Reflective Shingles · Tiles · Membranes
Cool roofing in the rebate stack
Cool roofs use highly reflective surfaces or pigmented coatings to bounce solar radiation back into the sky rather than absorbing it as heat. Effect: attic temperatures 30-50°F lower in summer, AC runtime drops, the home is more comfortable. The IRA 25C envelope category covers the materials cost component.
Federal credit
The 25C credit covers 30% of the cost of qualified roofing material that meets ENERGY STAR Roof Products spec. Capped at $1,200 envelope total (shared with insulation, windows, doors, HVAC). Material cost only — labor doesn't count for 25C roofing (unlike heat pumps and solar where labor is included).
Utility & state rebates
Limited compared to insulation. CA, AZ, NV, FL utilities sometimes offer $0.10-$0.30 per square foot for cool roof installations. Where federal isn't available (e.g., older shingles), state title-24-style programs in California can offset costs.
What qualifies as ENERGY STAR Roof Products
- Steep slope (residential pitched): initial solar reflectance ≥ 0.25; 3-year aged reflectance ≥ 0.15
- Low slope (flat/membrane): initial solar reflectance ≥ 0.65; 3-year aged ≥ 0.50
- Asphalt shingles with reflective granules, tile, metal with reflective coating all qualify when they meet the spec
When cool roofing is worth it
- Hot climates (zones 1-3) — biggest AC savings
- Roofs in direct sun without shade
- Homes with unconditioned attics that radiate heat downward
- Roof replacement is already needed (incremental cost is small)
In cold climates, cool roofs reduce summer AC load but slightly increase winter heating load — net annual savings are small or negative in zones 6-8.