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GAF Solar Shingles For Your Roof: What You Need to Know

gaf solar shingles producing energy

Here’s everything you need to know before you buy solar shingles – specifically GAF Energy Timberline Solar Shingles. We’ll answer questions including, “Are solar roof shingles as efficient as standard solar panels?” – as well as questions regarding durability and tax incentives. 

What To Know Before Installing GAF Solar Shingles

The first thing you need to know is that the Timberline Solar Energy Shingle can be nailed directly to the roof, similar to the process used when installing your existing asphalt shingle roof. Solar shingles are an exciting advancement in the roofing industry and solar industry.

Here’s what you need to know about this product offered by GAF Energy.

Why Solar Shingles Are Better Than Solar Panels

Rack-mounted solar panels require the installer to drill dozens of holes into the roof membrane, which could degrade your new roof much quicker. However, GAF solar shingles can be seamlessly incorporated into traditional roofing installations. They create a watertight surface and are more aesthetically pleasing than heavy solar roof tiles. You’ll get all the benefits of a solar panel installation without unsightly protrusions.

The sun is shining in a blue sky - perfect for GAF solar roof shingles.

GAF Solar Panels and Wind Resistance

Solar shingles blend into the roofline better than solar panels. But, you may wonder how solar shingles compare with asphalt shingles when it comes to durability. 

You’ll be happy to know that GAF Timberline Solar shingles are water-shedding, strong, and warranted to withstand winds up to 130 mph. In fact, his product has the same wind and water-shedding warranty coverage as Timberline HDZ, America’s best-selling roof shingle. 

GAF Solar Roof And Energy Savings

Of course, most people research solar shingle installation because they want to generate energy from the sun’s rays. You may wonder how installing solar shingles compares with installing solar panels in terms of energy efficiency.

Although solar shingle efficiency cannot be calculated like a traditional solar panel, a GAF solar roof are made with the same high-efficiency mono PERC cell technology found in tier 1 solar panels. Depending on your roof’s design, you may achieve more kW per roof than traditional solar panels. 

You can connect your Timberline Solar shingles to the electric grid as this roofing system is compatible with many energy storage offerings. You can also add AC-coupled batteries to your installation at any time. However, verifying compatibility with a licensed energy storage contractor before starting your project would be a good idea.

a house with gaf solar shingles installedFinancial Incentives For GAF Timberline Solar Shingle Installation

Check with your tax advisor to see if you qualify for federal and state tax credits before you install solar shingles. Residential solar installations also often qualify for rebates from utility companies. Your local solar installers will know more about incentive programs in your area. 

It’s also worth noting that a solar installation will increase the resale value of your home.

For solar shingle installation in Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and North Carolina, contact Homefix Custom Remodeling. We are solar roofing experts and can answer any questions regarding how solar shingles work and the installation process. We can also answer any questions about financial incentives for utilizing solar cells. Give us a call or contact us for a free consultation.

Key Takeaways: Are Solar Shingles Worth It?

  • Solar shingles are installed similarly to traditional asphalt shingles.
  • Solar shingles are durable against water and wind.
  • Timberline Solar Shingles utilize the same high-efficiency cell technology as tier 1 solar panels.
  • You may qualify for tax incentives and rebates for completing a solar shingle project on an existing roof.