CertainTeed solar panels review: Beauty on a budget

CertainTeed solar panel products check a lot of boxes. They’re reliable, come with a solid warranty, are adequately efficient, and, most importantly, they’re easy on the eyes. But going solar is a decades-long commitment, and you shouldn’t settle. Looks only go so far. Spec-wise, CertainTeed isn’t anything to write home about, and there are plenty of other higher-performing fish in the solar panel sea.

CertainTeed’s solar products are well-suited for the aesthetically-conscious shopper, but looks aren’t their only attractive quality: with a price per watt below the EnergySage average, CertainTeed appeals to budget shoppers looking for a long-term match without breaking the bank.

Let’s review the key specs, features, pros, and cons to help you decide if a CertainTeed system is the one for you.

CertainTeed brings over 120 years of experience to the table, with even deeper roots through its parent company, Saint-Gobain, which was founded during the reign of Louis XIV. Originally established as the General Roofing Manufacturing Company in 1904, CertainTeed now manufactures various building materials, from drywall to roofing materials and, of course, solar panels.

Solar wasn’t part of CertainTeed’s original lineup, but the company’s century-long expertise in roofing is evident in its solar products today. Its Solstice line, which includes both solar panels and solar shingles, along with the SunStyle solar roof, are designed for seamless integration with your roof—so you don’t have to sacrifice curb appeal to go solar.  

CertainTeed solar panels

*CertainTeed does not disclose the SunStyle Solar Roof's year one output degradation.

For solar panels, the most important specs to watch are:

• Efficiency: How well a solar panel captures sunlight and converts it into electricity for your home, expressed as a percentage (i.e., 22.2%). The higher, the better. 

• Temperature coefficient: How well your solar panels perform in less-than-ideal conditions, expressed as a percentage per degree (i.e., 0.34% / °C). The lower, the better. 

• Warranty: Guarantees that the company will replace your panel if it fails due to manufacturing defects or environmental issues. Warranties also guarantee a certain amount of production throughout the 25+ year term.

CertainTeed vs. other popular brands

*Prices reflect the average quoted price for each solar panel brand based on EnergySage Marketplace data. Prices may differ for the specific model listed.

They look great

CertainTeed's extensive experience in roofing and materials development gives it a leg up when creating reliable and aesthetically pleasing solar roofing materials. The Solstice panels and shingles are designed to blend in with your roof, while the SunStyle solar roof is your roof. If maintaining curb appeal is a priority, CertainTeed offers a beautiful solution.

The price is right

In addition to its visual appeal, a CertainTeed solar panel system is relatively affordable. With an average price per watt of $2.57, CertainTeed systems come in about 7% below the average cost on EnergySage, making them an appealing choice for budget-conscious homeowners.

Performance is your priority

CertainTeed solar products are certainly reliable, but besides their sleek look, they’re not a standout in the market. As far as performance goes, CertainTeed ranks middle of the road. These solar products boast average efficiencies and temperature coefficients. If a top-notch spec sheet is important to you, we suggest checking out brands like Maxeon or REC Group.

CertainTeed takes care to make beautiful solar products at an even more attractive price. But they won’t produce as much energy output as other premium panels can. If performance is your top priority, you might find other brands more compelling. But if you’re looking for a solar panel system that combines curb appeal with affordability, CertainTeed could be the perfect long-term companion for your rooftop.