Solar reflective shingles are asphalt shingles built with engineered granules that bounce back a large share of the sun’s near-infrared radiation, so the roof runs cooler and the attic pulls in less heat. They are not electricity-generating solar shingles. In hot, sunny climates they can drop roof surface temperature by roughly 20 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and trim annual cooling energy by about 7 to 15 percent, depending on color, product, and climate.
What are solar reflective shingles?
Solar reflective shingles, also called cool asphalt shingles, are standard-looking architectural or three-tab shingles whose granules are coated to reflect infrared sunlight instead of absorbing it as heat. The reflective performance is measured by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), which publishes each product’s solar reflectance and thermal emittance. A conventional dark asphalt roof can reach 150 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit in summer sun, and reflective granules cut how much of that heat load reaches the deck.
The reflectance happens mostly in the near-infrared band, which the human eye cannot see. That is why a reflective shingle can look nearly identical to a standard one while performing very differently on the CRRC label.
Solar reflective shingles vs. solar shingles: not the same thing
Solar reflective shingles and solar shingles are two completely different products, and the shared word “solar” causes constant confusion. Reflective shingles passively reject heat and cost a small premium over standard shingles. Solar shingles, sometimes called building-integrated photovoltaics, generate electricity and cost tens of thousands of dollars. If you want power generation, see our guide on solar shingles vs. solar panels.
| Product | What it does | Typical added cost | Buy it to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar reflective (cool) shingles | Reflect infrared heat, lower roof temperature | A few hundred dollars over a standard roof | Cut summer cooling load |
| Solar (photovoltaic) shingles | Generate electricity | $40,000 to $75,000 for a full roof | Produce power and replace the roof |
| Solar panels on standard shingles | Generate electricity, mounted on top | $15,000 to $30,000 for panels | Add power to an existing good roof |
How do solar reflective shingles work?
Solar reflective shingles work by coating the surface granules with reflective pigments tuned to the near-infrared part of sunlight, which carries most of the sun’s heat energy. Reflecting that band keeps heat from soaking into the shingle, the roof deck, and the attic below. Manufacturers report roof surface temperatures running 20 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than comparable dark, non-reflective shingles, per Owens Corning and Asphalt magazine data.
A cooler roof deck means less heat radiates into the attic, so the air conditioner cycles less during peak afternoon hours. Asphalt magazine reports peak cooling demand reductions of roughly 10 to 30 percent in hot regions, and GAF cites up to 15 percent lower peak cooling demand for its cool series.
Two CRRC numbers describe every product. Solar reflectance runs from 0 to 1 and measures the fraction of sunlight reflected. Thermal emittance, also 0 to 1, measures how readily the surface sheds absorbed heat. California’s Title 24 code requires steep-slope cool roofs to hit roughly a 0.20 aged solar reflectance and 0.75 thermal emittance, or a Solar Reflectance Index near 16.
How much do solar reflective shingles save on energy?
Solar reflective shingles save the most where cooling bills are high and the sun is strong. In the Sun Belt, annual cooling energy savings commonly land around 7 to 15 percent, while in cool northern climates the summer savings shrink and can be partly offset by lost winter solar heat gain. The savings are real but modest, and they depend heavily on attic insulation, ventilation, and roof color. Our Cool Roof Energy Savings Report breaks the numbers down by climate zone.
| Climate | Cooling savings potential | Winter heating penalty | Net verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot and sunny (Phoenix, Miami, Houston) | High, roughly 10 to 15 percent cooling energy | Minimal | Strong fit |
| Mixed (Atlanta, Dallas, Sacramento) | Moderate, roughly 7 to 12 percent | Small | Good fit |
| Cold and cloudy (Minneapolis, Boston) | Low, under 7 percent | Noticeable, can offset summer gains | Weak fit on energy alone |
What do solar reflective shingles cost?
Solar reflective shingles cost only a small premium over comparable standard architectural shingles, because they use the same shingle construction with upgraded granules. The added material cost commonly runs about $0.10 to $0.25 per square foot, which works out to roughly $300 to $1,200 more on a typical 2,000 square foot roof, depending on brand and local market. Labor and tear-off costs are the same as a standard reroof.
That modest premium is the reason reflective shingles rarely pay for themselves on cooling savings alone in mild climates. In a hot climate where you are already replacing the roof, the upcharge is small enough that the energy savings and longer shingle life can justify it.
Best solar reflective shingle brands and product lines
Every major asphalt shingle maker now sells a cool-rated line, and all of the products below carry CRRC ratings. CertainTeed Landmark Solaris reflects up to 40 percent of solar heat, among the highest in the residential asphalt category, and its High Index colors meet California Title 24. Match the product to your climate and the CRRC-labeled reflectance, not the marketing name.
| Brand and line | Reflective claim | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CertainTeed Landmark Solaris | Reflects up to 40% of solar heat | CRRC rated, meets 2022 California Title 24, High Index colors, dark options added |
| Owens Corning Duration Premium COOL | Roof temp reduction up to about 20°F | CoolColor granule technology, multiple CRRC-rated colors |
| GAF Timberline CS (Cool Series) | Up to 15% lower peak cooling demand | CRRC rated, marketed for warm-climate codes |
| Malarkey solar reflective architectural | Reflective granule line | CRRC rated, pairs with algae-resistant granules |
| PABCO Premier Radiance | Solar reflective architectural shingle | CRRC rated, Western-market focus |
One note on ratings history: manufacturers used to carry an ENERGY STAR roof label, but the ENERGY STAR roof products program was retired in 2022. Today the CRRC directory and Title 24 compliance are the ratings that matter, so check the CRRC label rather than an old ENERGY STAR claim.
Do solar reflective shingles come in dark colors?
Yes, solar reflective shingles come in dark colors, including charcoal, brown, and near-black, because the reflectance works in the invisible near-infrared band rather than in visible light. That is the key advantage over a plain white roof: you get meaningful heat rejection without being limited to light shades. CertainTeed, for example, added dark colors to its Landmark Solaris line specifically to serve buyers who want a traditional dark roof.
A dark reflective shingle will still absorb more heat than a light reflective one, so if maximum cooling is the goal, a lighter High Index color outperforms a dark one. For homeowners weighing the color question directly, see our guide to white roof shingles.
Are solar reflective shingles worth it?
Solar reflective shingles are worth it mainly when you are already replacing the roof and you live in a hot, air-conditioning-heavy climate. The upcharge is small, the cooling savings are steady, and lower peak temperatures can reduce thermal stress on the shingle over its life. In cold or mild climates, the energy case is weak, and comfort or code compliance become the real reasons to choose them.
- Confirm your climate. Hot and sunny favors reflective shingles, cold and cloudy does not.
- Check local code. California Title 24 and some municipal codes require cool roofs on certain projects, which settles the decision.
- Compare CRRC numbers, not names. Pick the highest aged solar reflectance you can accept for your color preference.
- Price the premium. If the upcharge is a few hundred dollars on a roof you are replacing anyway, the risk is low.
- Look for utility rebates. Some power companies offer cool roof rebates even when federal credits do not apply.
For a broader view of low-heat and energy-conscious roof choices, our overview of sustainable roofing options and the roofing basics hub put reflective shingles in context with metal, tile, and cool coatings.
Frequently asked questions
Do solar reflective shingles really work?
Yes, solar reflective shingles measurably lower roof temperature by reflecting near-infrared sunlight, with manufacturers reporting surfaces 20 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than dark shingles. That reduces attic heat gain and peak cooling demand by roughly 10 to 30 percent in hot climates. The energy savings are real but modest, and they are largest in sunny, air-conditioning-heavy regions with good attic insulation.
Are solar reflective shingles the same as solar shingles?
No. Solar reflective shingles passively reflect heat to keep the roof cool and cost a small premium over standard shingles. Solar shingles, or photovoltaic shingles, generate electricity and cost $40,000 to $75,000 for a full roof. The shared word “solar” is the only thing they have in common, so confirm which product a quote actually describes before comparing prices.
Do solar reflective shingles come in dark colors?
Yes. Because the reflectance works in the invisible near-infrared band, reflective granules can be tinted dark while still rejecting heat. Brands like CertainTeed offer dark Landmark Solaris colors alongside lighter options. A dark reflective shingle absorbs more heat than a light one, so choose a lighter High Index color if maximum cooling performance is the priority.
How much more do solar reflective shingles cost than regular shingles?
Solar reflective shingles usually add about $0.10 to $0.25 per square foot of material, or roughly $300 to $1,200 more on a typical 2,000 square foot roof, because they use standard shingle construction with upgraded granules. Labor and tear-off match a normal reroof. The small premium is why reflective shingles make the most sense during a roof replacement you were already planning.
Do solar reflective shingles qualify for a tax credit in 2026?
Reflective asphalt shingles generally do not qualify for a federal tax credit on their own in 2026, and the older 10 percent roofing credit has expired. Rules change and depend on the specific product and legislation, so verify current federal guidance. Many homeowners find better value in local utility cool roof rebates, which some power companies offer regardless of federal credit status.
What is the best solar reflective shingle brand?
There is no single best brand, because performance is set by the CRRC-rated reflectance of the specific color, not the product name. CertainTeed Landmark Solaris reflects up to 40 percent of solar heat, Owens Corning Duration Premium COOL and GAF Timberline CS are strong warm-climate options, and Malarkey and PABCO serve Western markets. Compare the CRRC label for your chosen color before deciding.
Reviewed by The Roofing Brief Team. Last reviewed July 2026.