Luma developed the first integrated solar roof system in the U.S. The company offers the only upgradeable solar shingle system, and on top of that engineering feat, it installs like traditional metal roofing. You can expect to spend between $41,500 to $70,000, or a national average of $55,750, for the monocrystalline silicon shingles.
Luma solar shingles integrate with any roofing material, and the solar system seamlessly blends active solar shingles with non-solar metal shingles. Luma solar shingles are thin photovoltaic sheets that absorb the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity to power your home.
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
- Luma Solar Shingles vs. Traditional Solar Panels
- Other Solar Shingle Providers to Consider
- FAQ
Average Costs of Luma Solar Shingles
| National Average Cost | $55,750 |
| Typical Price Range | $41,500 – $70,000 |
| Extreme Low End Cost | $8,500 |
| Extreme High End Cost | $168,000 |
Most Luma installations fall in the $41,500 to $70,000 range before factoring in incentives. However, many factors can impact your overall cost. Luma solar shingles installed on a small, 500-square-foot area, such as a carport, could cost as little as $8,500. On the other hand, a monumental one-story, 6,000-square-foot installation can set you back as much as $168,000.
Luma Solar Shingles Cost Estimator By Size
Luma’s solar shingles integrate with your existing roof, and unlike Tesla’s Solar Roof, they are not complete roof replacements. However, Luma’s sleek shingles do match the design aesthetic of Tesla’s famous roof for around half the cost, and they are the first upgradeable solar shingles.
The upgradeable and customizable roofing material produces 80 watts of power per shingle and is three times stronger than traditional roofing tiles. 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. Luma’s solar shingles cost $17 to $28 per square foot, including labor and materials.
Here’s a look at some common home sizes:
| Roof Size | Luma Solar ShinglesAverage Cost Before Incentives*includes materials and labor | Luma Solar ShinglesAverage Cost After Incentives*includes materials and labor |
| 1,000 square feet | $17,000 – $28,000 | $11,900 – $19,600 |
| 1,200 square feet | $20,400 – $33,600 | $14,280 – $23,520 |
| 1,500 square feet | $25,500 – $42,000 | $17,850 – $29,400 |
| 2,000 square feet | $34,000 – $56,000 | $23,800 – $39,200 |
| 2,500 square feet | $42,500 – $70,000 | $29,750 – $49,000 |
Luma Solar Shingles Cost Estimator By Watt
Luma’s upgradeable design allows you to add power to your system at your convenience. One of the best ways to estimate overall cost is to know how much energy your new solar shingles need to produce to cover your home’s energy demands. Luma solar shingles cost between $4 to $8 per watt before incentives. They measure 54.37 inches by 15.62 inches and are 2 inches thick.
On average, a home needs 9,000 watts, 9 kilowatts, of power to cover 100% of utility costs (1kW – 1,000 watts). A 10-kilowatt system costs between $28,000 to $56,000 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 |
| $4,000 – $8,000 | $40,000 – $80,000 | $28,000 – $56,000 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Luma’s solar power systems help reduce your carbon footprint, offsetting up to 100% of your monthly energy usage. Consider these other factors affecting installation costs, including location, labor rates, tax credits, and more.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
Luma solar 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:
- Luma 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
Luma works with a certified network of contractors across North America. All systems require professional installation by Luma-credentialed solar installers. Your contractor and their experience level affect your cost and workmanship warranty.
Luma’s warranties include:
| Warranty | Warranty Period |
| Power Warranty | 25 years |
| Product Warranty | 5 years |
| Metal Paint Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
| Non-Solar Metal Shingle Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Labor Cost to Install Luma Solar Shingles
Luma solar shingles attach to your roof in the same way as traditional metal roofing, featuring a single attachment hole drilled into your roof’s decking. The total cost combines materials and labor, and most roofing companies charge between $45 to $70 per hour for solar shingle installation.
You will spend approximately 60% of your total costs on labor. This includes the local electrician your contractor will work with to complete the wiring and electrical portion of your installation. Typically, electricians cost between $45 to $135 per hour.
Labor rates depend on your location, the experience of your Luma-certified roofer and electrician, and the complexity and slope of your roof.
| Specialty | Labor Cost |
| Roofers per sq. ft. | $3 – $4.50 |
| Roofers per hr. | $45 – $70 |
| Electrician per hr. | $45 to $135 |
Related Services
Solar roofs require more than just installing solar tiles and connecting them to your home. The home improvement project provides a high return on investment, with many services coming together to complete your roof installation.
Roof Replacement
Luma solar shingles integrate with any existing roofing material. However, if your roof is old, you will need a full roof replacement. A roof replacement costs between $5,706 to $11,185, or a national average of $8,446, depending on the materials you select.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular roofing materials:
| 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 |
| Clay tiles | $11 – $23 | $27,500 – $57,500 |
| Concrete tiles | $10 – $23 | $25,000 – $57,500 |
| Metal Roofing | $6 – $13 | $15,000 – $32,500 |
| Slate | $12 – $27 | $30,000 – $67,500 |
| Wood shingles or shakes | $7 – $9 | $17,500 – $22,500 |
Roof Removal
Roof replacement requires removing and disposing of your existing roofing materials before installation. Removal and disposal costs between $1 to $3 per square foot. Typical removal services cost $1,200 total.
Battery Backup System
Your new Luma solar shingles produce clean energy, reducing your electricity bills. However, the system cannot store the captured energy without the help of a battery storage system. Luma partners with several industry-leading companies for solar storage technology, including Enphase, Sonnen, LG Chem, and Generac.
The battery stores collected solar power, so you can use it when your shingles cannot collect or produce energy. On average, battery backup systems cost between $7,850 to $16,500, or a national average of $12,175.
The storage system and solar shingles are both building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs). It is more cost-effective to install the battery at the same time as your new shingles, and the battery backup system is eligible for the federal tax credit.
Here’s a look at the typical cost of Luma-partnered battery storage systems:
| Battery Storage System | Average Cost for 9 kW System |
| Enphase IQ 10 | $8,000 |
| Generac PWRcell | $13,000 |
| LG Chem RESU10H Prime | $10,000 |
| Sonnen Eco | $10,000 |
Cost of Luma Solar Shingles By Location
Solar shingle roof costs vary based on location, roof complexity, and 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 Luma solar shingle installation will cost without receiving a free quote.
Luma Solar Shingles vs. Traditional Solar Panels
Like many conventional solar panels, Luma’s monocrystalline silicon solar shingles use photovoltaic cells to harness the sun’s rays and convert them into electricity. Simply put, shingle PV systems are smaller versions of traditional rack-mounted solar panels.
Check out some of the key differences and similarities between Luma’s shingles and traditional solar panels:
| Luma Solar Shingles | Solar Panels | |
| Installation Cost Before Incentives*materials and labor included | $55,750 | $18,000 |
| Durability*for peak performance | 25 years | 25 years |
| Size | 54.37 inches x 15.62 inches x 2 inches | 65 inches x 39 inches x 1.5 inches |
| Weight | 19.8 pounds per shingle | 40 pounds each |
| Conversion Efficiency | 22.1% | 15% – 20% |
| Output | 80 watts per shingle | 250 – 400 watts per panel |
| Average Wind Rating | 200+ mph | 140 mph |
| Average Fire Rating | Class C | Class C |
| Rated for Salt Exposure | Yes | Yes |
Cost
Conventional solar panel systems cost around 30% less than Luma’s solar shingle roofs. For an average house of 2,500 square feet, solar panel installation costs $18,000 before incentives, while Luma’s solar system costs $55,750 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 |
| CertainTeed Apollo Tile II | 70 watts | 18% | $5.50 per watt |
| GAF Energy Solar Shingles | 45 watts | 22% | $4 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:
- CertainTeed Solar Shingles
- GAF Solar Shingles
- SunTegra Solar Shingles
- Tesla Solar Roof
CertainTeed Solar Shingles
CertainTeed’s integrated Apollo II lineup offers both solar shingles and solar roof tiles. The CertainTeed solar systems average $5.50 per watt, and the low-profile design works with new or existing asphalt shingles or concrete tiles. The high-efficiency solar cells produce 70 watts per shingle.
GAF Solar Shingles
GAF’s innovative Timberline Solar Energy Shingles combine asphalt shingle material with monocrystalline solar cells to create the first nailable solar shingle, reducing installation costs. The material costs $4 per watt and has an output of 45 watts per shingle.
SunTegra Solar Shingles
SunTegra solar shingles integrate with regular shingles and other low-profile roofing materials. They attach directly to your roof and produce 105 watts. The SunTegra solar shingles cost $4.50 per watt, and like Luma’s solar shingles, they come with a 25-year output warranty.
Tesla Solar Roof
Quartz increases the efficiency and durability of Elon Musk’s Tesla Solar Roof. 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. Luma solar shingles require professional installation by a Luma-certified installer.
Many homeowners aim to offset 100% of their annual electricity costs with their solar roof installation. The power output of your home solar system and your home’s energy demands determine how much your monthly energy bills will decrease. Many installations offset between 40% to 60% of electricity costs on average.
Similar to conventional solar panels, Luma solar shingles have an average lifespan of 25 years, guaranteeing maximum output and efficiency. The company offers a 25-year warranty guaranteeing this production and a 5-year limited warranty protecting all Luma-supplied components.
When to Hire a Solar Shingles Pro
Luma’s upgradeable solar shingles are the first solar products of their kind. The high-efficiency solar shingles produce clean energy and provide all-weather performance. It is a great time to take advantage of the 30% tax credit. You can expect to spend between $41,500 to $70,000, or a national average of 55,750, for Luma solar roof shingles. If you are ready to reduce your carbon footprint by going solar with a sleek system, 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: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
