ass
- It is installed as a ceiling.
- It promises lower emissions
- more stylish look
- Installed with a roof
i don't like it
- There are no high-end options with less production drop
Since GAF Energy introduced its solar panels in early 2021, insurers have installed them in 16 states. The company's expansion could mean a major change in how homeowners access rooftop solar.
About 5 million new roofs are installed on homes each year, and 1.5 million of those use GAF roofs, said Ray Holmes, vice president of services and products for GAF Energy. Even converting some of these rooftops to GAF Energy's solar panels would significantly increase the use of solar energy on residential rooftops in the US. But what does this mean for you, the homeowner? We will try to answer this question as best we can below.
While we are unable to go through the purchase process and participate in hands-on testing during our review process, we are reviewing GAF Energy based on data obtained from the Internet and an interview with a GAF Energy representative. - It is easier than with other solar energy companies . We found GAF Energy's product and business model to be unique among the companies we've reviewed so far, making direct comparisons difficult. However, we will do our best to position the company within the industry and determine how it compares to the competition. If the comparison doesn't work or if we can't guarantee something, I'll write in the review.
Advertiser Disclosure . Owned by Red Ventures, CNET's parent company, SaveOnEnergy can help you find the right energy for your home. The SaveOnEnergy marketplace helps you find, compare, register and save the right energy for your home for free. If you're interested in solar energy, answer a few questions to get a detailed quote from our solar energy consultants.
What do I get from GAF Energy?
Instead of solar panels mounted on metal roof racks, GAF Energy sells solar panels called Timberline Solar that look like old shingles nailed to roofs. Shingles are laid on the roof, and electrical components are placed in pipes in front of each one. It's less like a solar panel, but not as integrated as the sleek but expensive Tesla hatch .
Because solar cells and solar panels are different technologies, it's not very helpful to compare Timberline Solar's energy production efficiency to other solar companies. But GAF Energy can meet the energy needs of homeowners by installing Timberline Solar on their roofs.
All solar panels produce less energy over time. Timberline Solar's warranty states that performance will not drop more than 2% in the first year or 0.55% over the course of a year. After 25 years, Timberline Solar should continue to produce 84.8% of its original level. This wash rate matches many solar panels in use today, but falls short of some more expensive offerings.
GAF Energy guarantees no leaks due to manufacturing defects for 25 years and extends a 15-year wind warranty to 130 mph.
Timberline Solar has two extended solar panel warranties that customers can add. With the optional Solar Plus warranty, you get a 1-year warranty on electrical work and a 10-year warranty on third-party electronics. With the Solar Max Warranty Rider, you get a 10-year warranty on electrical work and a 25-year warranty on third-party electronics.
With Solar Max, you also get a 25-year solar power generation warranty. This guarantees that your Timberline solar system will produce a certain number of kilowatt-hours at certain points in time for 25 years. The cost of this guarantee depends on the number of kWh ordered. These decisions are made on a project-by-project basis, and I have no idea how aggressive these goals are.
If the production benchmark is not met, GAF Energy, which will monitor the system, will fix any problems in the system and then "reimburse that customer," Holmes told CNET.
Holmes also said that while GAF is not focused on rechargeable batteries , the systems are compatible with all brands of batteries and customers will be able to add them.
GAF Energy works with Delta to meet their inverter needs, but has the option to use other brands. Delta inverters have an efficiency of up to 98%, which is in line with other leading inverters. Timberline Solar is equipped with string inverters, which typically use slightly less energy than solar panels. However, since string inverters are installed at ground level rather than on the roof, they are more accessible for maintenance.
GAF Energy, like most other solar companies, offers a web application (not mobile) for monitoring solar energy production.
GAF Energy Timberline Solar is a good deal.
The short answer is probably yes. Again, it's hard to compare the prices of Timberline Solar and conventional solar panels. While conventional solar panels are installed on the roof, Timberline Solar is part of it. This means you are buying a new roof and Timberline Solar at the same time.
While prices vary by market and project, getting a new roof and solar panels from GAF Energy costs about the same as getting a new roof and traditional rooftop solar panels, the company says. Therefore, purchasing Timberline Solar only makes financial sense if you are looking to replace your roof. If you're in the moment, Timberline Solar has some potential benefits.
I haven't seen exact data on the number of roofs after installing conventional solar panels, but there may be leakage. Timberline Solar is installed with nails instead of large screws and serves as a roof. Leak prevention is one of the main selling points as the roof is guaranteed to be leak free for 25 years.
You also get the ability to kill two large projects with one shot. Instead of buying a new roof, instead of buying a solar panel, it's the same equipment. Again, this makes it a bit more difficult to compare prices (it's always good to get quotes from multiple solar plants), but it makes the installation process much easier.
You can also go with Timberline Solar shingles, another advantage over conventional solar panels that offers flexibility in installation location and easy maintenance should problems arise.
Aesthetically, while I personally don't buy into the idea that solar panels are ugly, Timberline Solar is definitely more refined on a roof than traditional panels.
GAF Energy works in my state. How to apply?
Timberline Solar is manufactured by GAF Energy but installed by GAF Certified Elite Roofers. This means that while some customers contact GAF Energy directly through your website, most customers only interact with your contractor.
Timberline Solar is available in 16 states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington.
If you're looking for an insurer and specifically looking for Timberline Solar, you can fill out an online form on the GAF Energy website that will put you in touch with a local installer or put you on a waiting list for Timberline to contact you. The sun is available all around you. From order to installation, GAF Certified Roofing Specialists manage the project, even working with local electricians to manage parts of the project such as inverter installation and required wiring.
GAF Energy is the best choice.
When it comes to solar roofs, the GAF Energy Timberline Roof is probably your best choice. Another major solar roof manufacturer, Tesla Solar Roof , has a sleeker look but is quite expensive (although the cost will vary depending on the complexity and size of your roof). GAF Energy's Timberline Solar should match the price of conventional solar panels.
While it is difficult to find accurate data on rooftop solar emissions, it makes sense that solar components built into the roof (and attached, like all bituminous roofing) emit less radiation in the long run. , than screws drilled into the roof. . CNET's Brian Cooley watched Timberline Solar climb onto a roof and install solar panels and came to the same conclusion .
Timberline Solar's performance over time is comparable to many conventional solar panels on the market, although higher spec solar panels are guaranteed to perform better in their later life. There are no related Timberline Solar products yet. A Timberline solar system can get more energy from your roof because the solar panels can be installed in places on the roof where larger solar panels cannot fit. This can open up more optimal space on the roof for the solar panel.
After all, what we consider to be the best solar roofing company may not be the best choice for you. It's always important to get multiple quotes before spending thousands of dollars on a major upgrade, even one that could save you money in the long run .
