FAQs

How many solar panels do I need for my roof?

How many solar shingles do you need for your roof? It depends on factors like the size of your roof and the energy consumption of your house. So, do the math.

Is the cost of solar shingles the same as regular shingles?

No. Solar shingles are much more expensive compared to regular asphalt shingles. The cost of solar shingles per square foot is $22, while that of standard shingles is $5.

If I move, can I take solar shingles with me?

Though the removal process is challenging, it is possible to carry solar shingles with you as you move.

How long do solar shingles last?

The average lifespan of solar shingles is about 30 years.

How much power can solar shingles produce?

Each shingle can produce about 13-80 watts of energy.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of solar shingles and how they differ from regular shingles.

We also talked about the cost and factors affecting the cost range. I hope our article was informative to you.