The technology behind solar panels has been around for nearly 150 years, according to Smithsonian Magazine . First developed by inventors in the late 1800s, the solar cell, which can convert solar energy into electricity, still powers the solar technology we use today, like solar panels and solar shingles.
But what's the difference between solar panels and solar roofing shingles? And which one is right for you and your home? Here, we'll take a look at the pros and cons of each, including price and lifespan, and share recommendations on how to choose between the two.
Solar roofing panels: Pros, cons and whether they're right for you
Solar roof panels are the most recognizable form of solar technology on the market, and they're easy to spot on the roofs of residential homes across the U.S. These black, rectangular panels are super efficient at collecting and converting solar energy, even in less sunny climates, making them a great option for homeowners everywhere.
Traditional solar panels are installed on top of existing roofing materials using metal brackets. They can be installed on all types of roofing, including metal and tile, making them a versatile option for most homes. One of the drawbacks of solar panels is their obvious appearance, which may reduce curb appeal, depending on personal preference and market trends in your area. Some homeowners' associations (HOAs) even prohibit the installation of visible solar systems, which could limit options for some homeowners.
Despite common misconceptions, "solar panels still produce energy during rainy or cloudy days," according to Blue Raven Solar in Utah. The company notes that one of the countries with the highest rates of installed solar — Germany — actually gets less sun than some of the cloudiest places in the U.S., like Washington and Oregon. That said, solar panels are most effective when it's sunny. "On a clear, sunny day, your solar panels will hit their peak performance," according to Blue Raven, so the more sunlight you get where you live, the more energy your panels will provide. Generally speaking, solar panels are considered more efficient at collecting and converting energy than solar shingles, according to NerdWallet .
How much do solar panels cost?
The average U.S. home requires about 12 kilowatts of solar to cover typical electricity use, according to EnergySage , an online solar marketplace. Based on thousands of quotes in the EnergySage Marketplace, installing a system that size in 2025 costs about $20,754 after applying the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit. This tax credit currently reduces residential solar costs by 30% for homeowners, but it is scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2025, under federal legislation passed in July 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) .
Starting in 2026, consumers should expect to pay between $25,000 and $34,000 for solar panel installation in the U.S., based on price estimates from EnergySage.
How long do solar panels last?
Traditional solar panels can be expected to last between 20 and 25 years, according to Fortified Roofing , a large manufacturer of durable roofing materials. This means solar panels can easily outlive an asphalt shingle roof, but they may not last as long as metal or tile roofs. Fortified Roofing states that most solar panel systems are protected by 20-year warranties.
For more on roof lifespan, see our guide to roof lifespan by material .
Solar panel pros
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More affordable than other solar roofing options
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Can be installed over existing roofing, including metal and tile
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More efficient than solar shingles at converting solar energy
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Solar panels do not have to cover your whole roof
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30% tax credits available through the end of 2025
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More durable than some conventional roofing materials
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Increases home energy efficiency and home value
Solar panel cons
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Still a big investment, and prices will rise in 2026
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Some HOAs restrict visible solar panel installation
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Some homeowners may not like the appearance of solar panels
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Panels may not last as long as solar shingles
Are solar roofing panels right for you and your home?
If you want to invest in renewable energy for your home in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible, solar panels may be right for you. They can be installed on top of existing roofing materials, are typically more efficient than other solar roofing types, and they're also more affordable than solar shingles.
As long as you don't mind the appearance of solar panels, and you don't live in an area that prohibits them, solar panels are the best choice for most people wanting to invest in renewable home energy through solar.
Solar shingles: Pros, cons and whether they're right for you
Solar roof shingles , also known as solar tiles, are just like they sound: They look like roof shingles or tiles, but they function like solar panels, collecting and converting sunlight into energy for your home. The first solar-powered building used a technology very similar to solar shingles, where the solar cells were integrated directly into the roofing, according to Smithsonian Magazine. This revolutionary building was known as "Solar One" and was built by a team at the University of Delaware in 1973.
Today, solar shingles are ironically considered a very new technology and have only been available to consumers for about 15 years. The technology for modern solar shingles was first unveiled by Dow Chemical in 2009, according to the New York Times .
Unlike solar panels, solar shingles merge solar technology with roofing materials, meaning you don't have to install them separately. This also means solar shingles cannot be installed over an existing roof like solar panels. Solar shingles offer an integrated look, allowing you to produce renewable energy without losing curb appeal or violating HOA guidelines. That said, solar shingles are more expensive than solar panels and tend to be less efficient.
How much do solar shingles cost?
Solar shingles are notably more expensive than solar panels, with costs ranging from about $35,000 to $75,000 in 2025, according to NerdWallet . Solar shingles cost roughly 60 to 190% more than solar panels, as noted by EnergySage .
Following the same logic we used to discuss solar panel costs, solar shingle costs should also be expected to increase by 30% in 2026, after the solar tax credit ends. This means solar shingle installation costs will likely increase to a range of $45,500 to $97,500 next year, unless other industry factors shift.
How long do solar shingles last?
Outpacing the lifespan of solar panels, solar shingles can be expected to last between 25 and 30 years, with a typical 25-year warranty period. However, Fortified Roofing notes that solar shingles have not been on the market long enough to produce any concrete data about their average lifespan.
Despite this lack of long-term data, solar shingles are generally considered more durable than solar panels. "Since solar shingles are part of your roof itself, they’re less susceptible to damage from debris or high winds compared to rack-mounted solar panels," according to Campo , a roofing company based in Ohio. Campo also states on its website that solar shingles are typically rated for winds up to 130 mph.
However, it's important to note that all photovoltaic (solar) technology may be susceptible to weather damage, especially from large hail, according to the DOE . While solar roofing tends to be more durable than basic asphalt shingle roofing, more data is needed to confirm whether or not solar shingles are truly more durable than solar panels.
Solar shingle pros
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Integrated into your roof for a clean, streamlined look
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Allows you to combine two large home improvement projects into one
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Can boost home energy efficiency, curb appeal and home value
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May be more durable than other roofing materials, and may last longer than solar panels
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30% tax credits available through the end of 2025
Solar shingle cons
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Significantly more expensive than traditional solar panels, and prices will rise in 2026
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Typically not as efficient as solar panels
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Installation requires a full roof replacement
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Not all roofing companies are experienced with solar shingle installation
Are solar shingles right for you and your home?
Solar shingles are a relatively durable, aesthetic alternative to traditional solar panels, with the advantage of being fully integrated with your roof. They may be the right choice if you're comfortable investing a high upfront cost for a solar system, and you prefer the look of shingles or tiles over panels.
Keep in mind, though, that solar shingles are typically less efficient than solar panels, and they require a full roof replacement to install. They cannot be installed over existing roofing. On the upside, solar shingles have the potential to outlast solar panels, though the product has not been on the market long enough to thoroughly test this theory.
If you have a strong aesthetic preference, the funds to spare and an existing plan to replace your roof, solar shingles may be the right choice. For more on this, check out these eight reasons to consider solar when replacing roofing .
How to choose between solar panels and shingles
The key to choosing between solar panels and shingles is looking at your budget and assessing your priorities. If you're trying to save money, solar shingles probably aren't the best option, since they cost quite a bit more. That said, if you can afford the investment, are due for a roof replacement and prefer the look of a shingle or tile roof without visible panels, solar shingles are the perfect solution.
However, solar panels are the best option for most consumers, since they're more affordable. "If you're looking for the most bang for your buck (or power per penny), solar panels are the way to go," according to EnergySage.
For more, check out these 10 things you should know about installing solar panels .
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