
CertainTeed has been providing quality roofing materials since 1904, hopping on the solar technology train in 2010. The company currently offers low-profile solar shingles and solar tiles that integrate with your existing roof. You can expect to spend between $47,500 to $67,500, or a national average of $57,500, for the monocrystalline building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems.
CertainTeed solar shingles and solar roof tiles are thin photovoltaic sheets that absorb the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity to power your home. The premium materials of CertainTeed’s Apollo lineup look and perform like traditional asphalt shingles and concrete tiles, so you do not have to sacrifice design aesthetics.
In this pricing guide, we’ll cover:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator By Size
- Cost Estimator By Watt
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Cost by Location
- CertainTeed Solar Shingles vs. Solar Panels
- Other Solar Shingle Providers to Consider
- FAQ
Average Costs of CertainTeed Solar Shingles
National Average Cost | $57,500 |
Typical Price Range | $47,500 – $67,500 |
Extreme Low End Cost | $9,500 |
Extreme High End Cost | $162,000 |
Before incentives, most CertainTeed solar installations fall into the $47,500 to $67,500 range, but many factors can impact your overall costs. CertainTeed Apollo II Shingles installed on a small, 500-square-foot roof could cost as little as $9,500 before incentives, while a sprawling, one-story, 6,000-square-foot mansion installation can set you back as much as $162,000.
CertainTeed Solar Shingles Cost Estimator By Size
Unlike Tesla’s Solar Roof, CertainTeed’s systems are not complete roof replacements. The company offers two solar shingle options: the Apollo II Shingle and the Apollo II Tile. Both systems integrate with existing roofing materials. The Apollo II Shingle integrates with asphalt shingles, and the Apollo II Tile integrates with existing concrete tiles.
Many factors affect the cost of your new solar technology. Your contractor will consider your current electricity usage, location, and the size of your home to match you with a system that meets your needs.
CertainTeed’s black Apollo shingles cost $19 to $24 per square foot, including labor and materials. The company’s Apollo tiles feature black exteriors with custom frames color-matched to your concrete roofing tiles. These systems cost between $21 to $27 per square foot.
Here’s a look at some common home sizes:
CertainTeed Solar Shingles Cost Estimator By Watt
One of the best ways to estimate the cost of solar shingles is to know how much energy your new solar system must produce to cover your current energy demands. CertainTeed Apollo II solar shingles cost between $6.40 to $8 per watt before incentives. They measure 13.75 inches wide by 46 inches long and are 1.1 inches thick. The solar shingles integrate with new or existing asphalt shingles, matching their design aesthetics.
The Apollo II Tile costs between $8 to $10 per watt. These tiles integrate with new or existing concrete tile roofs. They measure 13.25 inches wide by 46 inches long and are 1.25 inches thick.
The average home requires 9,000 watts, or 9 kilowatts, to cover 100% of utility costs (1kW = 1,000 watts). A 10-kilowatt system costs between $44,800 to $70,000 after the 2023 tax credit.
Solar shingles installed between 2023 to 2032 are eligible for a 30% credit on materials and labor.
Cost Per Kilowatt | Total Cost for a 10 kW System Before Tax Credit | Average Cost For a 10 kW System After 2023 Tax Credit |
$6,400 – $10,000 | $64,000 – $100,000 | $44,800 – $70,000 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
CertainTeed’s energy-efficient systems can help you offset up to 100% of your annual energy needs. While weighing your options, note that there are many factors affecting overall solar shingle installation costs, including roof size, energy needs, location, and more.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
CertainTeed solar tiles and shingles are eligible for a government tax credit. The program runs from 2022 to 2035.
Solar technology installed between 2022 to 2032 is eligible for a 30% credit. Systems installed in 2033 are only eligible for a 26% credit, and those installed in 2034 will receive a 22% credit. There is no maximum amount a homeowner can claim.
Expenses include:
- CertainTeed Apollo II and Apollo Tile II solar systems
- Labor costs, including permitting fees and inspection costs
- Balancing equipment, including wiring, mounting equipment, and inverters
- Energy storage devices
- Sales tax on expenses
Many states also have policies governing renewable energy, offering their own incentives and rebates. The federal tax credit expires in 2035 unless it receives a congressional extension.
Year | 2022 – 2032 | 2033 | 2034 |
Tax Credit | 30% | 26% | 22% |
Warranty
CertainTeed Apollo systems should only be installed by CertainTeed-credentialed solar installers to guarantee workmanship. There are two installation tiers, Credentialed Solar Installer and Master Solar Installer. Each tier affects the length of your installation warranty.
Credentialed Solar Installer | 15 years |
Master Solar Installer | 25 years |
CertainTeed’s additional warranties include:
Warranty | Warranty Period |
Solar Power Output | 25 years |
Inverter | 10 years |
CertainTeed-supplied components | 10 years |
Wind Warranty (Up to 110 mph) | 10 years |
Labor Cost to Install CertainTeed Solar Shingles
Solar shingles take more expertise and time to install than traditional solar panels. The total cost of installation combines materials and labor. Most roofing companies charge per hour, with the average cost of solar shingles installation falling between $45 to $70 per hour.
You should be prepared to spend approximately 60% of your total project costs on labor, noting that CertainTeed-certified Master Solar Installers will likely charge more than Credentialed Solar Installers. However, you receive a longer installation warranty period.
Solar shingles require connectors, wiring, and an electrical inverter. Your contractor will work with a local electrician to complete this portion of the job. Typically, electricians cost between $45 to $135 per hour.
Overall, CertainTeed’s solar shingle installations cost 30% more than solar panel installations. Labor rates depend on your location, the experience of the CertainTeed-credentialed roofer, and roofing materials.
Specialty | Labor Cost |
Roofers per sq. ft. | $3 – $4.50 |
Roofers per hr. | $45 – $70 |
Electrician per hr. | $45 to $135 |
Related Services 98
Solar roofs require planning and commitment. The large home improvement project is expensive, requiring numerous services to come together to complete the project.
Roofing Permits
Solar shingles and tiles require building permits in most areas. The residential permit department in your city will have more information. On average, you can expect to spend between $250 to $1,500 on a roofing permit for your installation.
Roof Replacement
CertainTeed Apollo II systems integrate with your existing roof. If your roof is old or you need to install asphalt shingles or clay tiles, you will need a full roof replacement before your solar shingles or tiles can be installed. A roof replacement costs between $5,706 to $11,185, or a national average of $8,446.
Roofing Material | Average Cost Per Square Foot *includes labor and materials | Average Cost for 2,500 Square Feet *includes labor and materials |
Asphalt shingles | $2 – $5 | $5.000 – $10,000 |
Concrete tiles | $10 – 23 | $25,000 – $57,500 |
Roof Removal
If you are having your roof replaced before installing your new CertainTeed Apollo system, your roofers will need to remove your existing roof materials for disposal. You can expect to spend between $1 to $3 per square foot, or around $1,200, for the service.
Battery Backup System
Your new CertainTeed Apollo II shingles or tiles will produce clean energy for your home and reduce your electric bills. However, your new system cannot store the captured energy for later use. To get the most out of your new solar system, consider installing a battery backup system.
The generator stores collected solar power so your home can use it when your shingles cannot produce or collect energy, helping to eliminate your utility costs. The battery backup system costs between $10,000 to $21,000.
The battery system and solar shingles are both building-integrated photovoltaics. It is more cost-effective to install the battery at the same time as your new shingles or tile, and the battery backup system is eligible for the federal tax credit.
Cost of CertainTeed Solar Shingles By Location
CertainTeed systems vary based on location and the cost of living. Certified installers use local electricity costs and your average monthly utility bills to help calculate the cost of your new roof.
There is no way to know exactly what your CertainTeed Apollo system installation will cost without receiving a free quote.
CertainTeed Solar Shingles vs. Solar Panels
CertainTeed’s monocrystalline silicon solar shingles, tiles, and panels use solar cells to harness the sun’s rays and convert them into electricity. The company’s solar shingle PV systems are simply smaller versions of its traditional rack-mounted solar panel systems.
Check out some of the key differences and similarities between CertainTeed’s solar energy systems:
Apollo II Shingles | Apollo II Tiles | Solar Panels | |
Installation Cost Before Incentives *materials and labor included | $53,750 | $60,000 | $16,500 |
Durability*for peak performance | 25 years | 25 years | 25 years |
Size | 13.75 inches x 46 inches x 1.1 inches thick | 13.25 inches x 46 inches x 1.25 inches thick | 40 inches x 79 inches x 1.57 inches |
Weight | 2.7 pounds per square foot | 3.1 pounds per square foot | 50 pounds each |
Conversion Efficiency | 17.3% | 17.8% | 19.4% |
Output | 70 watts per shingle | 70 watts per tile | 390 – 400 watts per panel |
Cost
CertainTeed’s Solstice solar panel systems cost approximately 30% less than the company’s Apollo solar shingle or tile systems. For an average house of 2,500 square feet, CertainTeed’s Solstice solar panel installation costs approximately $15,000 to $18,000 before incentives, while the Apollo system cost $57,500 for the same home.
Other Solar Shingle Providers to Consider
Here are other popular solar providers and their average cost per watt before tax incentives. Note that these costs will vary depending on your location and other factors.
Brands | Production *watts per shingle | Efficiency | Average Cost Per Watt *before incentive |
GAF Energy Solar Shingles | 45 watts | 22% | $4 per watt |
LUMA | 80 watts | 22% | $6 per watt |
SunTegra Solar Shingles | 105 – 114 watts | 16% – 17% | $4.50 per watt |
Tesla Solar Roof | 71.67 watts | 17% – 20% | $6.50 per watt |
Let’s look at the most popular solar shingles:
GAF Solar Shingles
GAF’s Timberline Solar Energy Shingles combine asphalt roof shingle material with monocrystalline solar cells to reduce installation costs. The new material costs $4 per watt and has an output of 45 watts per shingle. GAF’s durable solar shingles withstand winds up to 130 miles per hour.
LUMA Solar Shingles
The LUMA solar shingles were one of the first to market. They carry a Category 5 Hurricane Classification and cost $6 per watt. These shingles produce an impressive 80 watts per shingle and come with a 25-year production warranty guaranteeing maximum output.
SunTegra Solar Shingles
SunTegra solar shingles attach directly to your roof, integrating with traditional shingles and other low-profile roofing materials. They produce 105 watts and cost $4.50 per watt. Like LUMA solar shingles, SunTegra shingles come with a 25-year output warranty.
Tesla Solar Roof
Elon Musk’s Tesla Solar Roof contains quartz to increase efficiency and durability. The solar shingles produce 71.67 watts and cost $6.50 per watt. Tesla backs each installation with a 30-year production output warranty.
FAQ About Solar Shingles
No. CertainTeed Apollo systems require professional installation by a CertainTeed-certified professional.
CertainTeed solar systems have an average lifespan of 25 years, guaranteeing maximum output and efficiency for the duration of this period. Additionally, the company offers a 25-year warranty on components supplied by CertainTeed and a 10-year warranty on inverters.
The power output of your home solar system and your home’s energy demands determine how much your monthly energy bills will decrease. Most homeowners aim to offset 100% of electricity costs with every installation. However, many installations only offset between 40% to 60% of electricity costs.
When to Hire a Solar Power Pro
CertainTeed’s high-efficiency solar products produce clean energy for your home at affordable solar prices. Add on the 30% tax credit, and it is a great time to install solar roof shingles or tiles. You can expect to spend between $47,500 to $67,500, or a national average of $57,500, for an Apollo II system. If you are ready to go solar, we connect you to the best solar roofing professionals near you to learn about your options.
Note: RoofGnome may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Image Credit: ben west / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0