The invention is a roofing underlayment for solar shingles that includes a water-impervious membrane adapted to be attached to a roof. The underlayment also includes a mechanical attachment member having a mechanical first portion embedded within the membrane and having a mechanical second portion extending above the membrane, wherein the mechanical second portion of the mechanical attachment member is configured to mechanically attach a solar shingle to the roof. The underlayment also includes an electrical conductor having an electrical first portion of which is embedded within the membrane, having an electrical second portion which is configured to electrically connect to a solar shingle, and having an electrical third portion which is configured to electrically connect to an electrical circuit. An air gap area is also provided that allows for air flow below the solar shingles. The air gap area comprises an area between a bottom surface of the solar shingles and a top surface of the membrane.