
How Long Do Solar Shingles Last? Understanding Their Durability
01/14/2025
More and more Americans are embracing the exciting opportunities that solar power offers. In 2023 alone, households across the country had almost 33 gigawatts worth of solar capacity installed — and this green trend shows no sign of slowing down.
Do you have an aging roof — and do you know you’ll have to replace it in the near future? Solar panels remain the most popular source of solar power, but you have an even more exciting option. Solar shingles.
While performing cost analysis of solar panels vs shingles will almost certainly show you that the investment is worth it, one burning question remains. What is the expected lifespan of solar panel shingles?
The Longevity of Solar Roofing: At a Glance
While a multitude of factors influence the realistic durability of solar shingles, many readers came here for a quick answer to a sensible question. Let’s start there.
The first solar shingle roofs were only installed in the early 2000s, and the vast majority of these energy-generating roofs are still going strong. Solar roof tiles have a lifespan of approximately 30 years. Beyond the three-decade mark, they’ll almost certainly continue to offer functional protection for your property — but your solar roof’s energy generation will slow down, and eventually stop.
In this sense, solar roofing is pretty typical. If you decide on a solar shingle replacement now, your roof’s durability is on par with many other roofing options — including asphalt shingles and many metal roofing options. Meanwhile, solar shingles outlast most commercial flat roofs.
Solar Roofing Longevity: Factors Homeowners Should Be Aware Of
When looking at solar shingle lifespan estimates, it’s critical to keep in mind that lots of different factors impact how long your roof will ultimately last and keep generating energy. Some of these are beyond your control, but you can also take plenty of steps to set yourself up for a more durable roof!
Quality of Solar Shingles and Installation
The solar shingle market is expanding at an impressive rate. You have more choices than ever, but the quality varies. Opting for durable solar roofing options made by reputable manufacturers is one of the best ways to ensure a long-lasting roof. Paying attention to the warranty on solar shingles is a great start as you narrow down your choices.
However, your solar roof also needs to be installed by the right roofing company. As you can imagine, solar shingle installations are significantly more complex than asphalt or metal roof replacements, and they call for an experienced hand. When skilled roofers trained in solar roofing lay a solid foundation for a durable roof, you have a lot less to worry about.
Weather Impact on Solar Shingles
As with all types of roofing, solar shingle lifespan is greatly impacted by the local climate. Extreme weather — like storms, hail, thunder, and heavy snow — increases the risk of damage, and may shorten your solar roof’s life.
Solar Shingle Maintenance
Some extent of solar shingle wear and tear is inevitable over time. By having yearly or twice-yearly roof inspections and calling a trusted solar shingle roofing contractor as soon as you spot any signs of possible damage, you take proactive steps to extend your roof’s lifespan.
Got Questions? The Fortified Roofing Team Is Here to Help!
A roof replacement is always a big investment — but there’s no doubt that solar shingles cost more than most. At Fortified Roofing, we understand that you want to be absolutely sure before you choose solar shingles for your home.
Whether you have questions about the endurance of solar roof tiles or you need help comparing solar shingle durability across brands, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone or send us an email — and, if you need roofing in Farmingdale, NJ, ask us about our hassle-free, complimentary consultations. Our team would be happy to inspect your roof and tell you if solar shingles are a good fit for your NJ property!