Make Your Roof a Solar Roof
It’s never been easier to go solar! Get a 30% tax credit and greatly reduce or eliminate your electric bill.
Limited Time30% Tax Credit
Receive a renewable energy tax credit of 30% for solar panels ( Photovoltaic systems) on your roof.
We Offer Financing
Cover the entire solar (and roof if needed) with the financing we offer.
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Get paid back for the cost of the project from the solar energy savings over time.
Start your project with a free inspection and estimate.
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Customer Stories
Over 20,000 satisfied homeowners.
We really enjoyed having Hoffman Weber as our contractor for our remodeling project. Their craftsmanship was second to none and couldn’t be happier with the results. I would highly recommend Hoffman Weber as your all-around contractor of choice for your home remodeling needs. Our transformation was incredible, and they will not leave you disappointed
Nathan HildebrandAndover
During the install of the new roof, they again worked efficiently and daily cleaned up after themselves. The roofing they installed looks magnificent, and several neighbors have been very complimentary.
Chris SieffermanEden Prairie
Excellent service before and after the work was done. Detailed bid, great crew. The cost was in line with other bids we received. The fact they actually got on the roof to review the condition and the detailed bid, as I asked for, made the difference in selecting them. The crew was friendly, efficient and did a great job with cleanup. Definitely would recommend them.
Jodi TrickAnoka
The whole experience was first rate. Joe was great to work with and was very helpful. I would highly recommend calling Hoffman Weber for roof work again!
Paul St. MartinBloomington
Start With A Roof Inspection and Solar Estimate
It’s important your roof meets certain code requirements to qualify for the tax credit. We will inspect your roof’s condition and report any storm damage that may warrant an insurance claim.
CALCULATE YOUR ENERGY SAVINGS
Our professional will calculate your home’s TSRF, which is the most accurate representation of how much solar your roof can convert into electricity.
DETERMINE SUITABLE FINANCING
We will walk you through the Mosaic PowerPlus Roof and Solar Financing Program.
Ensure You’ll Receive The Tax Credit
Our solar pros will make sure your new panels qualify you for the 30% tax credit and help you apply.
FAQs
Find Answers to Your Questions
A residential solar energy system uses solar panels on a home to collect free energy from the sun. This energy is then converted for use to power that home. The residential solar panels can be installed on the home’s roof or ground-mounted. Residential solar systems are cost-effective and good for the environment.
Your solar or PV modules or panels are typically warrantied for 25 years. They actually are anticipated to last at least twice as many years. The warranty that you will receive guarantees a certain output, and you will receive an estimate from us that is approximately 90 percent accurate over 25 years. Your estimate takes into account that by year 20, the solar panels will be producing sunlight energy up 80 percent or more of their initial installation quality.
After 25 years your solar panels are still warrantied, at 80 percent performance of initial power output.
Mosaic Solar Financing Options:
PowerSwitch ChoiceFor homeowners who want to add solar energy systems and/or battery storage to their home — and have the CHOICE to take advantage of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit.
The CHOICE product has an amortization schedule designed for homeowners planning to pay down at least 26% (potentially received by the Solar Investment Tax Credit or other funds) in the first 18 months. After month 18, payments are adjusted higher if less than 26% is paid, or lower if more than 26% has been paid.
PowerSwitch PlusFor homeowners who want to add solar energy projects — PLUS make other improvements — like upgrading their HVAC unit, roof, doors, Windows more at the same time.
The PLUS product’s standard monthly payments remain the same with a one-time re-amortization occurring at month 18. This is perfect for homeowners who don’t plan on receiving the Solar Investment Tax Credit. Using extra funds to pay down the loan before month 18, however, will result in an adjusted lower monthly payment for the duration of the loan.
If the roof conditions are not favorable to the success of the solar installation including any structural support as may be required, it may be recommended to get a new roof. It is possible to roll in a new roof as part of your solar financing. The residential system owner can also include the roof as part of their solar system expense, and claim the tax credit under Section 25D of Title 26 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Our professionals will inspect your roof to determine if any repairs or replacement is needed for solar installation code requirements and if you have sufficient storm damage to warrant filing an insurance claim.
Hoffman Weber’s storm specialists are trained to identify surface damage from severe weather that may not be apparent initially but will continue to deteriorate over time. These telltale signs of storm damage may not be visible from the ground. Homeowners expose themselves to unnecessary risks when they climb onto their roofs and attempt to photograph storm damage.
Solar Shingles For Your Roof [Data Facts]
Solar roof shingles are the best possible replacement for traditional solar panels. Although solar shingles have been around for a while, their popularity only spiked when Elon Musk announced his own Tesla solar roof. With a competitive price, sleek design, and unprecedented functionality, solar roof solutions are the best investment for those who do not want to compromise their roof looks and property aesthetics.
What are Solar Roof Shingles?
Solar roof shingles are roof tiles with built-in solar cells. The photovoltaic shingles can, therefore, completely substitute for your roof and look much better than standard solar panels added to the roof. Proponents of the technology also say that roof shingles are more durable than traditional solar panels and that they give multipurpose to the otherwise useless surface: generating electricity and staying protected from the elements now go hand in hand.
As yet another product on the solar market, solar tiles can help usher renewables into daily life and help mitigate climate change. Made from conventional roofing materials, with an added solar cell in each tile, they are a great substitute for building-integrated photovoltaics – a solution many disliked. The newer generation of solar tiles can cover the entire roof and give it a uniform, sleek design that you will want to see, not hide away from.
When choosing solar shingles, there are several factors you should consider. All of these are important in determining what your roof will look like, which brand you will use, how much energy you will get, and lastly, what the cost will be. The factors to consider when choosing solar shingles for your home include:
Lifespan
The lifespan of solar shingles is around 25-30 years. This means that your shingles will generate electricity for the next two to three decades after the installation is done. During this time, your shingles will produce energy that is enough to pay them off, especially as your energy costs will be almost nullified. Conventional shingles cannot do this.
Size
When it comes to the size of your shingles solar array, it can be observed that the size can relate to the size of individual shingles and the size of the total solar array. In the former case, choosing shingles you think will work the best with your existing shingles is the most important factor. In the latter case, the size of your solar system is also important, as it should be large enough to produce all the energy your family needs, especially in the upcoming years. You may need an expert to help you with the calculations.
The number of roof shingles is also important. Here, you need to understand that each shingle produces only a limited amount of energy. This means that you need to divide your total energy needs with the DC output of the shingle model you would like to purchase. As most shingles can produce between 35 and 80 Watts a piece, you will need quite a few to cover your needs.
Bear in mind that the total cost of your installation and the average cost per foot sq. will depend on the ratio between active and inactive shingles. Tesla solar shingles, for example, come with both active and inactive shingles. However, their ratio is determined by your energy needs and roof size.
Material
The material used in your shingles also has a big say in their looks and performance. In general, the basis for the shingles is asphalt, concrete, or metal. The solar cell inside can be polycrystalline or monocrystalline. Alternatively, thin-film solar cells can also be found. Monocrystalline shingles have the highest efficiency, while thin-film technology offers the lowest possible power output.
Energy Generation
Different materials mean different efficiency, which, in turn, means differences in the energy generation capacity. With solar shingles, you can generally expect an energy generation capacity of between 35-80 Watts per shingle, which is great considering their cost and the number you need. Always take all these factors into consideration before making your purchase.
How Do Solar Shingles Work?
Solar shingles have been around for a while. They came into the market because many people complained that traditional PV panels simply do not look good enough on their roofs. With the advent of polycrystalline silicon solar cells and thin-film solar panels, the market was finally ready for solar shingles and their production. Thin-film solar cells are inexpensive to produce, but as the technology is still new, the cost of solar shingles is still relatively high.
Solar shingles are installed as regular shingles: they are mostly either screwed or nailed in place. Once there, they are connected either in series or using parallel connections and connected to your solar inverter and the solar battery. Once everything is connected, they act as regular solar panels, producing electricity when exposed to direct sunlight.
One of the biggest solar shingles pros is that they produce solar energy and act as a traditional roofing material. You get to use renewable energy in your home and do so at a high conversion efficiency: some solar shingles use monocrystalline technology – enabling around 20% conversion efficiency.
Types of Solar Roofing
As solar shingles became more popular over time, other types of solar products started appearing. Solar shingles or solar roofs became so popular because they already included the cost of replacing the roof and reduced the need to look for two separate contractors: one to replace the roof and one to install PV panels. For this reason, two new products have sprung up in the solar market:
Integrated Solar Metal Roofing
Integrated solar metal roofing is a type of multi-layer metal roofing that consists of glass coating, color, and a monocrystalline layer. The wiring and all other electrical components are hidden under metal for a clean look. The entire system is placed on a vented racking system, increasing its efficiency and power output.
Interlocking Solar Panel Roofing
In response to the ever-increasing of solar roofs, GAF and Suntegra introduced interlocking solar panel roofing. This kind of roofing helps you avoid the solar shingle cost and all the additional work accompanying solar shingles. A system like this is easy to install, competitive in price, and it makes a good compromise in an aesthetic sense, especially between regularly mounted solar panels and an interlocking, integrated system.
Solar Roof: Installation Cost Average Cost
Solar shingles worth thousands of dollars are sold every minute in the US. But what is the cost of a roof installation for you? The answer to how much money you should cash out for solar shingles on your rooftop depends on the following factors:
- The age and the condition of your roof,
- The orientation and the slope of the roof,
- The average insulation in your area (in hours/year),
- The average solar irradiation in your area (in W/m2),
- Your energy habits and needs,
- Any future plans for introducing new electricity-powered devices.
All these factors will significantly influence the cost of solar shingles and roofs in each case. These factors, especially your energy needs (on an average monthly basis), will determine the number of solar shingles or integrated solar panels you need, as well as which type of solar shingle products you will need. A solar shingle roof can therefore cost anywhere between 15,000 to 20,000, with additional costs if you need a new roof.
Solar Roof Brands
As solar shingle roofs have proven to be reliable, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing, more homeowners wanted to add these to their new homes. The increase in demand drove the up and has made the solar roof business more lucrative. For this reason, many companies offer one form or another of solar roofs. Tesla solar roof tiles ushered the way to the new area.
Tesla
Although solar shingles have been sound for several years now, it was the Tesla Solar Shingle that has really brought it to the full attention of the market. With the Tesla solar roof, Tesla promises, you will pay around the same price as for a standard roof and solar panels combined. In reality, Tesla mostly matches their promise as they approach each rooftop individually.
In most cases, depending on your home size and energy needs, your Tesla solar roof will consist of both active solar tiles and inactive solar tiles. This approach gives Tesla more chances to come up with an ideal solar roof for you, as well as to limit the expense. However, standing at 13.50 per square foot of inactive solar shingles, Tesla solar roof is still way more expensive than a standard asphalt shingle, constant at around 3.50-5.50 per square foot.
Luma Solar Roof
Luma Solar roof, on the other hand, comes with greater solar power – each of its solar tiles is rated at an 80 Watt power output. The solar panel shingles they place have inactive shingles as well so that you can have a uniform look and feel to your solar roof without any compromises. The inactive solar shingle installation also costs less, as they are cheaper to manufacture. This way, you keep the costs at an acceptable level: Luma Solar Shingle solution costs around 4.50 per Watt of DC capacity.
CertainTeed Apollo II
CertainTeed offers two solar products for partial or full roof replacement. The company offers Apollo II Shingles and Apollo II tiles. Both come with monocrystalline solar cells and are sure to fit in with your existing roof pretty well. As they are monocrystalline solar cells, these two products have high-efficiency levels and are comparable in their performance to the Tesla Solar Roof.
Suntegra
Suntegra also offers two lines of products to its customers: solar shingles and solar tiles. Their solar shingles come in the following power output ratings:
They are made of high-quality, durable material, comparable to asphalt shingles in their durability. Unlike a traditional solar panel, they do not have the blackish hue that most solar shingles have. Unlike most solar panels, they are quite expensive, as their price starts at 3.80 per Watt of DC power.
The Suntegra solar tiles, on the other hand, come at a higher price range: 6.16 – 6.57 per Watt of DC power capacity. They come with slightly lower efficiency and power output: 64 and 70 Watts. If you still decide to install solar shingles by the same company, you will get more residential solar power from the same roof surface area.
GAF Materials Corporation
GAF is currently one of the largest producers of roofing materials in the US. Recently, it has introduced its own line of solar shingle solutions, which are supposed to cover the entire roof in solar cells. Some of its solar tiles are made from asphalt, so the installation is similar to the installation of traditional asphalt shingles – they are nailed into the underlying construction.
Total roof replacement with GAF solar roof tiles may cost you around 30,000 for a standard US roof. Each tile is certified at 45 Watts of output power, giving you more than enough electricity for an average US residence.
Forward Solar Roofing
Forward Solar Roofing has come up with a solution for integrated solar metal roofing. This way, the company can offer active solar shingles (or solar roofing) that cost around 50% per square foot compared to Tesla solar roof. As solar shingles cost a lot of money, a complete solar roof may be quite pricey. Forward solar roofing avoids these costs and saves you money.
Installation Maintenance
Solar shingles are much like your standard roofing tiles – occasional rain will do most of the cleaning and maintenance for you. Still, if you live in an area with a lot of trees or even an area with heavy snowfall, you may want to invest some time in clearing the shingles from anything that may shade them, especially during the autumn and winter part of the year.
Besides this, there is very little maintenance. It is usually suggested that an electrician should visit the site once a year and check the wiring and solar batteries (if you happen to have them), but there is very little work that actually needs to be done once your new roof is in place.
Cost Comparison Between Solar Shingles Conventional Roof
Many homeowners do not want to install traditional solar panels, as solar shingles look so much better. Made to resemble conventional roofing materials, they are the way to go for everyone who can afford them. Cost, in particular, is the biggest issue, as solar shingles are even more expensive than conventional solar panels.
For this reason, it is recommended that you only consider solar shingles on a new property or if you are already planning to replace the entire roof. This will give you a unique opportunity to explore different options and solar roofing brands available out there. As more solar shingle manufacturers come to the market, traditional roofing materials are likely to fall behind in the production lines, leaving space for the next-gen technology.
Cost Comparison Between Solar Shingles Conventional Solar Panels
Before comparing solar shingles and panels, it is important to note that, although they serve the same function, they are different products. Solar shingles are considered more of a high-end product and are meant for:
- Homeowners who want to preserve the aesthetic aspect of their home,
- Homeowners who want a more sleek and durable product that will last for decades,
- Homeowners who want to replace their roof and install panels – solar shingles reduce workforce costs and save time.
With this in mind, we can compare the pricing. Solar shingles will cost between 15,000 and 20,000 for an average American home. An average solar panel installation will cost around 16,000 for an average US home. This puts them in pretty much the same price range, depending on the brand and the size of the system.
However, if you need to replace your roof and get access to solar energy, then shingles are a much better option. Do not forget that solar panel installations demand a good and sturdy roof. Replacing the roof will cost thousands of dollars. With solar shingles, the costs are absorbed, as you do not need to pay extra for the tiles/shingles as you do with a standard roof.
Another important aspect to consider is the manufacturer. Tesla solar shingles, for example, often cost multiple of those other producers. That is because Tesla solar shingles are considered a premium product, and there is even a lengthy waiting list for those who would like to install them. However, in both cases, you can count on solar tax credits and other incentives.
Benefits of Solar Roof Shingles
Like any other solar product, solar shingles have many benefits. Being able to make your own residential solar power from your roof without compromising the look of your property on its own is a benefit high enough for many American homeowners to go with this product. The major benefits of solar shingles include:
- Reduction in carbon footprint,
- Saving on your electric bill,
- Being able to apply for tax credits (under the Federal ITC) and solar rebates,
- Preserving or improving the looks of your home and the roof.
Drawbacks of Solar Roof Shingles
However, most solar shingles have their drawbacks as well. As it goes, solar shingles are a relatively new product on the market. They are still considered a high-end, luxury product that costs a significant amount of money. As the solar industry keeps rolling out new solar power systems and cheaper solar shingles, it can be expected to see more of them on the roofs around the US. The major drawbacks of solar shingles include:
- The very high initial price per square foot and project – as most solar shingles need to be mounted on a new structure (to ensure safety and durability for years to come), you may also need to have a full roof replacement,
- Solar roofing comes in limited styles. Unlike traditional roofing shingles, solar shingles contain silicon solar cells. This solar energy solution, for this reason, needs to have a surface that can interact with sunlight – giving you a limited availability of colors and patterns,
- Solar shingles are similar to solar panels – they need exposure to direct sunlight, always at a certain angle that’s supposed to help generate the most electricity. These thin-film solar cells need to face the South – if your home roof does not face the South, it may be impractical to install solar shingles, as solar panels will yield the maximum energy output if tilted or re-oriented. We cannot say the same for solar shingles, as they have to be laid flat on the roof surface.
Are Solar Roofs included in Solar Incentives and Tax Credits?
Yes, your solar shingle roof is included in solar incentives and tax credits. As this type of roof can produce renewable energy, it is eligible for most state and federal solar incentives and taxes. You should apply for the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, state solar incentives, as well as state and utility company rebates. The Federal ITC gives back around 22%of investment value back, while rebates and incentives can give back up to 1 per Watt of DC capacity.
FAQs
Do homes with solar sell faster?
Yes, homes with solar sell faster. Many new homeowners are eco-conscious people who know that a solar roof increases the value of the property without an increase in property taxes. Furthermore, the freedom of having no or very low power bills is attractive to many. If you are thinking about installing solar panels on your existing roof before selling, this may be a good option, as every kW of solar capacity installed on your roof increases your property value by around 6,000.
Are Solar Roofs Worth it?
Yes, solar roofs are worth it. Most solar roofs (such as Tesla solar roof) are comparable in cost to a conventional roof with solar panels installed. The Tesla solar roof also has the benefit of a unified look of the roof, as not everybody is comfortable with the sight of solar panels on their existing roof. The best thing to do to ensure you have a solar roof in place is to start planning one before your house is built to ensure that all equipment can be installed right away, with no delays.
What time of day are solar panels most efficient?
Solar panels and solar roof tiles are most efficient during the solar noon – around 2 PM during the summertime in the Northern hemisphere. You will see the highest net solar power production from your solar panels or solar roof tiles between 10 AM and 4 PM, as this is the time when the Sun is at its highest position in the sky. Besides time, there are other factors that can influence the efficiency of your solar panels, such as orientation, shading, longitude and latitude, and the time of the year.
Do solar panels work during rain?
As the sky is mostly overcast during the rain, your solar panels will not work. This is especially true for dark, gloomy days with thick clouds in the sky. However, your solar panels can still produce some electricity in the event of a slightly overcast sky. The biggest benefit of mixing rain and solar panels is that your solar system will be free of dust after rain and will be able to produce much more electricity than before.
Conclusion
Solar shingles are considered the next generation of solar panels. Relatively cheap and perfect for those who are looking to upgrade their property and change their roof, solar shingles are the energy source of the future. As they produce free electricity and are eligible for tax incentives, you can also expect to have significant savings on your power bill. Now is the right time to choose between traditional solar panels and solar roof shingles.
Tesla has installed very few solar roofs, despite Elon Musk’s hype
The Tesla CEO claimed a few years ago that the company would be installing 1. 000 solar roofs a week — but last year it averaged just 21 a week, a new report finds.
In 2019. Tesla CEO Elon Musk boasted, “ This is the year of the solar roof.” The next year, he said the pioneering EV company would soon be installing 1. 000 integrated solar roofs tailored to the building per week.
It turns out that 2019 absolutely was not the year of the solar roof — not even close. And neither was 2020. nor any year since. This reporter estimated in 2021 that Tesla had installed fewer than 1. 000 integrated solar roofs total — an assessment bolstered by new analysis.
A report released today by energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie estimates that Tesla has installed approximately 3. 000 solar roofs in the U.S. since the launch of the product in 2016. That’s several hundred thousand roofs short of Musk’s hallucinatory forecasts.
WoodMac analysis finds that average installations per week were a scant 21 in 2022. The best quarter for Tesla solar roof installations was the first quarter of 2022. which saw an average of 32 systems deployed per week — still a far cry from 1. 000.
Get Caught Up
Other companies have a lead in building-integrated solar
Tesla’s solar roof product is what’s referred to as building-integrated photovoltaics ( BIPV ), which are solar-generation surfaces that are not mounted on a structure, but rather form the actual roof, Windows or building envelope. There are a number of experienced building-integrated photovoltaic designers and installers operating today, such as GAF Energy, CertainTeed, ArteZanos and Forward, but so far, BIPV remains a niche market for custom roof designs on expensive buildings in regions with generous solar subsidies. There is a long list of failed BIPV efforts.
Reaching the end customer with an integrated solar roof is not a technical or financial problem — it’s a channel problem. You’re looking to drive a completely new type of product through the very conservative roofing channel, and that’s a daunting marketing challenge. Traditional solar modules on racks may be less than aesthetically perfect, but rooftop solar installers have a distribution channel along with technical expertise.
That’s why GAF Energy, which had already installed several thousand integrated solar roofs as of a year ago, might have an advantage over Tesla. GAF Energy is a Standard Industries company and sister company to GAF. one of the world’s largest roofing companies. GAF Energy President Martin DeBono told Canary last year that GAF developed the product by thinking like a roofing company, not a solar company. He said the roofing industry is 20 times larger than the rooftop solar industry and has a huge advantage in scale.
We would have reached out to Tesla’s public-relations team for comment on WoodMac’s report — but Tesla does not have a public-relations team.
UPDATE : Tesla disputed the WoodMac study’s findings in a tweet, but offered no specifics.
Professional Tesla Solar Roof Installers You Can Trust
Considering a new roof? Get the ULTIMATE in new roof design.
The Tesla Solar Roof offers a beautiful new roof as well as clean solar power for your home. An all-in one solution, a Tesla Solar Roof costs a similar amount to premium roofing tiles plus solar panels.
If you’ve been looking for a solar power option but have been limited because your Home Owners Association prohibits solar panels – consider the Tesla Solar Roof.
Invisible Solar
With a fully integrated design, Tesla solar roof tiles combine both solar and non solar tiles to create a cohesive look. Each solar and non-solar tile is virtually indistinguishable in color and trim. Your brand-new roof looks incredible from any angle. View our Tesla Solar Roof Project Gallery!
Exceptional Performance
Keep your home cool and comfortable by allowing hot air to vent with high-quality underlayment and integrated air gaps.
Tesla Solar Roof vs Solar Panels
As we’ve mentioned, Tesla glass solar roof tiles are far less bulky than traditional solar panels and are also more durable.
Those aren’t the only advantages of this newer technology, however. and more homeowners have been trying them out and reaping the benefits, and we’ve been hearing amazing feedback:
- Extra home value. If you do decide to sell your home at some point, this modern feature will be eye-catching to prospective buyers.
- Full roof upgrade. These tiles don’t sit on top of your roof–they are part of your roof. So making this upgrade will also give you a brand new roof to enjoy!
- Beautiful design. These tiles aren’t just undetectable as solar pieces. They also come in a few different styles to complement your home.
Tesla Solar Roof Warranty
Made with tempered glass, Solar Roof tiles are more than three times stronger than standard roofing tiles and engineered for all-weather durability. The Tesla Solar Roof installed by AES has a 25-year “No Leaks” Weatherization Warranty. And it’s backed by the level of quality and innovation you have come to expect from the Tesla brand.
How Much Does the Tesla Solar Roof Cost?
The Tesla Solar Roof is a premium roof. You should anticipate a cost of 20-30 per square foot in addition to the solar power capacity at 2.20/watt. Potentially the entire solar roof is eligible for the 30% federal tax credit. The cost is similar to other premium roofing plus traditional solar panels.
To get a firm estimate on your Tesla Roof cost, call us at (770) 691-0966 or send us an email.
Tesla Roofs cost a comparable amount to other premium roofing materials, and you get a roof that can actually save you money year after year. Not only will the Tesla Solar Roof increase the property value of your home, it will save you money on your monthly electric bill and bring you a return on your investment that increases every time the utility raises its rates for decades into the future.
Couple Your Tesla Solar Roof Installation with a Backup Power System
Combine Tesla Solar Roof with a Tesla Powerwall to rely less on utility power and back up your home during a grid outage. Control your system with 24/7 mobile monitoring from anywhere in the world.
AES is a trusted Tesla Solar Roof installer in Clarke County and across the state of Georgia. For a free estimate, call (770) 691-0966 today or click below to contact us online.