For more than a century, CertainTeed has provided a roof over the heads of Americans along with other building products. Today, the global company offers a wide range of building materials including streamlined solar solutions for high performance homes.
“Our Solstice Shingle and SunStyle products are designed to serve as both the roof and the solar system, making them ideal for homeowners already planning a roof upgrade,” says Andrew Wickham, senior director of solar products for CertainTeed. “Both products can be installed on new construction and roof replacements or renovations.”
SunStyle originated in Switzerland in 2007 and has been a leader in building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems across Europe, according to Wickham.
“SunStyle expanded into the U.S. market around 2021, gaining attention for its dragon-scale solar tiles, including installations such as Google’s campus in California,” Wickham says.
CertainTeed’s Solstice Shingle was launched in the U.S. in 2023, representing the evolution of the company’s solar integrated roofing products that they’ve continued to innovate and expand upon for over a decade, according to Wickham.
“Before the development of their integrated roof and solar systems, CertainTeed offered rack-mounted solar panels and BIPV products compatible with their asphalt shingles as well as concrete tile roofs,” Wickham says. “Solstice marks a shift toward fully integrated solar roofing. CertainTeed also offered Apollo solar products starting in 2010 which included solutions for shingles and tiles.”
Each Solstice Shingle produces about 70 watts of power.
“While the per panel wattage isn’t the same as a typical 400-watt solar panel, the power density is similar given their smaller footprint,” Wickham says. “The size and shape of the solar shingles offer stealth aesthetics and solid performance for residential needs.”
SunStyle tiles use high-efficiency monocrystalline PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) cells.
“The technology used on a SunStyle roof is competitive with standard solar panels, and the full-roof coverage can match or exceed traditional panel systems,” Wickham says.
5 Benefits of Integrated Solar Panels
Wickham points out several advantages of integrated roof and solar systems over traditional solar panels, including:
“These systems are ideal for homeowners who value design, long-term savings and simplicity,” Wickham says.
Permitting Integrated Roof and Solar Systems
When you integrate solar panels with the roof, the permitting process changes.
“Local jurisdictions vary, but the permitting process is generally more involved than a standard roof due to the energy generation component,” Wickham says. “While the roofing component follows standard building codes, the solar aspect requires electrical permits, grid interconnection approvals and sometimes a dedicated solar permit.”
Streamlined Installation
Still, integrating the roof and solar systems into one streamlined process reduces labor compared to separate installations, according to Wickham.
“Solstice Shingle integrates with asphalt shingles and are installed by trained roofing crews,” he says. “The process includes electrical hookups and rapid shutdown systems. SunStyle tiles are heavier and use a diamond-shaped interlocking design. They require precise placement and electrical integration, often installed on battens.”
A traditional roof can cost $20,000 to $35,000 plus an additional $10,000 to $30,000 for panels, totaling $30,000 to $65,000, according to Wickham. A Solstice Shingle roof costs $40,000 to $70,000 for a full roof system before potential rebates and tax incentives, while a SunStyle roof system starts in a similar range but could go over $100,000 depending on the roof’s complexity and system size.
“If you’re replacing your roof anyway, solar shingles may be cost-competitive or even more economical in the long-term,” Wickham says.
That’s because you’re getting longevity of 25 or more years with both the SunStyle and Solstice roof system, along with solar power to reduce energy costs.
The SunStyle system comes with a 25-year product warranty, a 10-year warranty at 90% output and a 25-year warranty at 80% output. Solstice Shingle comes with a 25-year warranty for power output and workmanship and a 10-year wind warranty (up to 110 mph).
“Both systems are built to last and backed by robust warranties from trusted manufacturers,” Wickham says.
Learn more about Solstice Shingle and SunStyle.