CertainTeed, part of the Saint-Gobain group, has a century-long history since its establishment in 1904. Growing into a major manufacturer in the building materials sector, it offers a diverse range of products including shingles, siding, and innovative solar solutions.
The latest addition to its solar product range is the Solstice line, featuring both solar panels and solar shingles. These solar panels from CertainTeed deliver moderate performance and are competitively priced, backed by exceptional warranty options.
Key Points
- Product Range: CertainTeed, established in 1904 and part of Saint-Gobain, offers a variety of building materials, including its Solstice solar panels and shingles.
- Solstice Line: The Solstice solar products feature panels with moderate performance and competitive pricing, and shingles designed for aesthetic rooftop integration.
- Performance and Efficiency: CertainTeed’s solar solutions have industry-standard power outputs and efficiency ratings, suitable for most homeowners.
- Warranty Offerings: They provide a 25-year performance and product warranty, meeting industry norms, with extended warranties available through certified contractors.
- Pricing and Installation: CertainTeed’s solar systems are priced competitively within the U.S. market. It’s important to choose experienced, reliable installers.
Pros and Cons of CertainTeed Solar
Pros
- Outstanding warranty offerings
- Dependable corporate reputation
Cons
- Panel efficiency is moderate when measured against rival brands
- Cost
- Installation Complexity
CertainTeed Solstice panels present a solid choice for homeowners interested in solar energy. They offer an appealing combination of affordability, stylish design, and strong warranty options from a reputable company, making them a reliable choice for rooftop installation. Additionally, CertainTeed’s network of installers can provide enhanced warranty benefits.
However, the primary drawback of CertainTeed panels lies in their performance, which is somewhat average. The Solstice models lack any exceptional features or specifications, so they may not be the ideal option for those seeking the most advanced solar technology available.
CertainTeed Solar Product Options
CertainTeed offers two main solar products: Solstice solar panels and solar shingles.
Solstice Solar Panels
CertainTeed’s Solstice solar panels are designed for rooftop installation to generate electricity, helping to lower both your carbon footprint and electricity expenses. These panels feature an all-black design, creating a sleek, uniform appearance on your roof, unlike some other brands that may include white spaces. The panels are crafted using half-cut monocrystalline solar cell technology, emphasizing high performance and durability.
The Solstice line includes two models: one with a 400-watt (W) capacity and another with a 440 W capacity. The 440 W model is larger, which may not suit homes with limited roof space. Both models offer reliable performance and are backed by a 25-year performance warranty from CertainTeed.
Solstice Solar Shingles
As a leader in the roofing industry, CertainTeed’s entry into the solar shingle market is a natural progression. These solar shingles are designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing roof, allowing homeowners to adopt solar energy without compromising their home’s aesthetic appeal.
The Solstice solar shingles are all-black and can be installed by roofing professionals. Each shingle has a 70 W power output and is styled to mimic traditional asphalt shingles, making them less conspicuous when installed. These shingles not only produce electricity but also provide roof protection and can be installed by traditional roofing crews.
How CertainTeed Compares to Other Brands
| Power output | Efficiency | Temperature coefficient | |
| Industry average | 400 – 430 W | 20% – 21.8% | -0.30% |
| CertainTeed Solstice | 400 – 440 W | 20.4% – 20.5% | -0.35% |
CertainTeed’s Solstice Solar Panels
CertainTeed’s Solstice panels generally meet solar industry standards, but they aren’t exactly groundbreaking in performance. Although they can be a reasonable option for most homeowners, those seeking top-tier efficiency or cutting-edge technology might find other brands more compelling.
Power Output
Power output, measured in watts, indicates how much energy a solar panel can generate under optimal conditions. Most residential panels on the market range between 400 and 430 watts, while CertainTeed offers 400-watt and 440-watt models. This is adequate for standard needs, but there’s no standout advantage here compared to many competitors.
Efficiency
Modern solar panels often boast efficiencies between 20% and 21.8%. CertainTeed’s panels, with an efficiency rating of about 20.5%, sit near the lower end of this average. While that might be acceptable for typical installations, it does little to differentiate them from other manufacturers—particularly if you have limited space and want to maximize power generation.
Temperature Coefficient
Under real-world conditions, a panel’s temperature coefficient indicates how its output changes when temperatures rise. CertainTeed’s -0.35% coefficient is slightly worse than the industry norm of -0.3%. This means that on hotter days, you may lose a bit more power than you would with some competing products. Although the difference is small, it’s still a factor worth considering if you live in an area with consistently high temperatures.
Do CertainTeed’s Solar Shingles Deliver Strong Performance
CertainTeed’s solar shingles provide a 70-watt output, which is comparable to Tesla’s Solar Roof but still only about twice the output of GAF’s entry. Their 19.85% efficiency is decent for a solar shingle, yet it’s not a game-changer for homeowners looking for maximum production.
CertainTeed’s Solar Warranty
One area where CertainTeed does stand out is warranty coverage. Their panels maintain at least 85% of initial rated output after 25 years, and they also include a 25-year product warranty. While these are solid terms, they’re not entirely unique—plenty of manufacturers are extending their warranties in today’s competitive market.
For those who go through CertainTeed-certified contractors, the Silver and Gold warranties extend coverage to ancillary components like inverters and racking. Still, accessing these perks may hinge on availability of a qualified installer in your region, potentially limiting your options.
CertainTeed Solar Panels Price Range
Expect to pay between $15,600 and $18,000 for a typical CertainTeed solar panel system before any incentives—about $2.60 to $3.00 per watt. With the 30% federal solar tax credit, you might reduce that cost to around $11,000. While these figures are in line with the national average, you’re not necessarily getting an elite product for the price. As always, exact costs will vary based on location and system size.
8MSolar Product Recommendations
The key to a successful solar installation lies in choosing the right installer. It’s essential to have a trustworthy and experienced company working on your roof, one that can provide support throughout the entire 25-year lifespan of your solar panels. At 8MSolar, our team has over two decades of experience, and we’re ready to help you find the perfect solar system for your home. We recommend solar panel options like REC or Qcells for your solar needs. Contact us today.