Solar panels worked exceptionally and supported the needs of properties, but it looked bulky and took away from its curb appeal. Many homeowners shun solar panels because they encounter issues with their local homeowners associations and their building codes and requirements. With solar shingles, homeowners can have a roof that looks elegant while collecting solar energy that powers the entire home.
Tesla's first venture into solar shingles was met with success. Many homeowners used it, but its specialized technology requiring Tesla solar shingle specialists to install and maintain the roof made it an exclusive and expensive technology.
It was GAF's iteration of solar shingles that made it much more accessible. It may have a price that's close to Tesla's solar shingles, but it achieves outstanding reception because a GAF Master Elite roofer can install it just like how they would solar shingles. This feature made it popular because owners wouldn't have to look and pay a premium for specialists to fix their solar shingles.
Demand for GAF's solar shingles has increased today. According to Solar Power World Online, GAF had recently finished the paperwork and registrations necessary to open their second solar shingle manufacturing plant. The increased demand and GAF's adaptation to it are clear signs that solar shingles are the future of solar energy and must move away from the limitations of panels – aesthetics or functionality-wise.
Local news outlets are reporting that GAF Energy will open a second manufacturing facility in Georgetown, Texas, for its solar shingle product. The city council has approved a development agreement that would allow GAF Energy to build a 450,000-sq.-ft building off I-35, just a half hour from downtown Austin.
GAF Energy says the new manufacturing site would result in 265 jobs over five years in manufacturing, office and R&D.
The company released a solar roofing product in January 2022 and has been making the nailable Timberline Solar shingles out of its 50-MW facility in San Jose, California. The California building has been reported to be 112,000 sq. ft.
The Timberline Solar shingle is approximately 64- by 17-in, while the solar portion (one row of 16 half-cut cells that generates 45 W) measures 60- by 7.5-in. That extra non-solar portion is TPO roofing material and is nailed to a roof. GAF Energy is tapping into its 10,000 GAF roofing dealers to install the solar product.
Earlier this year, Solar Power World spoke to Reynolds Holmes, GAF Energy’s VP of services and product management, about the new product. (Continued)
You can always count on Roper Roofing & Solar to provide outstanding solar shingle, solar panel, and roofing installations, repairs, and replacements. Contact us today to get started!
