For Solar V Regular Shingle Blog

Solar Shingles vs. Asphalt Shingles: A Comprehensive Comparison

01/23/2025

Nationwide, around 80 percent of homeowners choose asphalt shingles as their roofing material. It’s easy to see why — asphalt shingles are affordable, relatively durable, and they look pretty good, too. But roofing technology has advanced and there’s a new kid on the block. Solar shingles. 

Your mind was probably blown the first time you heard about them. A roof and an energy generator, all in one? You bet! If you’re interested in going green and making serious energy savings with solar shingles, you’re probably wondering how they compare with America’s most beloved roofing material. 

The two are really apples and oranges, but let’s make this work! 

Installation of Solar vs. Asphalt Shingles

On the face of it, some parts of the installation process are actually very similar for solar and asphalt shingles. We’ll tear off your old roof and prep your roof deck, making repairs where needed. We’ll clean your roof’s surface and install the “starter strip” that makes the rest of the installation process easier, and then install your roofing materials from the bottom up. (Learn more about the basics of asphalt shingles to understand this process better!)

However, solar shingles generate energy for your home — and that means wires. We can use different configurations for this step. While traditional asphalt shingle roofs can often be installed in a single day, the installation of solar shingles will take a little longer.

Aesthetic Differences: Solar vs. Asphalt Shingles

Aesthetic preferences are just that — individual preferences. It’s hard to compare solar vs asphalt shingles in this regard. We’ll say this, though. Everyone is familiar with asphalt shingles, and they’re a universally acceptable roofing choice for residential homes. However, your neighbors and homeowner’s association won’t be mad if you opt for solar shingles. They’re sleek, beautiful, and futuristic! 

Environmental Impact of Roofing Choices

If you want to compare the environmental impact of solar vs. asphalt shingles, it’s important to take the fact that the roofing industry has changed and shifted focus in recent years into account. 

Leading asphalt shingles are now committed to recyclability. At the end of your roof’s life, your asphalt shingles could be turned into new asphalt shingles or pavement. That mitigates their environmental impact. In addition, more energy-efficient asphalt shingles with reflective “cool roof” coatings have also entered the market. 

There’s still no real comparison. Solar shingles actively generate energy for your home, and solar shingle efficiency has gone up dramatically in recent years. Often, they can meet all of your household’s energy needs — or even generate extra, which you can then sell back to utility companies. If your main question is about climate suitability for roofing types, solar shingles are the clear winner. 

Lifespan of Solar vs. Asphalt Shingles

When you’re comparing roofing materials, their expected lifespan is a big factor. How do solar vs. asphalt shingles stack up? 

Keeping in mind that asphalt shingle durability depends on the precise shingles you choose is important. You can generally expect three-tab shingles to last about 20 years, while high-end architectural shingles have a longer life of around three decades. 

Solar shingles are more durable. They have an expected lifespan of around 30 years. By the end of that time, the shingles themselves are still going strong, but the photovoltaic cells gradually become less efficient.  This is common with all types of solar.  

Maintenance: Solar vs. Asphalt Shingles

Every roof benefits from regular care and maintenance, but how do solar vs. asphalt shingles compare? Asphalt shingles require regular roof inspections and cleaning. When roofing issues crop up, taking care of roof repairs right away helps your asphalt shingle roof last longer. All of that also applies to solar shingles, but with a few additions. 

It’s important to monitor the system’s general performance, and that includes paying attention to the inverter.  This is usually done through an app that is provided to you by the solar installer.  

Cost Analysis: Solar vs. Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Yes, asphalt shingles cost a very modest $3 to $5 per square foot to install — and solar shingles may set you back $21 to $25 per square foot. However, solar shingles generate power (directly leading to monthly savings), and asphalt shingles can’t. Handsome rebates can reduce your upfront costs by as much as 30 percent if you opt for solar shingles, so that’s another bonus. 

Resale Value: Solar vs. Asphalt Roofs

Let’s wind our roofing investment comparison down with a look at the resale value of solar vs. asphalt shingles. Most home buyers will see a solar roof as a huge selling point, and there’s no question that solar roofing can increase your home’s overall value. 

Want to Learn More About Solar Shingles? Call Fortified Roofing Today! 

Are you seriously thinking about investing in solar roofing? Give Fortified Roofing a call if you need a highly experienced GAF Master Elite certified roofing contractor in Farmingdale, NJ! Our team would be happy to assess your NJ property to determine if solar shingles are an energy efficient choice for you, and we’ll give you a free estimate when you’re ready!