GAF Energy

For the past few decades, one thing has stood in the way of the advancement of solar technology: solar panels. Let’s face it; they’re large, ugly, and not easy to install. Now, however, companies have started developing solar shingles! Are they the next wave of popular solar technology? Let’s find out…

Solar Panels Are No Longer In Style

GAF Energy

Thanks to the creators and producers of the Timberline Solar Energy Shingle, GAF Energy (owned by the company Standard Industries), a massive change is coming to the home solar game. Recently, they started selling solar shingles that anyone can install. All you need is a ladder, a nail gun, some safety gear, and someone to keep an eye on you while you work on the roof. According to the company, a standard family home can have these solar shingles added in just two days. That’s right.

Not only are they easy to install, but they are also just as protective as standard shingles. They’re waterproof, fireproof, and even strong enough to walk over. Of course, as you might imagine, the solar shingles look much better than solar paneling, which, more often than not, looks terrible. But that’s not the best part of all: the new product is also much cheaper than other solar options, making it easier for everyone to become a little bit more green!

So, how much do these solar panels cost? “We’re half the cost of a Tesla solar roof,” explained Martin DeBono, President of GAF Energy. “But we are in line with traditional solar rack mounted solar. And this really makes the decision for a homeowner who is thinking about going solar very easy to get a solar roof—it’s a superior product.”

But the benefits to these new solar shingles do not end there…

Solar Shingles Go Nationwide

GAF Energy

Some worried that, due to the small size of the solar singles, they would not be as effective. However, that’s not the case, thankfully! In fact, they can generate just as much electricity as typical, larger solar panels. Want to know how much you could save? GAF Energy has its own web-based calculator that tracks where the sun will shine the brightest, allowing them to know roughly how much energy a single roof can generate.

The industry loves these new solar shingles as well. Although they only recently hit the nationwide market, the product has already won tons of awards, including Best of Innovation in the “Smart Cities” category at last year’s Consumer Electronics Show. Meanwhile, the shingles have also been approved as safe and effective by one of the world’s largest compliance testers, UL. Without a doubt, it certainly seems like solar shingles might be the next massive wave of green tech!

“Solar roofs are the future of solar, and the future of roofing,” claimed the Senior Vice President at GAF Energy, Jason Barrett. “I’m thrilled that we’re able to work with Smartroof to provide the Mid-Atlantic this innovative, attractive, and reliable solar roof.”