Solar panel technologies are far more advanced than solar shingles because they achieve better energy production. However, GAF Timberline solar shingles and other upcoming energy-collecting shingle technologies are steadily progressing towards better products that won't sacrifice roof aesthetics, ensures excellent installation, and provides top-notch energy production on par with solar panels.
If you're still on the fence with solar shingles or have a fully-functional solar panel system that achieves many things for your home, we strongly recommend sticking with your existing system. But, if you're greatly interested about the potential of solar shingles, here are three advantages we believe are enticing, money-saving, and exceptional
Guaranteed Foundations
High-quality roofing is necessary for solar panel installations. You can't just install over your aged roofing material because the structures below might cause it to collapse. Owners won't have this problem with solar shingles. GAF Timberline Solar Shingles easily serves as your new roofing material and solar energy collection system at the same time.
A Sleek Design
GAF Timberline Solar Shingles beats Tesla's ultra-complex solar shingle system. Timberline Solar has a beautiful aesthetic with a sleek design. While Tesla's solar shingle aesthetic holds out against GAF, the latter beats it in functionality and ease of installation – any GAF MasterElite can install it for them in an instant.
Does Not Sacrifice Roof Aesthetic
Lastly, most homeowners complain about solar panels disrupting their roof aesthetics. GAF Timberline Solar Shingles have their respective aesthetic, making your roofs greatly attractive and collect solar energy for your home simultaneously.
Solar Reviews has an excellent post about the Timberline Solar. Read an excerpt of it below.
GAF’s solar shingle design combines the conventional asphalt roof shingle material they’re known for with the monocrystalline solar cells of a solar panel.
The top portion of the shingle is made of asphalt, which means it can be nailed right to the roof like regular shingles - no racking or extra mounting equipment necessary. This makes it incredibly easy for roofing contractors to install them.
The bottom portion of the solar shingle is what will generate the electricity. When installed, that portion will overlap the asphalt material of the solar shingle before it. The shingles lay flush against your roof, staying right in line with the regular asphalt shingles covering the remainder of the surface of the roof.
All of the wiring is located on the side of the shingle, where they can be easily connected together to create a functioning solar electric system.
Can you install GAF solar shingles without having to get a roof replacement?
No, you can’t get GAF solar shingles installed without an accompanying roof replacement.
GAF solar shingles must be installed by a GAF-certified contractor at the same time as a roof replacement, or during the construction of a new roof. So, if you just got your roof replaced and are looking to go solar, you’ll probably want to stick with regular rooftop solar panels.
How much do GAF’s solar shingles cost?
As of January 2022, GAF has not released any official pricing for their solar shingles.
However, GAF Energy President Martin DeBono told the Washington Post that a full roof replacement and GAF solar shingle installation would cost $42,000 for his home. Once incentives are considered, the price would drop to $30,000.
Frankly, these numbers don’t really mean anything because we don’t know the size of DeBono’s roof or solar system. He did compare it to a traditional roof replacement and solar panel installation, which he says would cost about $52,000 before incentives, and $44,000 after.
So, according to DeBono’s estimates, getting a roof replacement with GAF solar shingles would be cheaper than getting your roof replaced by a roofing company and a separate solar installation by a solar company. It would also be cheaper than installing a Tesla solar roof, which would cost the average home around $50,000, as well. (Continue reading here to learn more)
Roper Roofing & Solar is a certified GAF roofer that can install Timberline Solar Shingles for your home. Call us today to learn more about our products, services, and work quality.
