Solar roof tiles are roofing tiles with solar cells built in, so your roof protects your home and makes electricity at the same time. Instead of mounting panels on racks above your shingles, the solar roof is the roof. It lies flat, matches the rest of the roof, and from the street can look like an ordinary high-end slate or tile roof.
2026 has been a big year for solar roofs. Tesla discontinued its Solar Roof in August. The 30% federal tax credit ended for homeowners. Electricity prices kept climbing. If you’re researching solar roof tiles now, much of what you’ll find online is out of date.
In this guide:
What Are Solar Roof Tiles?
Solar roof tiles are a type of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), meaning the solar technology is part of the building material itself rather than added on top. Each solar tile contains photovoltaic (PV) cells under protective glass. Each one also does the job of a roof tile: it sheds water, resists wind, and protects the deck underneath.
Active and inactive tiles
A solar tile roof uses two kinds of tiles that look the same:
- Active tiles contain solar cells and produce electricity. They go on the parts of the roof that get the most sun.
- Inactive tiles have no solar cells. They cover shaded areas, edges, and spots around vents and chimneys, where tiles must be cut to fit. They cost much less than active tiles.
Because the two kinds match, the whole roof looks uniform. A designer decides how many active tiles you need based on your electricity use, your roof’s size and angle, and how much sun it gets.
Solar roof tiles vs. solar shingles vs. solar panels
People often use “solar tiles” and “solar shingles” interchangeably, but there are real differences.
| Solar roof tiles | Solar shingles | Solar panels | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What they look like | Slate, clay, or flat tile | Asphalt shingles | Large glass rectangles on racks |
| How they install | Interlock with matching non-solar tiles | Nail down alongside asphalt shingles | Bolted to rails above the existing roof |
| Roof replacement needed? | Yes, or a new roof section | Yes, usually | No |
| Best for | Premium, slate-style, or tile homes | Asphalt-shingle homes | Lowest cost per watt |
You’ll also see the terms photovoltaic shingles and PV roof tiles. They mean the same thing: roofing with built-in solar cells.
How Does a Solar Roof Work?
A solar roof works the same way as solar panels. Only the packaging is different. Here is the path from sunlight to your outlets:
- Sunlight hits the solar cells. The cells are made of silicon. When light strikes them, it frees electrons and creates a direct current (DC).
- Wiring connects the active tiles. Cables run under the tiles, out of sight, and carry the DC power down to your equipment.
- An inverter converts DC to AC. Your home runs on alternating current (AC), so the inverter converts the power for your appliances.
- Your home uses the power first. Whatever your home needs in the moment comes straight from the roof.
- Extra power goes to a battery or the grid. Surplus power can charge a home battery or flow to the utility grid. With net metering, you earn bill credits for what you send out.
- You draw from the grid or battery at night. When the sun goes down, your home pulls power from your battery first if you have one, then from the grid.
What happens during a power outage?
A grid-connected solar roof without a battery shuts off when the grid goes down. This is a required safety feature that protects utility line workers. To keep the lights on during an outage, you need a battery with backup capability. Batteries are increasingly common: a record 45% of home solar installations in early 2026 included storage, according to Solar Builder. Learn more in our guide to solar roofs and battery backup.
Does a solar roof work in winter or on cloudy days?
Yes. Solar cells produce power from daylight, not heat, so they keep working on cloudy days at reduced output. Cold weather actually helps, because solar cells are more efficient at lower temperatures. Snow cuts production while it covers the roof, but a smooth, sloped tile surface helps it slide off.
Who Makes Solar Roof Tiles in 2026?
The solar roof market shrank in 2025 and 2026, so check that any brand you’re quoted is still in business. Here is where the main options stand.
Is Tesla still selling solar roof tiles?
No. Tesla told its installers in August 2026 that solar roof tiles were no longer available to order, and it now supplies only conventional solar panels, according to Electrek. The firm estimated that Tesla installed only about 3,000 Solar Roof systems in the US over roughly seven years. If you already have a Tesla Solar Roof, its warranty still applies.
Other solar roof options in the US
- Solar Tile Roof (Modern Slate solar tile). A lightweight synthetic slate tile with built-in back-contact solar cells. Each active tile produces 26 watts at 21.5% module efficiency. It is backed by a 50-year roof tile warranty and a 40-year energy output guarantee. It can cover a whole roof, or a solar section can be paired with standard roofing materials.
- GAF Timberline Solar. A nailable solar shingle made to blend with GAF’s Timberline asphalt shingles, rated at 57 watts per shingle, according to GAF. It is the main option for homes that want an asphalt-shingle look.
- Luma Solar. A premium metal shingle system. In early 2026, Yale Divinity School chose Luma for a 200 kW roof, according to pv magazine USA.
- SunStyle. A solar tile laid in a diamond pattern. The design originated in Europe and is also sold in the Americas.
Brands that have left the market
SunTegra, a US solar shingle maker, ceased operations in October 2025, according to Solar Power World. Some older CertainTeed solar shingle models are listed as discontinued by distributors, so confirm the current product before you buy.
The lesson for buyers: with any solar roof, the warranty is only as good as the company behind it. Ask how long the manufacturer has been in roofing, who services the warranty, and whether replacement tiles will be available in 10 or 20 years.
Outside the US
Europe is the world’s largest market for building-integrated solar. Annual installations there rose from 147 MW in 2018 to about 350 MW in 2024, from more than 90 manufacturers, according to pv Europe. Building rules that encourage solar on new and renovated buildings are a big driver.
How Much Do Solar Roof Tiles Cost in 2026?
Solar shingles typically cost about $21 to $25 per square foot installed in 2026. That puts a typical 2,500-square-foot roof between $52,500 and $62,500 before incentives, according to The Roofing Brief. Your price depends on your roof and your energy needs.
For comparison, here is what the main alternatives cost:
| Option | Typical 2026 cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rack-mounted solar panels | About $2.60 per watt; about $31,135 for an average 12 kW system, solar only | EnergySage marketplace data, via The Roofing Brief |
| New asphalt roof (reroof) | About $11,000 to $25,000 | Helios Energy Global |
| Solar shingles (GAF Timberline Solar) | About $3.75 to $4.50 per watt | The Roofing Brief |
| Tesla Solar Roof (discontinued) | About $16 per watt, whole roof | Helios Energy Global |
Compare the right numbers
Comparing a solar roof’s price to solar panels alone is misleading, because the solar roof includes a new roof. The fair comparison is:
- A new roof + solar panels, plus the cost of removing and reinstalling those panels the next time the roof needs work, versus
- One solar tile roof that replaces the roof and produces power.
If your roof is in good shape with many years left, rack-mounted panels usually cost less. If your roof is due for replacement, or you want a slate or tile look that panels would spoil, the gap narrows considerably.
What drives the price of a solar roof
- Roof size and complexity: dormers, valleys, skylights, and steep pitches add labor.
- How much of the roof is active: more solar tiles means more power and higher cost.
- Tear-off and deck repairs: removing old roofing and replacing damaged decking.
- Electrical work: inverter, wiring, and any main panel upgrade.
- Battery storage: optional, but it adds significantly to the cost.
- Local labor rates and permitting.
Solar Tile Roof’s Price Match
Solar Tile Roof and its listed contractors offer a Price Match of up to 20%, pricing a solar tile roof at the cost of a top-rated roof plus top-rated monocrystalline solar panels. Homeowners with no Solar Tile Roof within 75 miles can instead get a 10% Show Home Discount. The two offers can’t be combined. See the details.
Solar Roof Tiles vs. Solar Panels: Pros and Cons
Neither option is better for every home. The right choice depends on your roof’s condition, how much the look of your home matters, and your budget.
Advantages of solar roof tiles
- Appearance. A solar tile roof looks like a premium slate or tile roof, with no racks, rails, or visible wiring.
- One project instead of two. You get a new roof and a solar system in a single installation.
- No panels to remove later. With rack-mounted panels, reroofing means paying to take the panels down and put them back up.
- Fewer roof penetrations. Tiles are fastened like roofing, under the course above, instead of bolting racks through your roof.
- HOA and historic-district friendly. A roof that looks like ordinary roofing is often easier to get approved. See our HOA Approval Kit.
- Low wind profile. Tiles lie flat, so there is no gap under a panel for wind to lift.
Disadvantages of solar roof tiles
- Higher upfront cost than panels when your current roof still has years of life left.
- Fewer installers. Solar roofs need a crew trained in both roofing and electrical work, and certified installers are harder to find than panel installers.
- Fewer brands. Several companies, including Tesla, have exited the market. Choose a manufacturer with a long roofing track record.
- Heat management matters. Solar cells lose some output as they get hot, and flush-mounted products have less airflow than raised panels. Look for tiles with ventilation channels and a low temperature coefficient.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Solar roof tiles | Rack-mounted solar panels |
|---|---|---|
| Looks | Blends into the roof | Visible add-on |
| Upfront cost | Higher, but includes a new roof | Lower for solar alone |
| Best time to install | When you need a new roof | When your roof has 10+ years left |
| Roof penetrations | Fastened like roofing | Racks bolted through the roof |
| Future reroofing | Nothing to remove | Panels must come off and go back on |
| Installer availability | Specialized, certified crews | Widely available |
For a deeper look, read our full solar roof tiles vs. solar panels comparison.
How Durable Are Solar Roof Tiles?
A quality solar roof tile is rated for the same weather as premium roofing. When comparing products, look for these test ratings:
| Rating | What it tests | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| UL 2218 / FM 4473 impact | Steel balls or ice balls fired at the tile to simulate hail | Class 4, the highest rating |
| UL 790 / ASTM E108 fire | Flame spread and burning embers | Class A, the highest rating |
| ASTM D3161 / UL 997 wind | Resistance to wind uplift | 110 mph or higher |
Solar Tile Roof’s Modern Slate solar tile carries a Class 4 impact rating, a Class A fire rating, and a wind rating of 120+ mph. Its polymer base doesn’t crack the way natural slate and clay can, and it resists freeze-thaw damage, moss, and mold. See the full performance ratings.
How long do solar roof tiles last?
A well-made solar roof should outlast an asphalt roof, which typically lasts 15 to 20 years. Two numbers matter:
- Roof life: how long the tile keeps your home weathertight.
- Power output over time: solar cells slowly lose output, typically about 0.5% per year.
Understanding solar roof warranties
A solar roof can have up to three warranties. Make sure you know who backs each one:
- Product warranty: covers defects in the tiles themselves.
- Power output guarantee: promises a minimum share of the original output after a set number of years.
- Workmanship warranty: covers installation errors such as leaks. This usually comes from the installer, not the manufacturer.
Solar Tile Roof’s tiles carry a 50-year limited roof tile product warranty and an output guarantee of 90% at 15 years, 85% at 25 years, and 80% at 40 years. Its independent certified installers provide workmanship guarantees, typically 5 to 10 years or more. See the warranty details.
Read more in our guides to solar roof durability and whether solar roofs leak.
Is Your Home a Good Fit for a Solar Roof?
Use this checklist to judge whether a solar roof makes sense for your home before you request a quote.
1. Your roof’s age and condition
This is the most important factor. A solar roof makes the most financial sense when your roof needs replacing within the next 10 years. If your roof is newer, rack-mounted panels may be the better value for now.
2. Sun exposure and roof direction
South-facing roofs produce the most power in the US, with west and east-facing roofs close behind. Heavy shade from trees or nearby buildings reduces output. A designer will place active tiles where the sun is strongest and inactive tiles everywhere else.
3. Roof pitch and shape
Most tile systems are designed for sloped roofs, not flat ones. Simple roofs with large open planes are the easiest and least expensive to cover. Many dormers, valleys, and skylights add cutting and labor.
4. Roof structure and weight
Natural slate and clay are heavy and often need structural reinforcement. Lightweight synthetic tiles usually don’t. If your home is older, have the framing checked. Our guide to roof reinforcement for solar explains what to look for.
5. Your electricity use and rates
Look at 12 months of utility bills. The more you pay per kilowatt-hour, the faster solar pays off. Average US residential rates reached 18.83 cents per kWh in April 2026, up 7.3% in a year, and topped 35 cents in California, according to EIA data reported by Newsweek.
6. HOA, historic district, and permit rules
Many states limit how far an HOA can restrict solar, and integrated solar roofs are often easier to get approved than panels. Historic districts may have stricter rules. Every solar roof needs a building permit and utility approval to connect to the grid; your installer should handle both.
7. Net metering and battery plans
Check how your utility credits power you send to the grid. Where credits are low, a battery helps you use more of your own solar power. Learn more about how net metering works.
How a Solar Roof Is Installed
A solar roof is a full roofing project combined with an electrical installation. From signing to switching on, most projects take about 5 to 10 weeks. The work on the roof itself usually takes about a week.
- Consultation and design (1 to 2 weeks). A specialist reviews your roof, sun exposure, and electricity bills, then designs a layout of active and inactive tiles.
- Permits and utility approval (2 to 4 weeks). Your installer submits plans to your building department and applies to connect to the utility grid.
- Tear-off and deck repair. The crew removes the old roof down to the wood deck and replaces any rotted or damaged decking.
- Underlayment and flashing. A waterproof underlayment goes on the deck, with ice-and-water shield at the eaves and valleys, and new flashing around chimneys and vents.
- Tile installation. Active and inactive tiles are installed and interlocked according to the design, with wiring routed out of sight beneath them.
- Electrical work. An electrician installs the inverter, connects the system to your main panel, and adds a battery if you chose one.
- Inspection and permission to operate (1 to 4 weeks). The city inspects the work, the utility approves the connection, and you switch the system on.
Choose a certified installer
Solar roofs need expertise in both roofing and electrical work, and most manufacturers require certified installers for the warranty to apply. Ask any installer:
- Are you licensed for both roofing and electrical work in my state?
- Are you certified by the tile manufacturer?
- How many solar roofs like mine have you installed?
- What workmanship warranty do you provide, and for how long?
See the full process in our solar roof installation guide.
Solar Roof Incentives in 2026
The 30% federal solar tax credit for homeowners ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025. The credit fell to zero on January 1, 2026, with no phase-down, according to EnergySage. That applies to solar roofs and solar panels alike.
Other savings are still available:
- State tax credits, rebates, and property tax exemptions, which vary by state.
- Solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) in some states, which pay you for the power you produce.
- Utility net metering credits for power you send to the grid.
- Solar Tile Roof’s Price Match of up to 20% or 10% Show Home Discount.
For the full picture, including leases and PPAs and how to claim a 2025 installation, read our guide to the solar tax credit in 2026.
Solar Roof Tiles FAQ
Are solar roof tiles a real option for homeowners?
Yes. Solar roof tiles are roofing tiles with built-in solar cells, sold and installed in the US today. Fewer companies make them than make solar panels, so check that your manufacturer is established and still in business.
Are solar roof tiles any good?
Quality solar roof tiles carry the same top ratings as premium roofing: Class 4 for hail, Class A for fire, and high wind ratings. They produce reliable power and protect your home. Their main drawback is a higher upfront cost than panels when your roof doesn’t need replacing.
What is the average cost of a solar roof?
Solar shingles typically run about $21 to $25 per square foot installed in 2026, or roughly $52,500 to $62,500 for a 2,500-square-foot roof before incentives. Your cost depends on your roof’s size and complexity and how much of it produces power.
Is Tesla still selling solar roof tiles?
No. Tesla stopped taking Solar Roof orders in August 2026 and now sells only conventional solar panels. Existing Tesla Solar Roofs keep their warranties.
Which is better, a solar roof or solar panels?
Panels cost less if your roof has 10 or more years of life left. A solar roof is often the better value when you need a new roof anyway, or when you want a seamless slate or tile look that panels would spoil.
Are solar roofs worth the money?
They can be, especially when your roof is due for replacement and your electricity rates are high. Without the federal tax credit, payback is longer than it was in 2025, so get a project-specific quote that compares a solar roof with a new roof plus panels.
Do solar roof tiles qualify for a tax credit in 2026?
No federal tax credit applies to a homeowner-owned solar roof installed in 2026. State and local incentives may still apply.
How long does a solar roof last?
A quality solar roof should last well beyond a typical 15 to 20-year asphalt roof. Solar Tile Roof’s tiles carry a 50-year roof tile warranty and guarantee 80% of their power output at 40 years.
Can solar roof tiles be installed on part of a roof?
Yes, with some systems. Solar Tile Roof can cover an entire roof or a solar section paired with standard roofing materials.
See What a Solar Tile Roof Would Look Like on Your Home
If your roof is due for replacement, you don’t have to choose between a beautiful roof and lower energy bills. A Solar Tile Roof gives you both in one project: the look of premium slate, built-in solar power, and a 50-year roof tile warranty.
With our Price Match of up to 20%, your solar tile roof can cost the same as a top-rated roof plus premium solar panels. And if there’s no Solar Tile Roof within 75 miles of you, you may qualify for our 10% Show Home Discount instead.
Tell us about your home. We’ll send project-specific pricing and connect you with a certified Solar Tile Roof installer in your area.
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