Solar Panels + Composite Roofing = 2026 Trend

Keeping Up with Environmental Energy Demands

by Marcus Dodson, Editor & Publisher

After living for 35 years in an idyllic waterfront setting on Huntington Harbor in California, homeowners Daniel and Patrice Levin decided their home was ready for a change.  They wanted to add solar panels to their roof.  To accomplish that, their deteriorating old roof had to go.  In its place, they needed a durable easy-care roof that could stand up to extensive UV rays, coastal conditions, and potentially severe weather.

         The Levins didn’t realize it at the time, but they’re part of a growing trend going into 2026.  The number of West Coast homeowners adding solar panels to their roofs has been on a continuous rise during recent years.  That’s not a surprise.  However, the true trend is the increase of roofing systems combining those solar panels with composite roofing because of the durability of the manmade tiles, along with their low maintenance and sustainability.

         “We took the advice of our roofing contractor and invested in the DaVinci® Roofscapes product,” said Daniel Levin.  “Final Touch Construction and Design out of Fontana, California, who installed the roof, definitely led us in the right direction with this recommendation.”

Choosing Excellence

         The DaVinci Multi-Width Slate product suggested for Levin’s home is made of virgin resins, UV/thermal stabilizers, and a fire retardant.  The composite slate resists fading, rotting, cracking, and pests.  Backed by a Lifetime Limited Material Warranty, the lightweight slate tiles are modeled after actual slate for natural, non-repeating beauty on the roof.  The homeowners selected a random installation of castle gray and European blend colors on their roof.

         The importance of selecting a DaVinci roof when working with solar panels ties directly to the product’s durability.  The tiles won’t become brittle over time and they have walkability, so service calls for the solar panels won’t damage the roofing.  In addition, cool roof colors can be ordered for the roofing, enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the entire roof.

         “This is a beautiful property near the Pacific Ocean, and we could envision it topped with the DaVinci slate product and the solar panels,” said Louie Echeverria, Superintendent with Final Touch Construction and Design.  “The height and design of the home, especially the circular section, demanded precision and thoughtful design execution.”

Creating a Special Roof

         After careful removal of the existing roof, the Final Touch team began installation of the composite slate product.  Once the majority of the DaVinci tiles were installed, the solar energy team came out to install the panels.  The Final Touch crew returned after that to finalize installation around the solar panel sections, completing the roof. 

         “The solar panels were installed almost as soon as the composite tile installation was completed,” said Echeverria.  “It was a unified project that flowed smoothly.  We coordinated closely with the solar contractor.  Our final step was to complete the detailing work and confirm that the roofing system was fully sealed and intact.”  For the exemplary work done on this project, Final Touch Construction and Design has been named as a winner of the 2025 DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor Project of the Year Awards. 

Smart Choice Roofing Combo

         While Levin anticipates the solar panel system on his new roofing system will produce 107% more energy than his household was previously using, another West Coast homeowner completely eliminated his energy bill with his new rooftop system.  Seattle resident Jacob Dryer added DaVinci Select Shake roofing, skylights, a retractable awning, and solar panels to his home.

         Two companies were brought in to handle the installation: Sun Path Electric, Seattle, Washington, designed the system and installed the solar panels.  After that, Three Tree Roofing, Kent, Washington, handled the roofing installation. 

         “The DaVinci Select Shake is a very smart choice for this home,” said CJ McConaghy, Co-Owner of Three Tree Roofing.  “The Lifetime Limited Material Warranty is outstanding and helps further secure this homeowner’s solar panel investment.  Plus, this is a low maintenance roof that resists salt air, sea spray, high winds, and severe weather conditions.”

         “In addition, if technicians need to walk on the roof in the future to service either the skylights, awning, or solar panels, there won’t be a problem,” continued McConaghy.  “This product is extremely durable.  With real cedar that’s not the case.  It would have become brittle and cracked over time.  The composite shakes from DaVinci will easily stand up to service people walking on them for decades to come.”

         The final aspect of the solar panels and composite roofing trend moving into 2026 is the peace of mind and added resale value the pairing brings to homeowners.  Dryer summed it up best and said, “I believe the composite shake roof stays true to my home’s mid-century style.  Along with the solar panels and awning, they’ll enhance my home’s value over time.  In the long run I think this investment will have positive savings for me.”

         Getting solar panels isn’t just a trend about seeming environmentally conscious, it’s about keeping up with the times.  Homeowners can save money, save the planet, and save their roofs by installing DaVinci roofing materials alongside their solar panels.