Get solar-ready with this guide to the best roofing options for solar panels
Your roof is the base for your solar installation. That means the quality and type of roof you have on your home will directly impact the security, and even output, of your solar system. Understanding the difference between roofing materials now will help you prepare for a successful solar installation in the future. Below, you’ll find our tips on the best roof material recommendations based on our more than a decade of hands-on experience.
In this article:
- Types of roofing for solar panels
- Key factors in choosing a roof for your solar installation
- Installing roofs for solar panels
- Choosing the right roof for solar panels
- Frequently asked questions
Types of roofing for solar panels
If you’re considering solar, don’t overlook your roof. Roofing materials directly affect your system’s performance, ease of installation, and long-term durability. Key factors to consider include structural integrity, panel angle, and weight support. The best type of roof for solar panels ultimately comes down to what your tastes are and what works best for your home.
Whether you’re replacing your roof or working with what you already have, here’s a breakdown of the most common roof types used with solar.
Asphalt shingle roofs
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials for solar, and for good reason. They’re known for being easy to mount and drill into, possibly reducing installation time and resulting in a better panel fit. They’re also more affordable per square foot than many other roofing materials. The primary consideration with this roofing material is the risk of leakage, as both the asphalt shingle and the flashing it’s installed with are especially prone to weathering. This risk is typically avoided with proper installation and maintenance. These roofs do tend to have a shorter lifespan than others in this article.
Tile roofs
Tile roofs made of materials like clay and concrete are common in hot and dry climates. They are not as conducive to solar panel installation due to being prone to breakage from the weight of the panels, which is why they require special installation equipment and extra care. Generally, however, they are known to be quite durable when well-maintained, with the average lifespan reaching 50-100 years per the Building Institute NSW.
Metal roofs
Metal roofing is a favorite among solar professionals thanks to its durability, stability, and energy efficiency. This type of material can slightly increase your panel’s available solar power by reflecting light and reducing the heat in the surrounding area. Metal roofing also has a long lifespan and low maintenance requirements.
Solar shingles
Solar shingles, which are one way of using building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), combine roofing and solar generation in one sleek solution. Instead of mounting panels onto your roof, BIPV systems embed photovoltaic cells directly into roofing materials for a seamless look.
According to CNET, popular options include Tesla’s Solar Roof, which replaces traditional shingles with tempered glass and steel tiles, and GAF’s Timberline® Solar Shingles, which incorporate PV cells into asphalt shingles. While other manufacturers are emerging, these two remain the most recognizable names in the space.
Because solar roofs serve as both roofing and power generation, they carry a premium (more on cost below) and tend to be less efficient. Installation also generally requires a full reroof, adding labor and material costs. Traditional rack-mounted solar typically still remains the more cost-effective, higher-performance solution.
Key factors in choosing a roof for your solar installation
We’ve rounded up the pros and cons of the different roofing materials above. Now, let’s walk through how to choose the best one for your home when you go solar, considering budget and aesthetic preferences.
Durability and lifespan
The durability of your roofing material plays a key role in how well it supports a solar installation over time.
- Metal roofs: Last around 40-80 years and hold up well in extreme weather.
- Tile roofs: Can last 50-100 years if properly maintained.
- Asphalt roofs: Typically need replacement every 15-40 years, depending on climate and quality.
If your current roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may make sense to replace it before installing solar. Many installers also offer roofing services, so finding one that does both can save time and money.
Aesthetic considerations
Solar should work with your home, not against it, so it’s important to choose a design you’ll love. Some homeowners opt for sleek, modern metal roofing for a clean look, while others prefer the textured, Mediterranean feel of clay tiles. If design is important to you, talk with your installer about panel and racking styles that best complement your roof’s appearance.
Cost and budget
A new roof is a significant investment, and pairing it with a solar installation can increase the upfront cost. To help you plan, we’ve broken down the average costs by roof type, based on a standard 2,000-square-foot home:
| Material | Price* |
| Asphalt | $7,000-$17,000 (most homeowners spend $10,250) |
| Tile | $8,460-$26,256 ($17,457 on average) |
| Metal | $5,500-$15,500 (majority cost under $10,500) |
| Solar shingles | $21,000-$50,000 ($35,000 on average)** |
**This number varies depending on both the size of the roof and the electricity demands of the home.
Roofing incentives and rebates
Installing a solar-ready roof may come with financial perks, but the eligibility depends on the type of roofing material you choose.
Federal Tax Credits for Solar Roofing
A new roof can qualify for the Residential Clean Energy Credit, but only if it meets specific criteria. According to the IRS, traditional roofing won’t earn you any rebates — even if it’s being installed for solar panels — but solar roofing tiles and solar shingles, like the Tesla Solar Roof and GAF Solar Shingles will qualify, because they generate clean energy. This credit ends on December 31, 2025, and the language has been changing a lot over the past few months. Check with your installer to make sure you have the latest information.
Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit
Materials like ENERGY STAR-certified cool shingles may qualify for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit due to improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Again, be sure to talk to a professional solar installer before starting your project to ensure your selected materials are eligible.
Installing roofs for solar panels
A high-quality, solar-compatible roof starts with expert installation. Most vendors offer a pre-installation assessment for your roof to ensure that your home is compatible with their solar system and process. While this process can be free (or included in the cost of your roof inspection), some vendors may charge for it. The average price for a roof inspection in 2025 ranges from $125-$357.
After your roof has been assessed and approved for the next step, it’s time to install your panels. If you choose asphalt, tile, or metal for your roof, your solar team will begin by securing the mounts to the roof directly. If you choose solar shingles for your home, they may opt to use alternative mounting systems. Once this is done, the team will connect the panels to an inverter and finish any other tasks needed to get the system up and operating.
We recommend reaching out to the roofing contractor you plan to work with for the most accurate pre-installation estimate and to answer any installation questions you have. And, again, many solar installers offer roofing services, so shop around to find the deal that works best for you.
If you live in a region that experiences hurricanes and other severe storms, you might want to ask your installers about the best practices for securing solar panels for storms outlined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Choosing the right roof for solar panels
The type of roofing material you choose for your solar installation plays a significant role in the security, longevity, and output of your system. It’s always best to consult with a local solar expert who can help you find the best roofing solution for your home, location, budget, and preferences.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best roofing for solar panels?
The best roofing for solar panels is ultimately the option that suits your specific location and budgetary needs. However, many appreciate the efficiency, durability, and support that metal roofing offers. We recommend reaching out to your solar provider to ask what roof materials they recommend for your home and system.
What is the average cost of installing a roof for solar panels?
The cost of installing a new roof generally depends on the size of your residence, the types of panels and materials you’re using, how difficult your roof is to navigate, and the specific service fees and taxes for installers in your area. The average cost is $20,000-$30,000+, depending on the type of roof material you choose.
How much does a Tesla solar roof cost?
The average cost of installing a 12.57 kW Tesla Solar Roof (including roof replacement costs and two Tesla Powerwalls) is $154,000 in 2025 for a two-story, 2,000 square foot home, before incentives and rebates. This ranges from $87,635 for a single-story, 1,000 square foot home to $222,000 for a three-story, 3,000 square foot home. However, yours may be less, as Tesla solar roofing costs depend entirely on your specific install. After you input your location and your current electricity bill on their website, Tesla will assemble a personalized quote for you to consider, showing you your average cost savings over time if you choose to make the switch. A solar installer can also help you figure out the best option for your home.
How do I determine if my roof is suitable for solar panels?
Your solar installer can confirm if your current roof is suitable for solar panels. The most critical requirements to consider are the structural soundness and age of the roof, the position of the roof to available sunlight, and the shade surrounding the residence, as this impacts the efficiency of both your solar panels and roof.
