CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle
The CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle is a building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) product that replaces standard asphalt roofing shingles while generating electricity. Made by CertainTeed (a Saint-Gobain subsidiary), each 70W shingle integrates seamlessly with conventional asphalt roofing for a low-profile, aesthetically clean solar installation. Installed cost is $4.50-$6.00/W.
⚠️ Specs Pending Verification · status: unverified
As of 2026-05-24: SSOT efficiency 15.4% above physical calculation 10.2%. Solar shingles have unique area accounting (decorative shingle area vs active cell area). Pending certainteed.com official spec verification.
Last review attempt: 2026-05-24 · See our methodology
At a glance
Value comparison (same class)
How the CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle stacks up against other panels in the 70W±100W range.
| Model | Score | Efficiency | $/W | Warranty | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ THIS — CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle | 55 | 15.4% | — | 15 yr | Budget |
| Tesla Solar Roof Tile | 70 | 15.5% | — | 25 yr | Average |
| GAF Energy Timberline Solar ES | 70 | 15% | — | 25 yr | Average |
| GAF Energy Timberline Solar HD | 65 | 12% | — | 25 yr | Budget |
Where this panel works best
High snow load rating (5400 Pa) makes this panel well-suited for northern states with heavy winter accumulation.
Click a state for the full local solar buying guide (incentives, payback, top installers).
Pricing
Public pricing data is limited for the CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle. Request multiple installer quotes to benchmark per-watt cost in your area.
Live historical pricing trends coming in v0.3 (integrating manufacturer MSRP + reseller data).
Recent news about CertainTeed
Latest manufacturer announcements, shipment updates, and product roadmap from public sources:
Best for these scenarios
- ✓ Roof area: 533 – 1,274 ft² (72–172 panels for a 5–12 kW system)
- ✓ Monthly usage: 680 – 1,625 kWh/month (assuming 4.5 peak-sun hrs/day average US)
- ✓ Best for: Homeowners who prioritize roof aesthetics and want solar that blends invisibly with traditional roofing, especially in HOA-restricted neighborhoods.
- ✗ NOT ideal for: consistently extreme heat (>105°F summers) — high temp coefficient reduces output
Full Datasheet — every parameter ▾
Key Specifications
| Brand | CertainTeed |
| Model | CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle |
| Power Output | 70W |
| Efficiency | 15.4% |
| Power Density | 9.5 W/sq ft |
| Cell Type | Monocrystalline |
| Cell Count | 28 cells |
| Dimensions | 2184 x 315 x 13 mm |
| Weight | 5.9 kg |
| Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) | 18.2V |
| Max Power Voltage (Vmp) | 14.5V |
| Short Circuit Current (Isc) | 5.2A |
| Max Power Current (Imp) | 4.83A |
| Temp Coefficient (Pmax) | -0.4%/°C |
| Product Warranty | 15 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years |
| First Year Degradation | 2.5% |
| Annual Degradation | 0.6% |
| Country of Manufacture | United States |
| Certifications | UL 7103, IEC 61215, IEC 61730, UL 790 Class A Fire |
| Snow Load | 5400 Pa (112.8 psf) — Heavy Snow Rated |
| Wind Load | 2400 Pa (50.1 psf) |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Seamless integration with asphalt roofing
- ✓ Low-profile aesthetics — nearly invisible as solar
- ✓ Class A fire rating
- ✓ Made in the USA
- ✓ 15-year product warranty backed by Saint-Gobain
- ✓ Dual function as roof covering and power generation
Cons
- ✗ 15.4% efficiency significantly lower than conventional panels
- ✗ 70W per shingle requires many units for meaningful output
- ✗ $4.50-$6.00/W installed — 2-3x the cost of standard panels
- ✗ Higher temperature coefficient due to flush roof mounting
- ✗ Limited installer availability — requires certified roofers
Installation & Compatibility
System Voltage & String Sizing
- Open Circuit Voltage (Voc)
- 18.2V
- Max Power Voltage (Vmp)
- 14.5V
- Short Circuit Current (Isc)
- 5.2A
- Max Power Current (Imp)
- 4.83A
- Max Panels per String (600V)
- 32 panels
Based on NEC 600V residential limit. Actual string sizing should account for cold-temperature Voc rise.
Mounting Requirements
- Dimensions
- 2184 x 315 x 13 mm
- Weight
- 5.9 kg (13.0 lbs)
- Area per Panel
- 7.4 sq ft
- Weight per sq ft
- 1.8 lbs/sq ft
Recommended Inverter Types
- - Microinverters: Ideal for shaded roofs. Match to panels rated 70W+.
- - String Inverters: Cost-effective for unshaded arrays. MPPT must cover 14.5V.
- - Hybrid Inverters: Best if adding battery storage. Check Voc of 18.2V.
Is the CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle Worth It?
The CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle delivers 70W of power at 15.4% module efficiency, which is below the current industry average of approximately 21%. While not the highest-efficiency option on the market, it may offer compelling value depending on price and your available roof space.
From a warranty perspective, the Solstice Solar Shingle comes with a solid 15-year product warranty and a 25-year performance guarantee. The industry standard for product warranties ranges from 12 to 25 years, so this panel offers solid coverage that meets or exceeds the industry midpoint. At the end of 25 years, the panel is guaranteed to still produce approximately 83.1% of its rated output, with first-year degradation of 2.5% and just 0.6% per year after that.
Pricing varies by region and installer, but the Solstice Solar Shingle's combination of 15.4% efficiency and 15-year warranty should be weighed against per-watt quotes from your installer. Request at least three quotes to ensure you are getting competitive pricing for this tier of panel.
For hot climates, the temperature coefficient of -0.4%/°C is average. This is on the higher end, meaning noticeable power reduction when temperatures climb well above 25°C (77°F). If you live in a consistently hot climate, consider a panel with a lower temperature coefficient. Overall, the CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle can be a reasonable choice depending on your budget and performance requirements.
What Makes the CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle Different
The CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle is one of the only true BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaic) products available from a major US roofing manufacturer. CertainTeed, a subsidiary of the French multinational Saint-Gobain (the world's largest building materials company), brings over 100 years of roofing expertise to the solar market. Unlike rack-mounted panels that sit above your roof, the Solstice shingle IS the roof — each 70W unit replaces a section of conventional asphalt shingles, maintaining a low-profile appearance that's nearly indistinguishable from a standard roof from street level. This makes it the leading solution for homeowners in HOA-restricted communities, historic districts, or anyone who simply doesn't want the industrial look of conventional solar panels on their home. The shingle carries UL 7103 certification (the standard specifically for BIPV products) and a Class A fire rating, meeting the strictest building codes. CertainTeed's unique advantage is its existing network of thousands of certified roofing contractors nationwide who can install the Solstice system as part of a standard re-roofing project.
Real-World Performance
The Solstice shingle's 15.4% efficiency is significantly lower than conventional panels (19-23%), which is an inherent trade-off of the BIPV form factor — the flush-to-roof mounting eliminates the air gap that cools conventional panels, resulting in higher cell temperatures and a -0.40%/°C temperature coefficient. In practice, on a hot summer day (cell temperature 70°C), expect 18% output loss compared to 13% for a rack-mounted panel at the same location. Each 70W shingle produces approximately 280-350Wh per day in typical conditions, meaning a 3.5 kW system (50 shingles) generates roughly 14-17.5 kWh per day. First-year degradation of 2.5% and 0.6% annually is slightly higher than conventional panels, partly due to thermal stress from direct roof contact. After 25 years, expect approximately 82% of original output. The shingles integrate with standard asphalt roofing using CertainTeed's proprietary flashing and wiring system, creating a weathertight roof assembly. Wind resistance is excellent — the low-profile design presents minimal wind uplift compared to rack-mounted panels, making the system suitable for high-wind coastal areas.
Who Should Buy the CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle?
System Design Tips
The Solstice system is designed as a complete roof solution, not an add-on. Work with a CertainTeed-certified installer who handles both the roofing and solar components. A typical residential installation uses 50-100 shingles (3.5-7.0 kW) covering the south-facing roof sections, with standard CertainTeed asphalt shingles on the remaining roof area. The shingles wire together in series strings, connecting to a standard residential inverter — SolarEdge and Enphase are the most common pairings. Because each shingle is only 70W, microinverters or power optimizers are strongly recommended to manage the many connection points and minimize the impact of partial shading on individual shingles. Plan for a dedicated junction box at the roof edge where shingle strings consolidate before running to the inverter. The 14.5V Vmp per shingle means strings of 20-30 shingles are typical for reaching the inverter's operating voltage window. Ensure the roof deck is in good condition before installation — the shingles mount directly to the deck with no air gap, so any moisture issues must be resolved first.
Price Estimate
The CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle system costs $4.50-$6.00 per watt fully installed, which is 2-3x the cost of a conventional rack-mounted solar system ($1.50-$2.50/W installed for panels alone). A 5 kW system (approximately 72 shingles) runs $22,500-$30,000 installed. After the 30% federal ITC, net cost drops to $15,750-$21,000. However, the true cost comparison should account for the roofing value: if you're already planning a $10,000-$15,000 roof replacement, the incremental cost of solar shingles over standard shingles is only $12,500-$20,000 for a 5 kW system — much closer to conventional solar economics. CertainTeed offers financing through partner programs, and the system qualifies for all federal and state solar incentives. The 15-year product warranty is backed by Saint-Gobain's financial strength, and the 25-year performance warranty provides long-term production guarantees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the CertainTeed Solstice compare to the Tesla Solar Roof?
Both are BIPV solar roofing products, but they differ significantly. CertainTeed Solstice shingles integrate with standard asphalt roofing (you only need solar shingles on sun-facing sections), while Tesla Solar Roof requires replacing the entire roof with Tesla tiles. Solstice is installed by thousands of certified roofers nationwide; Tesla Solar Roof is installed only by Tesla-certified crews with longer wait times. Pricing is comparable at $4-$6/W installed. CertainTeed's advantage is wider installer availability and the ability to partially integrate with existing roofing. Tesla's advantage is the Powerwall ecosystem integration and whole-roof aesthetic.
Can the Solstice shingles be installed on any roof type?
The Solstice shingles are designed for standard pitched roofs (minimum 3:12 slope) with plywood or OSB decking. They integrate with CertainTeed's Landmark asphalt shingle line for non-solar roof sections. They are NOT suitable for flat roofs, metal roofs, tile roofs, or slate roofs. The roof must be in good structural condition — the shingles add minimal weight (5.9 kg per shingle) compared to standard asphalt, but the deck must be sound and dry.
What happens if a Solstice shingle is damaged?
Individual shingles can be replaced without removing the surrounding roofing or solar shingles, similar to replacing a damaged asphalt shingle. A certified installer disconnects the electrical connection, removes the damaged shingle, installs a replacement, and reconnects. CertainTeed maintains replacement shingle inventory for warranty service. The modular design means a single damaged shingle only affects that unit's output — the rest of the system continues operating.
Will my HOA approve CertainTeed Solstice shingles?
Most HOAs approve the Solstice because it looks like a standard roof — the solar cells are barely visible from ground level, and the shingles match the profile of conventional asphalt. Additionally, many states have solar access laws that prohibit HOAs from completely banning solar installations. CertainTeed provides architectural renderings and sample documentation to help with HOA approval processes. That said, always submit your plans for HOA review before committing to purchase.
What is the efficiency of the CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle?
The CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle achieves 15.4% module efficiency using Monocrystalline cell technology. This is around the industry average for residential solar panels in 2026.
What warranty does the CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle include?
It comes with a 15-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty guaranteeing output at approximately 83.1% of rated power at the end of the warranty period.
How does the CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle perform in hot weather?
With a temperature coefficient of -0.4%/°C, the Solstice Solar Shingle experiences moderate power reduction in high temperatures. Every degree above 25°C reduces output by 0.4%.
What size system can I build with the CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle?
At 70W per panel, you would need approximately 115 panels for an 8 kW system or 143 panels for a 10 kW system. Each panel measures 2184 x 315 mm (7.4 sq ft).
What inverter is best with the CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle?
The CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle works well with both string inverters and microinverters. For string inverters, choose one with a maximum input voltage above 18.2V and an MPPT voltage range that covers 14.5V. Microinverters rated for 70W+ panels are also an excellent choice, offering panel-level monitoring and shade tolerance. Popular options include Enphase IQ8 series microinverters and SolarEdge string inverters with power optimizers.
How long will the CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle last?
The CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle is built to last well beyond its 25-year performance warranty. With first-year degradation of 2.5% and annual degradation of 0.6% thereafter, the panel will still produce approximately 83.1% of its rated power after 25 years. Most modern solar panels continue generating useful power for 30-40 years, though output gradually decreases over time.
Is the CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle good for Arizona and other sunny states?
The CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle can work in hot states like Arizona, Nevada, and Texas, though its temperature coefficient of -0.4%/°C means it will lose some output on the hottest days. Consider panels with a lower (closer to 0) temperature coefficient if you live in an area with extreme heat. Higher sun exposure in these states means more total energy production throughout the year, often offsetting any heat-related losses.
Is the CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle worth the money?
The CertainTeed Solstice Solar Shingle delivers 15.4% efficiency, which is below the industry average of ~21%. Combined with a solid 15-year product warranty and 25-year performance guarantee, it offers reasonable value for homeowners seeking reliable solar generation.
You Might Also Like
Last updated: May 2026