Are solar shingles available in Illinois, and are they worth it?

Tesla unveiled its Solar Roof in 2016. By August 2026 it was gone. Electrek reported on August 20, 2026 that two sources close to the program said Tesla had told its certified installers that solar roof tiles are no longer available to order, and that it will supply only regular solar panels. Electrek also reports that Tesla's Solar Roof web page now sends visitors to its solar panels page.

1. 2016Tesla unveils the Solar Roof
2. 2021Tesla raises Solar Roof prices, in some cases on signed contracts
3. 2023Tesla settles a class action over the price rise for about $6 million
4. Aug. 20, 2026Electrek reports Tesla told installers it will stop supplying tiles
5. Sept. 1, 2026Electrek reports Tesla said it will honor warranties and supply parts

Tesla's own site would not load for our tools on October 25, 2026, so we could not read its page ourselves. We did see that Google's first result for "tesla solar roof" that day was Tesla's solar panel page, which fits Electrek's report. We found no public Tesla notice. Treat the end of the program as reported, not announced.

The price-hike case and Tesla's warranty are on our Tesla solar review, so we don't repeat them here.

Three names show up on the first page of Google for "solar shingles": Tesla, GAF Energy and CertainTeed. Here is what each company's own pages said on October 25, 2026.

Other small makers exist, and Google shows some. We did not review them. The tests below work for any maker.

GAF sells through certified roofers. Its public warranty paper is titled "Timberline Solar ES Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty" (SM515). We found no Illinois list of installers for GAF or CertainTeed, and we found no statement from either that it serves Illinois. That does not mean nobody sells them here. It means you must ask.

Usually. No maker posts prices, so you have to test quotes. The few public numbers are these.

• A regulator's number: the recalled GAF systems sold for $40,000 to $100,000 each (CPSC).
• A press number: Electrek reports one Tesla contract that rose from about $72,000 to $146,000.
• Our panel number: a typical Illinois system of about 9.4 kW costs $34,000 to $35,000 before incentives in 2026, or $3.62 to $3.73 a watt. See our Illinois solar cost guide.

The sizes of those homes differ, so none of these is a fair match. A fair test uses the same house. Enter two real quotes below, and a plain new-roof quote if you would need one anyway.

This compares the quotes you type. It does not know what your roof needs, what a fair price is, or whether a shingle qualifies for an incentive. Output per kW uses our Illinois PVWatts figures.

How to read the answer

• Price per watt is the same yardstick for both. Include the roof in the shingle quote.
• If you need a new roof, compare the shingle to panels plus a new roof. That is the only fair test.
• If your roof is fine, a shingle means paying to tear off a good roof. Panels almost always win.

A GAF Timberline Solar ES 2 shingle is rated at 57 watts, according to trade press quoting GAF. A 9 kW system needs about 158 of them. The sizing guide for panels says a 7 to 9 kW home needs about 18 to 23 panels. Shingles are small, so you need many more pieces to install and wire.

Either kind needs a sunny, mostly unshaded roof. Check yours first with our house check and roof guide.

Hail and wind are worth a question. CertainTeed's page says the Solstice shingle is "impact resistant against hail and high winds." That is a company claim. Ask for the test rating in writing, and read the hail line in the warranty. Our hail guide explains the tests.

A shingle is part of your roof. A fault can mean a leak and a power loss at once. That is why the maker's staying power matters more than for panels.

Electrek's September 1 report said installers who sold the Tesla Solar Roof fear high labor costs and part shortages over a 25-year life. They also said they lost money on the program. Tesla says it will honor warranties. A product that is supported only by the maker's promise is a risk, whatever the brand.

Before you sign for any shingle, get these in writing.

Check the vendor with our Illinois Shines vendor guide, and read our quote checklist.

Shingles make sense only when all of these are true.

1. 1
   Your roof needs replacing in the next few years anyway.
2. 2
   A maker still sells the product

   and a certified Illinois installer will stand behind it.

3. 3
   You value the look

   enough to pay more per watt.

4. 4
   The written quote beats

   panels plus a new roof, by your own test above.

If your roof has 10 or more years left, or you want the most power for the money, panels win. They can also go on a ground mount, which a shingle cannot. If the roof is old, the best plan is often to re-roof, then add panels. Our roof requirements guide says when to re-roof first.

• HOA: Illinois law says an association cannot require solar shingles instead of panels. See our HOA guide.
• Incentives: The federal 30% homeowner credit ended on December 31, 2025. See did the solar tax credit end. Illinois pays through the Illinois Shines program and the utility rebates in Illinois solar incentives. The 2026-27 Illinois Shines Guidebook never mentions shingles. Ask the vendor to confirm in writing that the exact product qualifies for RECs and the ComEd or Ameren rebate.
• Permits: Expect permits for the roof and the electrical work. Chicago's steps are in our Chicago permit guide.