Solar roof Installation and maintenance: FAQs

Your solar roof installation starts with connecting with one of our GAF Energy representatives to be your point of contact. They will inform you of timetables and expectations as well as answer any questions you may have along the process.

The first step of your solar and new roof installation begins with receiving the materials at your home on one or more pallets. They arrive within a few days before the installation and will be left in a convenient spot for you and your roofer.

Your GAF-certified roofers will also deliver a debris bin during this time to ensure proper removal of your old roof and anything accumulated during your new roof installation.

During your new roof installation, your old roof will be removed, and your standard and solar shingles will be installed simultaneously, providing you with a singular solar roof system.

After installation, an electrician partnered with your roofer will connect your system. From there, all you need to do is wait for your solar permission to operate to be issued. Then, activate your system, and you could start saving money on your electrical bill.

For optimal solar power generation, your roof will need to have a certain pitch and good southern exposure to capture the most sunlight to help you maximize your solar savings and make the most of your GAF Energy solar roof investment. Due to their design, Timberline Solar^® shingles can be installed on a number of differently-styled roofs. If you're curious if your roof is compatible with GAF Energy solar shingles, contact us today to learn more, or visit our Timberline Solar^® page to learn more.

Timberline Solar^® cannot be installed over existing obstructions, but it can be installed near them within a certain proximity. Other options include removing the obstructions or relocating them on the roof, depending on the type of obstruction and the homeowner’s preference. 

What makes Timberline Solar^® Energy Shingles (ES) uniquely appealing is their size and installation method, making them capable of fitting individual shingles into areas on a roof where larger panels may not fit.

Typically, roofs are replaced around the 20-year mark, with some needing to be replaced sooner or later depending on the damage sustained from the elements. Other factors that may expedite needing to replace your roof are the composition and the kind of climate you live in.

Contact a GAF-certified roofer if you’d like to schedule a roof inspection to see if your roof needs to be replaced. If you do need a roof replacement, that’s the best time to consider going solar with GAF Energy. 

When to replace your roof
To inspect your roof yourself, take a look in your attic on a sunny day. If you notice light getting through anywhere or if you see sagging, cracks, or evidence of water damage, such as dark spots, you might need a roof replacement. A damaged roof could lead to moisture getting inside your home, which can cause an array of expensive problems if not dealt with promptly.

The Timberline Solar^® system is designed to require little to no maintenance. Seasonal rains should help keep the solar shingles clean of dirt and debris, but if not, homeowners can gently rinse their shingles (only when they’re cool). Timberline Solar^® is warranted to provide excellent, durable protection from leaks, the elements, and weather-related issues while generating reliable, clean energy for the home.

It doesn't! A Timberline Solar^® roof has two shingle types that are installed together to create a complete solar roof. They are the Timberline Solar^® Energy Shingle (ES) and the Timberline HDZ^® Shingle. This approach means homeowners do not sacrifice the integrity or aesthetics of the roof to go solar.

The Timberline Solar^® Energy Shingle^® (ES) is the world’s first nailable solar energy shingle. It installs as readily and easily as standard roofing shingles, protecting your roof from the elements while generating solar energy for use within the home. It boasts an industry-defying depth of less than a quarter inch. The ES integrates with compatible traditional non-energy generating shingles to create a sleek and attractive look.

Every roof is different, but if your roof is a viable candidate for a Timberline^® Solar roof system, we offer design services to help your certified contractor maximize the benefits of this technology.

Yes, your GAF Energy solar roof is compatible with several battery options. Even with a battery, your solar roof is connected to the grid. You can choose to receive a credit for excess energy generation or store it in your battery. You should choose the best option for your home.

GAF Energy currently offers energy storage solutions in select markets. We are actively testing new batteries from various manufacturers and looking to expand this offering to other regions soon.

Timberline Solar^® is compatible with all the major battery offerings currently on the market. AC-coupled batteries like the Tesla Powerwall or Sonnen Eco are designed to be added to existing solar installations at any time. Other energy storage systems may require unique equipment for existing solar installations.

Yes. GAF Energy solar roof systems are compatible with many energy storage offerings on the market. A licensed energy storage contractor can evaluate, recommend, and install an appropriate energy storage system for your home.

All options and features for energy storage are site-dependent and unique to the particular energy storage system. Please verify with a licensed energy storage contractor in advance that the specifications are right for the installed solar components and the desired operation modes (backup, self-consumption, time-of-use load shifting, etc.).

Not exactly. While your GAF Energy roof-integrated solar system may generate excess energy sent to the grid under net metering rules, you are compensated for this via a credit, not a cash payment. While you won't necessarily make money, you could spend significantly less over the next two to three decades.

You also may use these credits when you need to draw energy from the grid, such as at night or during times of year when you’re generating less solar energy.

Depending on your local net metering rules, these credits may roll over monthly or get distributed quarterly or annually.

GAF Energy has an online portal that allows customers to track their solar roof’s production. If you are a customer with an active system, please log in to our customer portal.