The new Timberline Solar™ roofing system is so advanced it makes solar simple. Call 801-447-8011

Homeowners no longer have to compromise when adding solar power to their roof. Get a great-looking roof, a single GAF-backed warranty, and solar energy.
Call us today for a free same day estimate: 801-447-8011
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Water-shedding and warranted
Timberline Solar™ is made up of shingles, not panels or heavy tiles. These shingles are water-shedding, strong and warranted to withstand winds up to 130 mph. Rack-mounted solar installations-where the solar is separate from the roof-require the drilling of dozens of holes into the roof membrane. Any resulting damage related to those holes is not typically covered by roof warranties.
For homeowners who already know the quality of GAF roofing products, the Timberline Solar™ roof has the same wind and water-shedding warranty coverage as Timberline HD.
Curb appeal
Investing in a home is no small matter - and the way it looks is important. Timberline Solar™ has a design that blends in with the aesthetic of the house, with elements that add visual appeal like an architectural shingle.
Here at GAF Energy, we strive to not just meet homeowners expectations for roofing reliability, but to achieve breakthroughs with aesthetics.
With a GAF Energy solar roof, you’ll not only get a roof that’s durable and has curb appeal, it’s also financially smart, since you can save on your energy bills over time
Meeting-and raising-the bar
Timberline Solar™ can supply your home with electricity every day, every hour the sun is shining.
And while we don’t want to talk tech jargon, it’s met some industry-leading standards such as UL 7103 certification, which means it’s been through rigorous testing from an independent certification company that’s been around for over one hundred years. We’re committed to the quality of our product.
It makes sense (and cents)
A solar roof is one project, one design, one crew, one straightforward proposition. And, it may pay for itself over time, as it generates energy for the home and reduces monthly electric bills.
The Cost of Solar Panels: Is It Worth It?
Do the benefits of solar panels outweigh their costs?
By NATHANIEL RILEY
Updated June 07, 2022
Reviewed by SOMER ANDERSON
Fact checked by SKYLAR CLARINE
What Is Solar Power for the Home?
Homeowners who install solar power systems can receive numerous benefits: lower electric bills, lower carbon footprints, and potentially higher home values. But these benefits typically come with significant installation and maintenance costs and the magnitude of the gains can vary widely from one house to another.
This article will help homeowners make the financial calculations required to determine the viability of solar power in their homes.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Those seeking to go green may want to consider equipping their home with solar panels.
Not only is solar power good for the environment, but you can earn money selling back excess power to the grid.
While costs have come down over the past years, installation and maintenance of solar panels can be quite expensive.
Solar panels are best suited for homes that receive ample sun exposure throughout the year.
Before committing to solar power, be sure to understand both the social and economic factors.

[@ducoh2093]

stuff like this is the future. the thinner and flexible it will become, the more area we can cover. Of course we should also try to get the most of the suns energy per square meter (which is something that those thick panels are better at), but hey, quantity is a quality of it own. cars will be having this stuff, boats will be having this stuff on their sails, even windows will be having it because transparant solar cells are on the rise too. So exciting.

[@raymondjoseph7177]

I spent 1 year in Afghanistan 10 years ago. SF used a solar spray paint to charge their comms when outside the wire. I never new that stuff existed. It was designed by darpa. I told myself i would never get a panel. I've been waiting for this product. Knew it was a matter of time. 20 years from now panels will lawn art

[@larrythompson8630]

I put a metal roof on @14 years ago. I saw a similar product but set vertically. Iirc @22” wide sheets with rib. (You wack with rubber mallet to lock, hidden screws except end). So cord ran down every few (maybe 4?). Or ridge cover then down. I contacted company. But they disappeared. Seemed such a simple idea. Even easier then this. Hope it works well.

[@alwaysbadideas]

I can tell at a glance this is an amazing product. Extremely lightweight, easy to install, and cheap to mass produce. I hope this becomes huge!

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

This is the hope and direction of this product. Thank you for your feedback and support.

[@levispann88]

Name checks out... 🤣

[@NickiDivine69]

Looks AMAZING! Energy from every roof!!!

[@lou704]

Simply BRILLIANT!!!

[@Krunch2020]

If GAF could make standard shingles that lasted 30 years I might believe their marketing hype.

[@billyray323]

That's pretty innovative, well done ✌🏻🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@matthunter1424]

I'm getting this installed on my house in about a month. Very excited! The pricing is in line with comparable systems on a Watt/roof basis. One of the interesting things is that you don't pay for shingles that will be under a rack mount solar panel, and even bigger in California is that you don't pay for the labor to install shingles that will be under a rack solar system. This is a VERY large benefit, and should be considered. The warranty is also very impressive. Are these the most efficient panels in the world, no, but consider the whole system, and it's very cool.

[@adamkrasneski3679]

Sounds like uve done ur research. Based on the specs provided, it seems like the life span is half the length of traditional panels. And its close to the same cost foe the materials? Curious if u could share some numbers that brought u to ur decision. If not, thats ok. Its kind of a big ask, but hearing real world experience is always so valuable to people in general.

[@matthunter1424]

@@adamkrasneski3679 The solar shingles are designed to last the lifetime of the roof ~ 25 years. If the solar shingles fall below the warranted output in those 25 years, they get replaced. Not to shabby....

[@adamkrasneski3679]

@@matthunter1424 thats a good warranty 👍 what percentage of efficiency do they fall to before being replaced?

[@ArmandoPerezContractor]

Matt can you tell me how much is this solar panel for square ( 100 sq ft)?

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

When you consider the cost of a new roof plus solar that looks much better than panels this is a great option at a very reasonable price. The flat solar cells in the shingles are no different than what a typical solar panel would use; however, the technology used when integrating the solar cell into the solar shingle is far ahead of current solar panel technology. The GAF Timberline Solar shingles will easily outlast and outperform a traditional solar panel.

[@peterpowers4851]

Definitely a cool idea. Excited to see what will come out in the next 5-10 years.

[@shekharmoona544]

This would be great on an airstream. Lightweight and flexible.

[@happycamper4328]

This is really interesting, this guy's voice is so much like Mike Rowe!

[@richardgalarza7882]

This is very promising!

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

A step in the right direction. Better price than Tesla solar tiles and doesn't look too bad at all. I think we will see this become the new solar norm and most homes. Best time to get solar is when you get a new roof put on.

[@xaviiifrances]

This seems a pretty good idea for roofing with wood based construction houses. However, I see this might not be competitive when the roof has tiles or doesn't have a wood structure below the panel. But it is nice to have different options in the market either way.

[@justthink5854]

ok but that's 90% of the roofs in the US

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Yes this only works with wood based roofing systems.

[@neliosamch3195]

Liquid nail will be fine for tile or metal roofing.

[@thomasknight-wagener6630]

i totally do not see the aspect of your argument... even if you had a steel frame structure, you could still fix using a different fastener. :/

[@thomasknight-wagener6630]

sure, you can't use a high speed nail gun, but it could still be done. even just rivets would work. i guess some people just would rather question things.

[@Sonnell]

This is a very good direction, however I think they are using plastic to cover the solar cells. Based on my knowledge about flexible solar panels, which are using very similar coatings, this is a problem, as they become less transparent over time, and even fracture, because of the UV radiation. Glass panels do not have this problem. And since there was no word about this, it makes me wonder if this problem exists on their panels as well.

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

A valid concern however GAF did consider this problem so a unique advanced thermal plastic is used which does not degrade or become less transparent over time in the UV radiation of the hot powerful sun.

[@Sonnell]

@@legacyroofingutah9766 Cool, thanks for the info! Would have been nice to include this in the video :)

[@RJSoftware2000]

I'd bet silicone based. Silicone has amazing thermal resilience. I once tried to release a glass panel secured by silicone. Even propane torch didn't soften it. Really tough stuff.

[@sinnombre5466]

@@RJSoftware2000 probably a 2k urethane that’s what’s used as top coats on epoxy floors and cars

[@sebastienloyer9471]

@@legacyroofingutah9766 What about UVC and gamma rays that are at ground level now. And going to increase.?

[@eco_guardian]

I love it

[@grannye7638]

No problem it’s great!

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

We should see many of these around on homes in the future. The don't look bad, blend in with the other shingles well and are an affordable solar roof option. Thanks for your feedback.

[@michaelstarkey9745]

Love it great looking product bring price down don’t be greedy

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Yes doing our best to keep things as reasonable as possible so more people can afford and enjoy this new GAF timberline solar shingle product on their new roof install. Thanks for your feedback and support! - Legacy Team

[@fritz3388]

This product looks very promising. How good is its resistance against hail, ordinary small hail and huge "end of time" hail? The "end of time" hail goes through car windows, as seen on TV, and I assume through common solar panels. I hope this solar roofing shingles have a much better resistance against hail, that would be fantastic. Thanks for the presentation!

[@cszulu2000]

Looks easy to replace a single panel

[@joemartino6976]

Impressive.

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Thanks for your feedback, more information and updates to follow. Stay tuned.

[@Danny-fs1hk]

Brian Cooley is a cool host. 👍🏾

[@BobQuigley]

If you're building new a solar panel roof costs much less than tile roofs. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Never considered a slab of asphalt coated fiberglass with tiny stone 'sprinkles' an attractive addition to our home!

[@bustertn2014]

Fiberglass composite covers and boxes. I can't imagine they will be in good shape on a roof in Arizona or Nevada after 5 years. Same thing about the temp efficiency drops. Las Vegas has had months in a row with temps over 100. What type of efficiency drop will we see then? Then there is the biggest elephant in the room. UNLESS you have enough power to be completely OFF the grid, if there are power drops and you actually lose power at your house, your solar is OFFLINE. I know. I had standard solar on my house in Vegas for a decade or so. I offered to pay for the switch that allows the system to isolate so it does NOT backfeed into the grid when the power drops out. No dice. It's against the law in Nevada, or at least it was then.

[@amitaimedan]

Looks to good to be true... I hope I'm wrong.

[@bobbygetsbanned6049]

Seems like a step in the right direction but still rough. Would make a lot of sense for the leads/cables to be built into the panels so they don't have to be run on top with ugly covers.

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Good point and thought, the cables need to be a thick enough gage to carry the high currents and at the same time the shingles need to be flush to the roof. GAF tried to get these as flat as possible. Maybe over time the design team can figure out a way to make them completely flush with the other roof shingles.

[@arminius301]

Great product! I would definitely revise the wire connectors. The Anderson plugs seem too large and make the whole connection channel look clunky, might consider XT-60 or XT-90 connectors.

[@arminius301]

@@JorgTheElder Sounds like you've been around solar for a while. I've set up small scale solar systems and I always look for ways to be innovative. I know that concealing wires can be a pain in the keester. Anderson connectors are clunky and might be overdue for a new invention, just my 2 cents. Eventually they'll come up with low profile, almost invisible connection type, to conceal this unsightly part of the install.

[@onthelake9554]

Anderson connector ? That's Staubli MC4 standard solar panel connector . Invented in Switzerland IN 1996 . The gold standard of solar connectors.

[@bertcabana5563]

Jorg jorgenson Why does it matter? Look always matters to consumers

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Good point, something to consider. Thanks for your feedback

[@williamgrimberg2510]

All I know after years of living in snow country,that if anything sticks up above the roof and is not flush with the surface of the panels and is made with plastic or a rubber material , will brake from snow removal especially after years of sun and weather as the material may become brittle.

[@lii1Il]

TY! How much now for just the panels, sq ft for a solar installer?

[@gillesissaly7936]

Your system seems great, do you think that your shingles could also be used for bioclimatic pergolas with slats that could rotate?

[@pcatful]

So it will need replacement in the same cycle as a roof. If it leaks, you have a more expensive material to replace and more work to connect back in the system. These are two different applications and you are linking a low-tech water protection product with an expensive power product. Twice the possibilities. Notice they are not happy to show you the actual appearance on a roof which really isn't like shingles. They have to be more heat tolerant because they are going to get much hotter than rack panels. Otherwise this is an interesting technology and may be a great option going forward. The low profile is a plus.

[@theonlyari]

Its always what they dont tell you that screams the loudest. I find it also very telling that theres no spec sheet on their website. If it worked that well, they would be more than happy to display the performance front and center.

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

All innovative products come with their pros and cons. Solar Shingles are no different. This product is most suitable for new home construction or a re-roof install. The solar shingles perform very well in rain wind and hail all while producing great solar power. Depending on each home owners location solar shingles may or may not make financial sense. Do your homework and make sure it is right for you.

[@GiuseppeJoseph]

Have they done any research on PV output on north vs south vs east vs west facing roofs , along with various roof pitches ?

[@alwaysbadideas]

This product looks much simpler to install for shade projects than traditional panels. Also for Vans and RVs.

[@pcatful]

The Van-RV is a bad idea. I can see lots of reasons that will not work.

[@alwaysbadideas]

@@pcatful well you are dumb and wrong, do more research edit: sorry for being rude I take this back

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Good thought but these solar shingle needs to be nailed into a wood base so it would not be very suitable for Van or RV builds. For Vans and RV's the flex solar panels are good options if you have a good fastening solution.

[@alwaysbadideas]

@@legacyroofingutah9766 If grommets were installed, and there was extra sheeting on both sides for 4 point securing, I bet it would work great!

[@Den-ml7zg]

bet they wont sell you a pallet of them though

[@VP411Designs]

Will this system heat up the roof and the material it self? How is the over heating avoided? Or does it?

[@kevinhartman1863]

would this product work on a commercial metal pole building?

[@AgentOffice]

Why are they removing the adhesive strips? Shingles say to leave them

[@davebean2886]

Can this shingle be made to also help insulate the attic?

[@FarmtheSunUSA]

Does GAF Timberline Solar Residential solar roofing qualify for Federal IRA tax credits?

[@shekharmoona544]

How long will it last compared to the Tesla solar roof? If it's plastic will it deteriorate and reduce power output?

[@matthoward1174]

Solar panels need air moving around and under them. The thin, flexible plastic solar panels overheat all the time, and don't last long. What about these?

[@PeaceChanel]

Thank You for All that you are doing for our Planet Earth.... Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. Namaste .. 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ 🌷 ☮ ❤🕊

[@andromedach]

let me know when it is available in Georgia

[@hosocat1410]

So if a cell goes bad you have to tear off the roof? Solar cells don't have as long a life in use as in the laboratory.

[@2000thewoman]

Fritz brings up a good question about solar panels degredation to hail and wind. Thin panels, that can flex, have been reports of loss of efficency from impact and over the lifetime of the panel. How does your solar compare to the traditional , thicker flat panel solar panels in the video?

[@loveyourcountrynotyourpart6182]

It just unreasonably expensive $20K vs $65K, I couldn't justify the diff in cost to install solar roof shingles. And what happens in the Northern state where snow covers shingle for a long period on time?

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Roof integrated solar shingles that look much better than bulky solar racks on homes do come at a higher cost than normal DIY solar panels this is true, especially as this is not a DIY suitable install process. GAF does their best to keep the product affordable but is not willing to cut corners on quality like many solar products do just to bring pricing down slightly. For homes with snow, removal of the snow is required for any solar product to function properly. Most cities have a roof snow removal service that can help with this. The long term energy savings and environmental benefits are well worth going solar. With GAF Timberline Solar Shingles your home can finally look great and have a very powerful energy efficient solar roof at the same time.

[@sevilnatas]

In the example shown where you were comparing the racked solar roof to the shingled solar roofing, the one metric you didn't supply wat the increase in coverage over the racked solar solution. What, in that example would be the increase in coverage shingled solar could have offered. That is the missing metric that would communicate an apples to apples comparison, when it comes to power generation.

[@mferrarorace]

Heat is what concerns me.

[@adamkrasneski3679]

Its a cool idea, but based on the specs u provided the lifespan is about half of traditional set up. What the replacement cost? How is each unit tested? These look ez enough to self install. Is that possible? This left me w more questions than answers. Also, what about a car port setup? Something to just top off an electeic vehicle? Are these available as a retail purchase or only through contractors?

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Hi Adam, thanks for your interest and feedback. Currently the GAF Timberline Solar Shingles are only available through contractors. You are currently on the Legacy Roofing of Utah (GAF Certified Installer) KZbin channel so if you are in Utah we would be happy to send our Energy specialist out to check out your situation and bounce some ideas around based on your needs and budget. If in Utah give us a call at 801-477-8011 or Click Link Below to Call now: link-to-tel.herokuapp.com/tel/%2B1-801-477-8011 Also here is a good article with further things to consider when thinking about installing solar on your home: The Cost of Solar Panels: Is It Worth It? Do the benefits of solar panels outweigh their costs? www.investopedia.com/articles/mortgages-real-estate/10/solar-power-home.asp

[@adamkrasneski3679]

@@legacyroofingutah9766 no, not in utah. Just a human waiting for the world to catch up.

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

On January 6, a GAF Energy representative told Electrek about the cost, efficiency, and specs of its Timberline Solar Energy Shingle. On cost: Timberline Solar is cost competitive with rack mounted systems and is more affordable than other solar roofs. It’s about half the cost of the Tesla Solar Roof. The most affordable time to go solar is when you’re in the market for a new roof, by turning two home improvement projects into one. Plus, the solar helps pay for the roof by reducing your monthly utility bill. GAF Energy president Martin DeBono says that replacing a $15,000 roof (not including solar) would probably cost $30,000 (before subsidies) with Timberline solar. GAF Energy’s roofing partners do the pricing directly for the consumer and it depends a lot on the roof, shading, and a number of other factors. On efficiency: The mono passivated emitter and rear cells (PERC) we use are, on average, 22.6% efficient. That’s going to be the most reliable number if you’re looking for a number, given that our shingle technology is ahead of the curve on standardized efficiency testing (geared toward large, rigid panels). Based on our internal tests, GAF Energy’s custom diode layout allows for the system to outperform rack-mounted systems in real-world conditions without bulky additional electronics and the associated extra labor. Lastly, the flexible shingle form factor allows GAF Energy to fit more solar in areas where a traditional 5-by-3-foot panel simply will not fit, providing more options for customers unable to go solar before. A Timberline Solar Energy Shingle weighs 10.1 pounds (4.58 kg), and its dimensions are 64 1/4″ x 17 1/8″ x 1″ (1,632 x 435 x 26 mm). Allowed roof pitch is 2:12 or greater, and maximum installation altitude is 13,123 ft. (4,000 m). Average ambient temperature range is -40F to 122F (-40C to 50C).

[@shekharmoona544]

Is it recyclable at the end of life?

[@SyddlesFuzz]

I wonder how well it'd do in my part of the puget sound. Been way too sunny, all summer.

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Should be a great system for your area. Contact your local GAF certified installer to get a quote and estimate of what it would take to get installed.

[@SetitesTechAdventures]

Here is my question. He says it's walkable, but does that exempt it from the international code that requires a 3 foot setback from all edges? I was unable to install a sufficient amount of solar panels because the shape of my roof made it hard to install enough panels with 3 foot of walking room around them. If the code treats these like shingles and not solar panels then this really will be a revolution.

[@qaz9258]

He addresses that at 4:00 and 5:25. Now the codes might want to force you to comply with the standard panel requirements. SO you might have to show them exactly what you are installing and that it is a shingle. Direct them to this video perhaps.

[@davesworld7961]

You answered my question which was why don't these shingles go edge to edge on the roof.

[@patrickcorcoran4828]

Long story short the California setback rule was never meant to be a code, it was meant to be a guideline for AHJs to consider when reviewing solar designs for firefighter access. For example if the street is on the north side of your house and the solar array is on the south side, firefighters will get on the roof from the north side and they don't care what is on the south side (also most fire fighters I've talked to since 2016 say they no longer go up on the roof to cut holes in it). Instead every AHJ made it a code and it meant a lot less solar got installed. The new California setback rule allows 18" at the peak and a single 3' walkway on the left or right side of the roof, but not both sides. Again it should be on a case by case basis, but probably won't be. My AHJ adopted it as if it was code. There is less flexibility with this system since you can't choose modules that fit and/or configure in portrait or landscape to maximize the roof space. I've been in solar since 2006. I would choose a traditional system over this system BUT I'm looking into it myself because the roof of my house can't hold the weight of a traditional solar product. Unfortunately GAF is trying to compete with Tesla Solar with more than just shingles, they also seem to be mirroring their bad customer service. I've been trying to get GAF to tell me if I can get these in my region since they came out and they just won't answer. I keep leaving voicemails that they don't return.

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

This is usually a fire code or a code for wind. The fire code is in place so fire fighters could break through the roof in the event of a fire. Traditional solar panels and solar tiles are made of hard to break glass. These solar shingles can be broken through with an ax so it solves the fire code issue of 3 feet from the edges of the home. However check with your local code enforcement to be sure as each state has it's own opinion on this matter. The wind code is in place because traditional rack mounted solar panels on the edge of a roof can catch wind easily and be torn off so placing them 3 feet in from the edges reduces this risk. Depends on your region which code is being referenced.

[@patrickcorcoran4828]

@@legacyroofingutah9766 I've never encountered a wind based code for traditional solar with racking. The design is run through the engineering program developed by the rack manufacturer and they tell you if you can't put modules in a certain area of the roof. You sometimes have to prove to the AHJ that you have run that calculation, but the AHJ itself does not mandate setbacks based on wind. I have had large chunks of roofs ruled out by the rack designers on some projects.

[@cyberlizardcouk]

that is awesome - i wonder if they will ship their product to the UK?

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Yes this product will be global in due time.

[@barrybaskin1408]

Good idea for composite roofs but over 60% of our installs here in so.cal are tile roofs. Also how are obstacles like vent pipes dealt with? Another issue is code that prevents the wiring from touching the roof.

[@matthunter1424]

It's not perfect for sure. But when is anything???

[@LAproductions]

What about heat dissipation?

[@rickf.9253]

Any solution for a flat roof?

[@superliegebeest544]

Why u not make the panel so it fits in the groove of zink roofpanels? Here the sun is so hot I dont think the plastic will last.

[@douglaswindsor120]

The question I have is it DIY compatible and how do you integrate it with area's you don't have panels on also how do you do around chimney sewer stacks and vents

[@adamkrasneski3679]

I asked and got an answer on part of that. CURRENTLY, the product is only available through contractors. Thats a bummer but i suppose in time they may hit retail.

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Currently the product is not available for DIY install. The way the solar shingle roof works is very similar to a traditional shingle roof. The solar shingles are only installed on parts of the roof that are large, face the sun and are rectangular in shape. For the edges, corners and chimneys a traditional shingle is installed. The GAF Timberline Solar shingle system is a mix of traditional shingles with added solar shingles where needed and where possible to install in a rectangular area. In the video you can see there is a difference between the solar part of the roof and the traditional shingle area.

[@howardescoffery4950]

Interesting. I don't know though early technology. Sounds good but untested. Be good if there is a five years update and so on. If I could afford it I would give it a try. Next thing they need to give more information as the proof of the pudding is in the eating, you may have a roof full with expensive solar but not producing anything. Give us prof of performance please.

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Good point. As with all new products the results take time and someone needs to take that first step. This is why GAF is confidant in offering a 25 year warranty so home owners can rest assured their investment is safe and covered if any problems were to arise and the product faced any failure points.

[@ca6360]

What is efficiency %

[@stuart_oneill]

Any thoughts on developers adoption, the cost v marketing potential may balance out. is this reasonable as a solar add-on or only when fully reroofing?

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Best with a new build or re-roof as the old shingle roof must be completely removed before installation. If you have a shingled awning these make for a great awning solar power station.

[@vmoutsop]

Very cool but what happens when the last panel is loaded with all the power coming through the wires from all the connected panels versus the first panel which has the lowest power level? What happens when someone goes up and gets hit by a combined power hit as opposed to a parallel connection?

[@matthunter1424]

The wiring is not 100% series, that has to be designed. Since I will have south and west facing, I will have 2 circuits with 2 MPPTs. And I believe each circuit will consist of 2 parallel strings.

[@vmoutsop]

@@matthunter1424 makes sense, thanks

[@DegenerateToo]

If one of the panels quits does it kill everything bellow on the daisy chain?

[@arturasnesakysiu1684]

If one panel brakes all roof will work as that single panel. This means here you will need to buy all roof again. In normal solar it will take 10min to find 10min to replace. Next silar heats up and all that wiring plus heat=fire. Normal solar between roof an solar big gap

[@DragonsOfAra]

@@arturasnesakysiu1684 **This means here you will need to buy all roof again.** Not true, you would simply replace the single faulty panel.

[@DegenerateToo]

What....???!! So if the panels are wired in series it will essentially cut off anything in that chain wired beyond that panel? If wired in parallel, the power should bypass the damaged panel? Or either way, broken panel means broken leg, branch, series, whatever...??

[@DragonsOfAra]

@@DegenerateToo Yes. It's no different to conventional panels in that regard (so no advantage or disadvantage).

[@snorttroll4379]

that adhesive should be a strip of magnet or velcro or buttons or whatever. like on jeans or a jacket. the kind you press together. cause then you can make it happen quickly. then you can change the roof with little effort. and use the shingels again. who knows. laminate them again with new 30 percent efficient solar systems.

[@austin12091]

got a quote for this GAF roof of 5.70 a wat, which is 2-4x more expensive then other solutions, ROI was gonna be close to 20 years

[@matthunter1424]

At first I thought the same. When I compare the price for my roof w/o solar, than with solar the price "adjustments" they are able to work brings it much more into line.

[@jessiemartinfostersr.6067]

IN TEXAS ROOFS 2000 SQFT HAS COST INCREAS IN LAST FIVE YEARS OF 100 % . THATS RIGHT FROM FIVE THOUSAND TO 10 THOUSAÑD !!

[@DQ-su6qf]

Better get a a CLEAR written explanation about the warranty and if it’s PRO RATED ‘’watch out’’…I stopped using GAF about 12 years ago when GAF refused to give more than $300 for a 40 year warrantied roof that failed after 14 years….. FYI; Over the years I installed numerous roofs for GAF’s literature..

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Good advice, always read warranties carefully and in detail. Many roofing systems have various warranty options, I always go for the best as it has the least amount of limitations on coverage. Additionally most roofs that fail or have issues fail because of installation errors and not material problems so make sure your installer is a master elite certified installer ideally in the highest rated GAF installers presidential circle

[@TheOtteroo]

Just one caveat, roofing edges don’t always terminate in 90 degree angles at the edge. A 45 degree angle version would facilitate being able to shingle right up to the edge, OR,.. Is there another technique being used to shingle all the way to the edge?

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

The traditional asphalt shingles are used at the edges and on all angles, the solar shingles are just meant to be in the middle rectangle areas of the roof system. As you will see in the video the solar shingles are in the middle areas of the roof and look slightly different than the asphalt shingles. Look closely and you will see where the solar shingles start and move into the regular asphalt shingles.

[@glike2]

@@legacyroofingutah9766 seems like these would have a weight advantage

[@ytHUNTR]

I really dont understand how the heat will work with this. normally, panels are installed with spacing, so air can come through. How does this work here? The efficiency will drop then?

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

When it comes to how solar panels operate day in and day out on top of the roof of your home, there are few common misconceptions. We thought we’d clear up those myths with some facts about how solar works in all kinds of weather conditions. MYTH 1: Solar only works in hot weather. You need plenty of sunlight to generate solar energy and there are more hours of sunlight during the warmer summer months. It’s the light - not the heat - that solar panels use to generate clean energy. Solar panels actually work more efficiently when it’s not too hot outside. In fact, there are many instances of solar panels working in extreme cold, such as the Antarctic, or even to power satellites in outer space. MYTH 2: Solar doesn’t work during the winter. The Solaria solar panels used in GAF Energy roof-integrated solar systems have been subjected to extra reliability testing to expose the product to a variety of stresses, including severe heat and cold cycles and cyclic humidity and freezing. And, as we explained in Myth #1, solar panels work more efficiently in cooler temperatures, so while they may collect less overall sunlight in, say January, the panels will generate electricity any time there’s light - as long as they’re not completely obscured by snow. If it does snow, due to the pitch of most rooftops, as soon as the sun comes out the snow usually melts and slides off the glass panels. It’s also worth mentioning that, depending upon where you live, thanks to a policy called net energy metering the excess solar energy you generated during the summer can be used as a credit with your utility when your solar production naturally decreases during the winter. MYTH 3: Solar panels can’t withstand a heavy wind or rainstorm. What’s amazing about the new GAF Energy solar system is that you’ll be getting a roof from the most trusted roofing company in North America and a solar system that’s designed to be part of that roof, similar to the way a skylight fits seamlessly into a roof. This avoids having to risk the integrity of roofing materials by puncturing them to install a traditional solar system, potentially causing leaks. A GAF Energy solar roof is a product that has been tested in lab conditions to withstand winds of up to 110 mph. That means it’s certified per building code regulations to be installed in areas with prescribed wind speed ratings of 180 mph. The wind test also includes wind-driven rain at a rate of more than 8 inches per hour - twice the rainfall rate of the worst rainstorm in history. MYTH 4: Solar doesn’t work in cloudy areas. Today’s solar cells are more efficient than ever, meaning they’re able to capture the sun’s rays even in low-light situations. In fact, cities such as San Francisco, California and Portland, Oregon have plenty of foggy or overcast days, and plenty of happy solar customers. Up and coming adopters of solar energy, such as cities on the East Coast with similarly overcast weather like Boston, Massachusetts and Newark, New Jersey. MYTH 5: Installing solar causes rain to leak through the roof. As we mentioned in MYTH 3, you’re getting a solar system that has been designed to be part of your roof. Because the GAF Energy solar system is a direct-to-deck installation, similar to a skylight, its seamless, waterproof set-up avoids leakage problems associated with conventional rack-mounted solar panels. Rack mounting or “retrofit solar” requires puncturing your shingles and roof to install the lag bolts that hold the rack onto the roof. This sometimes disrupts the shingles and waterproofing, causing leaks and potentially accelerating the degradation of your roofing materials. By comparison, DecoTech® is installed onto a fresh roof deck along with a new comp shingle roof and flashed in to ensure that the building envelope is maintained.

[@farmerbond4210]

Interesting, but none of those myths address the OP original concern with efficiency drop as panel temperature climbs. Probably somewhere around 160f plus on a summer day with no wind.

[@swizking]

@@farmerbond4210 exactly! heat upsets all electronics! how do they get rid of the heat?

[@larryhawes8295]

I had an older system that used small panels designed to integrate into a concrete tile roof. There was no air space and as soon as the temps rose on warm summer days (San Diego summers) the voltage output dropped enough to disable the inverter and they proved virtually worthless. I took them and installed regular panels and they are working a treat. That was then, probably 10 - 12 years ago, and technologies have changed but what hasn't changed is the reduction in solar output of an system as the heat rises. These panels will simply get hot reducing their output.

[@orcoastgreenman]

How are the panels held down to the top of the previous row, at the bottom edge to prevent wind uplift?

[@michiganengineer8621]

During the install it looked like they were pulling a protective paper strip off. I'm guessing it's a glue down for the bottom edge of each shingle/panel.

[@orcoastgreenman]

@@michiganengineer8621 - ok, that answers it. Thanks for your observation of the details I missed! I live where we get up to 130mph winds with some regularity, so panel shingles would have to be secured with a really strong adhesive here. Something on par with automotive trim tape, and surface cleaned of any oils before bonding. If they could make this really cheap, with the type of cells that still work in partial sun and on cloudy days, a lower efficiency, higher roof area coverage system would be excellent.

[@michiganengineer8621]

@@orcoastgreenman I'd like to see a system like this using micro-inverters. Then feed them into the generator input of something like a Sol-Ark 15k with a big ground mount array feeding the PV inputs.

[@ilyashick3178]

interesting, after seeing this stream tried to each somebody from company. After back and forth emails find out it is available only for re-roofing and installation. Not sure if it is possible just install solar shields over the existing roof. Sound no solid about this one..

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Yes this is best for a new build or a re-roof since the only roofing system need to be fully removed and replaced. As far as installing a solar shield over the existing roof or solar flex panels that are glued down this is possible however the problem lies in how durable would that be and will it hold in a storm or through the winter months. Something to consider.

[@shekharmoona544]

GAF needs to talk to airstream get these on RVs now. Then move the AC off of the roofs of motor homes.

[@stuart_oneill]

Especially in some aread of CA (hillsides and brushcountry esp) and other states fire resistance is imperative. That's why I used to specifically build with tile ir metal only.

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Yes in these areas you must have high fire rated roofing materials. GAF strives to meet all regulations and fire standards. These Timberline Solar Shingles have the following specifications and ratings: Timberline Solar Roof Technology The system is then fixed to a flexible material resembling traditional shingles and topped with hardened glass to withstand hail. Specifications: Can withstand hurricane-force winds up to 130 MPH. UL 790 Class A fire-rated.

[@stuart_oneill]

@@legacyroofingutah9766 thanks.

[@thetruthserum2816]

Seems like they should also take this concept and flip it 90 degrees, so that the panels are vertical, like a metal roof... So basically make solar panels that match exactly a vertical metal roof system.

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Yes great idea. Roof-it solar has a product like this you may be interested in checking out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpebaZ6FoNmCd5o

[@SomeDumUsrName]

One of these days these systems may actually be worthwhile. At present, I don't agree that they are an "investment."

[@swizking]

looking at the surrounding houses, it appears they are putting these panels on the wrong side of the house. maybe this house has no south facing roof. i do like the technology

[@CrossTrainedMind]

This is nice if you want shingles. But what if you want a metal roof?

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

For those who want a solar metal roof the Tesla Tile Solar Roof is worth considering or a company called roof-it is developing a metal solar roof. you can check them out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpebaZ6FoNmCd5o Tesla Solar Roof Installs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inmcaGSaqZWga7M

[@ca6360]

They should do verticals that are same width if standard standing seam... something that can be cut to length and wires up under ridge cap.

[@dcurleyifa]

Do you have a UK supplier please ?

[@AskIveSolar]

Is this cnets video?

[@onthelake9554]

Having had 2 different new homes with GAF shingles over the years I don't think I want to throw out my solar panels every 15 years . And I sure don't want to nail them down , If a traditional panel goes down I can change it in 20 minutes . As for looks a nice all black set of tradition panels installed correctly looks much better than that wire trough mess IMO.

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

You make a good point. These GAF Timberline Solar Shingles come with a great 25 year warranty and will last the full 25 years or more. The shingles used in the system should also be the upgraded more durable GAF shingles for a longer lasting more durable system. As for one panel having an issue and getting it fixed yes this is quite easy. On the flip side these solar shingles are quite easy to repair and fix as well with a slightly different process. If you have a good square big roof than traditional panels if installed correctly can blend in well however if you have a roof that has lots of shape to it the traditional panels really stick out where if you had the GAF Timberline Solar Shingles would hide better and blend in better with their lower profile. Both are great solutions it just depends on your roof and how the end results looks on your particular roof style.

[@olegig5166]

How does hail affect it?

[@idahoduckhunter]

That's my question

[@olegig5166]

@@idahoduckhunter be surprised if we get an answer.

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

The energy shingle is rated UL 2218 Class 1 electrek.co/2022/01/06/these-new-nailable-solar-shingles-are-installed-like-a-traditional-roof/

[@npatu2003]

Isn't this a CNET video?

[@JasonBrynarsky]

Yup. Original video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/raHYnYCugceUZ7c

[@JuanRBlohm]

NEC 690.12?

[@jascam1]

Quit skirting the issue, what's so hard about giving a dollar figure. It's going to vary by state and other factors. People tend to understand numbers easily.

[@ichichiyaya1324]

i wonder what their insurance claim will be with a hailstorm.

[@patrickdegenaar9495]

An important direction is to ease installation costs. However, this is too light! There should be a weight on the back or winter storms such as here in the UK would rip it off.

[@billvojtech5686]

I think I saw a peel and stick strip on the back of the unnailed edge. Depending on how strong the adhesive is, it should prevent blow off.

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

These work the same as traditional asphalt shingles and seal to each layer creating a water resistant barrier. Same system and roofing function as traditional asphalt shingles just with added solar capability.

[@AmandaComeauCreates]

I bet the shingles packages are lighter to carry up on the roof too

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Yes these GAF Timberline solar shingles are much lighter than traditional panels which makes the install a lot less labor intensive for the installers.

[@MonsieurLabbe]

Is this product available in Canada ?

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Find your local Canada GAF shingle installer here: www.gaf.ca/ The installer should be able to special order the Solar shingles for your home if they are not readily available currently in Canada. What city are you located in? I can do some research on this matter and get back to you.

[@JaM-si6nb]

Is this product available outside the USA?

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Currently only available in the USA and coming to Canada soon.

[@JaM-si6nb]

@@legacyroofingutah9766 am 🇬🇧 based.

[@PloughmansBackyard]

Anything for steel roofs??

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

This Solar Shingle would not be suitable for a steal roof however a company called roof-it-solar are developing a metal solar roof. You can check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpebaZ6FoNmCd5o

[@timkirkpatrick9155]

What is the class fire rating?

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Class A fire rating and can withstand hail.

[@fatihbasaran9264]

Hi I like this product. I'm thinking wind power and this solar panel. I have little cyrpto mining rig cost me 1500 watt/h.( actually 1384 watt/h ) I live in Turkey at İzmir. 8 month sunny 4 month sunny , rainy mixed weather. I dont have any snowy weather problem. I want to use this panels 7/24 all year. I want to learn total cost to me. I will weait your answer. Thank you & Best Regards.

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

This product is currently only available in north America but will be making it's way to international markets soon. The cost of the roof depends on the size of the roof, the size of the solar system you want and the usable area. More details would be needed to help you figure the rough cost of this system.

[@fatihbasaran9264]

@@legacyroofingutah9766 All roff 45m2 but Sun shows up nearly 20 m2.

[@k-sell4065]

Can they withstand hail damage is my question?

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Yes they can, hail up to a certain size is covered in the warranty and anything that is consider a natural disaster size hail will be covered by insurance as is a traditional asphalt shingle roof. GAF has over 130 years in the roofing material industry and they have though of everything to make sure home owners are covered. Rest assured these are very durable solar shingles. Thanks for your comment and feedback - Legacy Roofing of Utah

[@k-sell4065]

@@legacyroofingutah9766 good stuff thank you for your response 😊

[@jontopham2742]

How's it do rapid shutdown???

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Section 690.12 of the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC 2020) covers rapid shutdown requirements which, with a few exceptions, have largely remained unchanged since the last Code cycle (NEC 2017). For the majority of installers, there are not many practical changes. Nonetheless, rapid shutdown represents a vitally important safety requirement for solar PV systems, and system designers and EPCs should be familiar with these requirements.

[@jontopham2742]

@@legacyroofingutah9766 this isn't an installer issue, it's an equipment issue. Do installers need to stuff tigos on that spine that runs down the face of it? Sounds like this product is dead on arrival to me

[@jontopham2742]

@@legacyroofingutah9766 I am an epc

[@upnorthyooper1196]

Can you use this in snow country?

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

yes but the snow will need to be removed so they can create solar energy.

[@upnorthyooper1196]

@@legacyroofingutah9766 I would use a 6 -12 or 8 -12 pitch. The snow on our 6 -12 dumps by itself.

[@brainthesizeofplanet]

Well that'll outsell Tesla solar roof by installed watts per year in no time It's not perfect as you'll have like 20 connection boxes at the top, also efficiency in low light conditions wasn't mentioned. Another factor is you have either more strings or U couple strings with different cell numbers or shading - that'll be not oey but if U put it around the roof it'll do just fine I'm the end

[@wbrtcanada6922]

If I have metal roof already, how can I do with your?

[@whattheschmidt]

Don't....go with glass panels in that case. They will be good to go for 40+ years.

[@wbrtcanada6922]

@@whattheschmidt thank you!

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

The GAF Solar Shingle is only for new construction or asphalt re-roof installations. If you have a metal roof traditional solar panels would be the best option especially if the metal roof is in good condition and still has most of it's life left.

[@kietsmiller5947]

Can it be installed on a metal roof?

[@VaporheadATC]

Would you normally shingle a metal roof? NO

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

No this would not work on a metal roof. It is best installed during a new build or re-roof since the full roof must be removed and then the solar shingles are integrated into the asphalt shingles creating one connected complete roofing power system for the home.

[@mikegrok]

Max wind speed of 110 mph, so not for me as I live in a hurricane area.

[@49Newlife]

How about walking on them?

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

Yes you can walk on the shingles. They are hail, water and wind resistant just like traditional shingles. Walking on them will not hurt them. The solar cells and components are very durable, built to last a long time.

[@richard9436]

And... We still don't know what a completed roof looks like.

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

You can find several photos and a video of completed roofs here with GAF Timberline Solar Shingles. Many are currently being installed and more completed homes will be available shortly to be viewed. www.gaf.energy/timberline-solar/

[@jeffs6090]

I really don't like the design of this system. Having the cables on the edge of the shingle all connecting makes the line going up the roof. It's very aesthetically displeasing. Other companies integrate that much better. I've seen metal roofs with pv solar embedded within the roofing, and it looks exactly like a regular metal roof. There's also clay tile roofs that have solar embedded within the tiles, and when you choose a more grey colored tiling, you can't even see the ones that are the pv tiles. (Probably not actual clay, but a composite like trex decking.) I definitely like more and more companies trying different things because we need options as consumers, but this product almost looks just as ugly as bolt on panels.

[@legacyroofingutah9766]

I agree that it is not the best looking option but when you compare the cost of this system vs the other better looking ones like the Tesla Solar Tile roof it starts to become possible for the average home owner to have a solar roof that looks slightly better than the traditional rack mounted panel system. Most of the design comes down to the balance of cost, functionality and aesthetics. For the cost it is a decent option well below the cost for a Tesla Tile Solar Roof.

[@vorant77]

We are in the market for a new roof but because we live in an historic district its not allowed.