GAF Energy, the leading provider of solar roofing in North America, has announced plans to build a state-of-the-art solar roofing testing facility and initiate a new round of Building Integrated Solar (BIPV) testing. This initiative is supported in part by a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) investment.
The new testing project aims to develop, test, and validate a combination of optical, thermal, and energy models for roof-integrated solar shingles. This will enhance the understanding of the benefits solar shingles provide in improving heating and air conditioning efficiency for homes. The facility will be equipped with advanced weather, PV, and temperature monitoring systems. GAF Energy, a U.S. manufacturer, is partnering with Sandia National Laboratories and its network of Regional Test Centers on the project. The company has been conducting ongoing testing of solar roofing with Sandia National Labs since 2021.
“Solar roofing offers the opportunity for residential solar to reach the mainstream, and testing is critical to further innovation in this sector,” said Martin DeBono, President of GAF Energy. “We’re thankful to the Department of Energy for their ongoing commitment to supporting clean energy innovation, and we’re looking forward to continuing our partnership with the experts at Sandia National Labs to verify the performance, durability, and benefits of solar roofing.”
The U.S. DOE award was announced earlier this year as part of a broader $71 million investment in research, development, and demonstration projects to grow the network of domestic manufacturers across the U.S. solar energy supply chain. This includes $16 million from the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
GAF Energy is a leader in solar roofing (BIPV) product design and development. The company’s award-winning solar roof, Timberline Solar™, features the world’s first nailable solar shingle and is the only roof system to directly integrate solar technology into traditional roofing processes and materials. GAF Energy recently completed a new 450,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Georgetown, Texas, and is currently searching for a location for the new testing facility.
The new testing facility will play a crucial role in advancing solar roofing technology, ensuring its performance, durability, and efficiency. This development marks a significant step forward in the mainstream adoption of residential solar solutions.
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