GAF Timberline solar roof shingles are increasingly penetrating the market, and since they are a new invention, not everybody knows them well. Since this is a new way of going green and saving on monthly electricity bills, it can be a good addition n to your home.
GAF Timberline solar shingles are among those currently running the market with their roof shingles, but how much do you know them, what are their pros, and how much do they cost? Let’s discuss them and get to know each aspect of Timberline solar shingles.
Table of Contents
Where Are GAF Timberline Solar Shingles Made?
Baltimore, Maryland: This is the primary factory for the GAF solar shingles; aside from manufacturing them, they also perform other day-to-day responsibilities such as manufacturing, purchasing, material planning, and waste management.
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What Is the Cost of Gaf Timberline Solar Shingles?
Based on the most recent update as of January 2023, the solar shingles produced by GAF have yet to be given any official price range. However, replacing the entire roof with GAF solar shingles can be estimated at $42,000.
This estimation would be reduced to $30,000 when incentives are considered. Nonetheless, this would also be highly dependent on the size of each roof.
The cost would range between $45,000 to $50,000, meaning that the cost per watt of these solar shingles would be $3.80.
Considering the details we have gathered, a traditional roof replacement and a normal solar installation would still be more pocket friendly than opting for GAF’s solar shingles.
Nevertheless, if you are determined to use solar shingles, GAF’s solution may be more economical than installing a Tesla solar roof, which generally costs nearly $60,000.
- 100W Monocrystalline Solar Panel with high efficiency cells.
- Ultra-lightweight and ultra-thin design.
- Built-in diode prevents reverse charging.
- Waterproof and robust design for outdoor use.
- Easy to install and use with pre-drilled holes.
- Includes a5m extension cable for easy setup.
- Compatible with 12V, 24V and 48V battery systems.
- Ideal for RV, boats, cabins, campsites, and more.
- High quality construction.
- 100 Watt 12 Volt Flexible Monocrystalline Solar Panel.
- ETFE Encapsulation for ultimate protection from water, snow and dust.
- Lightweight and ultra-thin for easy installation.
- Can be bent up to 30 degrees to fit curved surfaces.
- Ideal for off-grid applications such as RV, boats, campers, and cabins.
- Highly efficient monocrystalline cells provide higher power output.
- Built-in blocking diode prevents reverse current flow.
- Comes with a 25-year power output warranty.
- Includes 10AWG MC4 connectors and mounting hardware.
- Perfect for charging 12V batteries, such as lead-acid, Li-ion, and LiFePO4
- The DOKIO Semi-Flexible Solar Panel 100W 12V Bendable Thin Film Monocrystalline.
- Offers an easy and efficient way to power your home, cabin, RV, boat, or any other off-grid application.
- High efficiency solar panel is made with a semi-flexible monocrystalline material. Incredibly lightweight and thin. Can be bent up to 30 degrees. Perfect for a variety of curved surfaces.
- The included junction box is water-resistant. Includes a set of MC4 connectors for quick and easy installation.
- 600W of energy per hour in direct sunlight.
- Durable and reliable.
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Who Makes Timberline Solar Shingles?
Timberline solar shingles are manufactured by GAF, a roofing and waterproofing company headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, United States.
It is a major roofing manufacturer in North America, with various plants in strategic locations throughout the United States. Aside from roofing solar systems, they also have other related businesses such as;
FT Synthetics
FT Synthetics manufactures coated woven fabrics and specifically emphasizes creating innovative underlayment products for steep slope roofing applications.
The company aims to design products that exhibit excellent performance and consistent quality, providing one of the safest walking surfaces available in the industry. FT Synthetics operates as a fully-integrated entity within the manufacturing process.
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Siplast
Siplast is a top-notch producer of high-performance waterproofing and commercial roofing materials. The products of FT Synthetics have been utilized in protecting and enhancing renowned architectural wonders worldwide.
Most notably are the Library of Congress, the Empire State Building, the Seattle Space Needle, and the United Nations General Assembly Building.
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Standard Logistics
Standard Logistics is a prominent logistics provider that operates a versatile fleet of vehicles and collaborates with dependable carriers to offer extended and short-haul services nationwide.
Its warehouses are strategically located nationwide to ensure customer satisfaction, driver safety, diversity, and innovation, which powers the company’s unbeatable logistics performance.
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StreetBond
StreetBond is revolutionizing pavements by creating vibrant and cooling solutions for public and private spaces. The company offers a comprehensive range of colors that empower communities to transform otherwise plain pavements into stunning works of art.
In addition to enhancing curb appeal, these solutions help mitigate the urban heat island effect, making spaces safer and more comfortable for everyone.
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What Is the Highest Grade of Shingles?
UL Class A: Shingles that fall under UL Class A are highly resistant to fire. In this case, they are therefore the most recommended for homeowners. In particular, this is for those living in areas vulnerable to wildfire outbreaks. These shingles have very low flammability and are thus considered the safest option available in the market.
- Solar hybrid charger inverter with 3000W 24V pure sine wave power inverter and 60A MPPT solar controller in one.
- Suitable for off-grid solar systems, RVs, boats, and yachts.
- An LCD display built inside the unit monitors solar energy input, inverter output power, and battery status.
- A 3000W pure sine wave inverter built into the unit provides reliable, clean, and efficient power.
- Overload and over-temperature protection, as well as auto restart.
- Maximum solar power efficiency is achieved with a 60A MPPT solar controller.
- In-built battery charger for 12V/24V lead-acid and lithium batteries.
- Simple to set up and use, with a USB connector for charging your mobile devices.
- Renogy 3000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter: Converts 12V DC to 120V AC for dependable power in homes, RVs, trucks, off-grid solar systems, and other applications.
- A 5V/2.1A USB port is built-in for charging your electrical gadgets.
- An AC hardwire port for connecting to an alternating current power source, as well as a remote controller for remote monitoring.
- Heavy-duty aluminum alloy housing for efficient cooling and robust shock and dust protection.
- Works with any 12V batteries, including sealed, gel, and flooded.
- Advanced safety features such as overvoltage, overcurrent, low voltage, and short circuit protection are included.
- Simple installation and setup thanks to the provided user manual and accessories.
- Krieger 3000 Watt Power Inverter - 12V to 110V Modified Sine Wave Car Inverter.
- Hardwire Kit - for simple installation and a strong connection.
- DC to AC Converter - converts 12V DC power to 110V AC power.
- Installation Kit - includes all installation hardware.
- ETL Approved - complies with UL STD 458 safety standards.
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Can You Walk On GAF Timberline Solar Shingles?
Yes, solar shingles are designed to support human weight, making it possible to walk on them for maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the gutters.
They are installed using the same process as regular roof shingles, except for the electrical contacts on the upward side, which must be exposed for easy access.
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What Are the Drawbacks of GAF Timberline Solar Shingles?
Availability Is More Limited
Solar shingles are new inventions that have not traversed a large demographic; this means that they can’t be found easily, unlike other forms of energy like electricity and solar panels.
If you want to purchase them, you’ll have to go to the manufacturers and order from there, which may be expensive if you live far away.
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They Are More Expensive
GAF Timberline solar shingles are a bit more expensive than traditional solar panels because normal solar panels do not require too much labor. Timberline solar shingles will first require specialized experts to install them; additionally, they act like roofings.
So aside from the energy it will produce, you will also be using it as your roofing material, meaning that you will have to cater for both expenses.
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They Have Fewer Style and Color Options
Timberline being a new invention, they have yet to explore the many luxurious o[tions that could bring the elegance other roofing materials bring. This only limits you to specific colors.
This means that if you need to explore other variations of colors, it will be impossible by now. Also, they are solar shingles, and to increase their efficiency, most of them are made black because of the ability of black to absorb energy more.
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Less Installation Flexibility Like Traditional Solar Panels
Normal solar panels are always directed towards where there is more Sunpower, meaning they can be placed at a certain angle favorable for maximum absorption.
However, the solar shingles do not allow them to take directions depending on where the house is situated, meaning some places may receive enough sunlight while others receive less.
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GAF Timberline Solar Shingles are Not Conducive to a DIY Installation
Installing Timberline solar shingles is complicated; therefore, DYI installation might be complex. They require somebody with a vast knowledge of solar panels and roofing to ensure that they use both techniques during installation.
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Where To Buy GAF Solar Shingles
You can buy GAF Timberline solar shingles at any of the Gaf branches in the United States, or alternatively, you can reach them out at their social media or Gaf website.
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Do Timberline Shingles Fade?
GAF timberline solar shingles are made to withstand discoloration. However, due to the harsh weather and sunlight, they may experience some fading over time. Of course, it won’t be in a year or two, but there will be some discoloration every time it is in direct sunlight.
- 288Wh Capacity, 330W Output.
- Upgraded Battery Management System.
- USB-C PD 60W, USB-A QC 18W.
- Power 8 Device simultaneously.
- 3 Ways To Recharge, Built-in MPPT Controller.
- Takes two hours to recharge.
- Steady and secure power supply - Comes with a 293Wh lithium-ion battery pack.
- It can recharge itself and charge up to six devices.
- 600W AC inverter, 268Wh LiFePO4 battery pack, and 9 outlets.
- Quick charging.
- Very reliable UPS.
- In-built MPPT controller.
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What Class Are Timberline Shingles
ULL Class A: The GAF Timberline Solar roofing shingle system is designed to be durable and long-lasting. It uses a unique adhesive called GAF Dura Grip to securely seal each shingle. This works by preventing shingle blow-off during high winds.
In fact, GAF Advanced Protection Shingles have a warranty that guarantees they can withstand winds up to 130 mph.
The latest addition to this roofing system is the Timberline Shingles with LayerLock Technology. When these shingles are installed with the required combination of accessories, they may qualify for the WindProven Limited Wind Warranty. To emphasize, this is the first wind warranty in the industry with no maximum wind speed limitation.
This means your roof will be covered even in extreme wind conditions.
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Do Solar Shingles Perform Better Than Regular Solar Panels?
Solar shingles of 6 kW capacity generate less electricity compared to conventional solar panel systems of the same capacity. This is due to their installation on the roof, which is at an angle unfavorable for maximum electricity generation.
Solar shingles are installed parallel to the roof. This is in contrast to solar panels, which are mounted on racking equipment to achieve ideal tilt and angle for an optimum generation.
Furthermore, solar shingles often get heated up as there is no airflow between the roof and the shingle back. In time, this leads to reduced efficiency due to the inverse relationship between solar cell temperature and electricity production.
Thus, the unfavorable installation angle and increased surface temperature result in less efficient solar shingles performance than solar panels.
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Advantages of GAF Timberline Solar Shingles
Lower Energy Bills and Other Savings
GAF Timberline Solar Shingles offer many benefits, the most significant being cost savings. Solar roofs can significantly reduce your energy bills by using the sun’s energy instead of relying on the energy grid.
In addition to electric savings, selling excess electricity generated by the panels back to the grid is also possible. This is a good way to get extra income from your solar shingles.
You should also explore tax benefits offered by their state for solar panels. Many states offer tax credits or rebates to qualifying homes, which can result in savings during tax season. Additionally, upgrading to solar panels can qualify for a tax exemption on property taxes in New Jersey.
For those interested in other ways to save on energy bills, GAF provides winter energy-saving tips that offer additional ideas.
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GAF Timberline Solar Shingles Are Eco-friendly
Taping your power from solar energy is one of the best ways to embrace an eco-friendly environment. The power that supplies your home typically stems from burning fossil fuels, which generates hazardous emissions.
GAF Timberline solar shingles decrease the need for and consumption of fossil fuels, leading to a reduced carbon footprint.
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Seamless Installation
Integrated solar systems such as GAF Timberline Solar Shingles offer the advantage of both energy efficiency and structural integrity. Unlike typical solar panels, which are mounted onto a roof using fasteners that need to be drilled into the roof’s surface, integrated systems do not require drilling into the shingles.
The interlocking system is skillfully designed to blend seamlessly with your roof, creating a more unified appearance. Moreover, this feature helps preserve the roof’s structural stability since there are no penetrations into the roof’s surface.
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Better Pest Protection
When solar panels are mounted onto racks, there is space for pests to crawl around or even hide, which can lead to problems. Birds, in particular, are known to build nests under mounted solar panels for protection.
This is not a concern with GAF Timberline solar shingle and other integrated solar roofs, as pests need more room to burrow or live. Pests can cause damage to solar panels, resulting in costly repairs. Additionally, the more birds or pests that nest under a panel, the less airflow it has. And as you guessed it, this can cause it to overheat.
When there are more birds and pests under the panels, there is a high chance that the energy production of the solar shingles will be lower. Of course, this is because they will block the sunlight coming to the shingles.
With an integrated solar roof, there is no need to worry about pests or take additional measures, such as spikes or mesh, to protect the panels.
Because the panels are integrated directly into the roof, there is no space for pests to hide. In this situation, they reduce the risk of damage and maximizing airflow. This results in a more efficient and cost-effective solar solution.
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Increased Moisture Protection From GAF Timberline Solar Shingles
Your roof is the basis of any solar roof system. Consequently, increasing the lifespan of your roof is vital to sustaining your solar panels. An integrated roof solar system offers improved moisture protection for your roof compared to traditional solar panels.
Integrated systems come with flashing, which guards against water infiltration. Additionally, since they do not require drilling into the roof’s surface during installation, integrated systems have fewer points of water entry. Thus protecting your roof against potential water damage.
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Increased Home Value
The significance of solar panel energy efficiency is increasingly acknowledged by homeowners seeking these features in their homes. Consequently, the installation of GAF Timberline Solar Shingles has the potential to boost your home’s worth.
Nonetheless, integrated solar panels provide a distinct advantage by blending in seamlessly with your roof. In like fashion, they spare you an unsightly appearance of conventional solar panels. As a result, they represent a more promising investment opportunity.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the GAF Timberline Solar Shingles are an excellent option for homeowners upgrading their roofs and reducing energy consumption. While they may require a larger upfront investment than traditional shingles, the long-term cost savings and environmental benefits make them a smart choice.
This is a two-in-one investment. In short, you save on both roofing and energy since Timberline Roofing is also proven to last longer, which may save you a penny in the long run.
So if you’re looking for a sustainable solution that will add value to your home, consider GAF Timberline Solar Shingles as your next roofing material choice.
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