When you’re planning to install a new roof and solar panels, your roof matters just as much as your solar system. One of the first decisions you’ll make is what type of asphalt shingle roof you want because your shingles influence durability, longevity, and how well your roof will hold up once panels are mounted.
This guide breaks down the different types of asphalt shingles, how they perform, and why certain options are considered the best shingles for roof installations that will support solar panels for decades.
What are asphalt shingles?
Asphalt shingles have three main ingredients: fiberglass for strength, asphalt for water resistance, and granules (crushed rock surface) for appearance and protection. Together, these layers create a long-lasting, versatile roofing material that works extremely well with solar.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roof material in North America because they are:
- Easy to install and maintain
- Affordable
- Lighter weight than other shingles
- Offered in a wide variety of colors and styles
- Known for their sound protection, fire rating, and algae-resistance
- Compatible with most residential solar installation methods
Different types of asphalt roof shingles
“Asphalt shingles” is a broad category that includes several styles. There are four main types of asphalt shingles: traditional 3-tab, architectural, premium/designer, and performance.
Traditional 3-tab and architectural shingles are popular due to their quality, affordability, and versatility. Here’s how they differ:
- 3-tab shingles come in flat sheets with three tabs of the same shape and size cut into the bottom edge.
- Architectural shingles have two layers in some areas. Their tabs vary in shape, size and color.
Architectural shingles are considered some of the best shingles for roof projects that include solar because they hold up well against wind, fluctuating temperature, and long-term exposure.
Architectural shingles: a strong match for solar
Architectural shingles share the same basic materials as other asphalt shingles, but their thickness and layered structure provide greater strength. This added durability helps your roof withstand the additional load of solar hardware and ensures a longer, more reliable lifespan before another replacement is needed.
About IKO shingles
For homeowners planning an asphalt shingle roof that will support solar panels for 25+ years, IKO shingles are an excellent choice. Trinity offers IKO Cambridge and Dynasty shingles because of their durability, performance ratings, and reliability.
Key features include:
- Wind resistance: IKO shingles are designed to stand up to high winds, with reinforced construction and reliable sealing that helps keep shingles firmly in place.
- Strong sealing: FastLock® sealant helps lock shingles down and stay sealed through temperature swings, keeping the roof secure beneath solar panels.
- Impact resistance: IKO Cambridge and Dynasty shingles carry a Class 3 Impact Resistant rating, offering additional protection from hail and debris.
- Algae resistance: Built-in algae protection keeps your roof looking clean and uniform, even around and beneath solar hardware.
Why IKO?
We partner with IKO because they provide the quality we want at the volume we need for our homeowners who want to get a new roof before going solar. As a large, family-owned manufacturer with 25+ plants, IKO ensures consistent supply and strong product performance for every asphalt shingle roof we install.
Other roofing materials
In addition to asphalt shingles, there are other types of roof materials—slate, wood, metal, tile. Architectural asphalt shingles provide the best balance of cost, durability, and solar compatibility, which is why Trinity installs them exclusively.
Finding the right shingles for your solar-ready roof
If you're planning to add solar—now or in the future—architectural shingles generally offer the best long-term performance. They’re thicker, stronger, and more dimensional than 3-tab shingles, giving your solar system a more stable foundation.
While there are many types of asphalt shingles, what matters most is choosing the right fit for your home—something durable, attractive, and built to last as long as your solar system.
Ready to explore your roofing and solar options?
Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation with a Trinity Solar & Roofing Expert.
