Solar Panel Roofing Installation Cost Calculator
Why Combine Solar Panel Installation With Roofing?
Save Money on Labor and Materials
Here’s the truth: if your roof is already due for replacement and you’re also considering solar, it’s way more cost-effective to tackle both at once. Why?
- You avoid paying for two sets of scaffolding/labor.
- You don’t risk voiding a brand-new solar warranty by disturbing it during future roof work.
- Most installers offer bundled solar + roofing discounts.
Maximize Energy Efficiency From Day One
A brand-new, solar-optimized roof doesn’t just look great — it maximizes energy absorption, minimizes leaks, and ensures your solar system starts strong from day one.
Gauntlet roofers is the best solar mounted roofing contractor in Roseville, you can get a free solar roofing inspection from us!
How to Use Our Solar + Roofing Calculator
Step-by-Step Input Guide
- Choose roof type (asphalt, tile, metal, etc.)
- Enter your roof’s square footage
- Pick system size (6–10 kW is average for Roseville)
- Select add-ons like battery or incentives
- Click “Estimate” — and boom — your number’s ready
What You’ll See in Your Results
- Total cost with/without incentives
- Roof replacement estimate (if needed)
- Battery costs
- A summary you can screenshot or email
What This Calculator Does (And Why You’ll Love It)
Localized Cost Estimates for Roseville, CA
We pull in Roseville-specific labor rates, BLS wage data, and typical permit fees — not national averages. That’s a big deal when precision matters.
Dynamic Options Based on Your Home’s Specs
Select:
- Your roof type
- Roof size in square feet
- System size in kilowatts (kW)
- If you want battery storage
- Whether you need a roof replacement
Instant Results Without Sales Pressure
No annoying form submissions or cold calls. Just transparent pricing you can tweak and explore at your pace.
Cost Breakdown: Solar Panel + Roof Combo
Let’s get into the numbers. Here’s how your total cost is calculated:
Roofing Material Costs
Depending on your choice:
- Asphalt Shingle: $4–5/sq ft
- Metal Roofing: $6–7/sq ft
- Clay or Concrete Tile: $7–9/sq ft
- Flat Roof/TPO: $5.50–6.50/sq ft
Solar Panel Costs by Type
- Standard Panels: $2.75/watt
- High-Efficiency Panels: $3.25/watt
- Integrated Solar Roofing: $4.00/watt+
Multiply by your desired system size (kW) to get the raw install price.
Battery Storage Options
Adding a Tesla Powerwall or similar can increase your project by ~$10,000. But it could keep your lights on during PG&E outages.
Labor and Permit Fees
Expect labor and city permit costs to range from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on complexity.
How Incentives Change the Final Price
Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC)
This juicy incentive covers 30% of your solar-related costs. Including:
- Panels
- Inverters
- Batteries
- Labor
- Part of the new roof if required for solar mounting
California-Specific Rebates
Check for:
- Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) for battery rebates
- Roseville Electric rebates for residential energy upgrades
Roof Age and Condition: Why It Matters
Signs Your Roof Needs Replacing First
- Sagging or soft spots
- Cracked or missing shingles
- Roof is 15–20+ years old
If your roof fails within 5 years of going solar, you’ll have to pay to remove and reinstall the panels. Yikes.
Can You Install on an Older Roof?
Technically? Yes.
But it’s risky. A structural inspection is highly recommended before mounting thousands of dollars in hardware.
ROI: When Will You Break Even?
Typical Payback Timeline in California
With current energy rates and tax credits, most homes break even in 6–9 years.
Impact of Net Metering Policies
Thanks to California’s NEM 3.0, credits for energy sent back to the grid have changed. Our calculator includes a toggle to adjust ROI expectations based on current policy.
Custom vs Integrated Solar Roofing
What Are Integrated Solar Shingles?
Think of these like solar panels built into your roof. They replace traditional shingles entirely.
Pros and Cons Compared to Traditional Panels
Pros:
- Sleeker look
- Dual-purpose roofing
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Limited providers
- Less efficiency per square foot (in some cases)
How Accurate Is This Cost Calculator?
Data Sources & Local Rate Updates
We pull from:
- Roseville contractor averages (Q3 2024)
- California incentive databases
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Placer County rates)
Limitations to Keep in Mind
- Structural issues aren’t included
- Doesn’t factor HOA rules or unusual site conditions
- It’s an estimate, not a formal quote
When to Talk to a Licensed Installer
If your roof is over 15 years old, or if you’re considering high-efficiency solar tech, we recommend connecting with a local, licensed solar contractor to:
- Validate structural integrity
- Get a real permit plan
- Discuss financing options
Final Thoughts: Ready to Go Solar & Save?
Frequently Asked Questions
What size solar system do I need for a 1500 sq ft home?
Most homes of that size use between 6–8 kW systems depending on energy usage and sun exposure.
Does a new roof qualify for solar tax credits?
Only the portion that supports solar installation qualifies — but yes, it often partially applies.
Can I use this calculator outside Roseville?
Absolutely! While it’s localized to Roseville pricing, you’ll still get a useful ballpark anywhere in CA.
How long do solar panels last?
Most panels are warrantied for 25 years, though many last even longer with minor output degradation.
Is battery storage worth the cost?
If you face power outages or want full energy independence, battery storage can be a smart long-term move — especially with rebates.