Solar roofs come with a straightforward barrier to entry: You have to install the dang things. But what if you were getting work done on your roof anyway? Might as well install solar panels, right?
That’s the thinking behind Standard Industries’ move into solar power. The world’s largest roofing manufacturing company just launched a startup called GAF Energy that’s focused on bringing solar power to new roofing projects in the U.S.
In terms of numbers, it makes a lot of sense. According to Standard Industries, around five million homes are reroofed every year, but only 300,000 of those homeowners opt to install solar panels. The company sees this as an opportunity. “GAF Energy can now give those customers a simple option: a roof or a solar roof,” Martin DeBono, president of GAF Energy, told Fast Company.
GAF Energy will work with local contractors to take care of the installation logistics. They’re also looking to streamline the permit and financing process with the goal of making solar an easy choice for homeowners.
The panels lay flush to the roof like skylights. The glassy rectangles are low-profile, but still look like solar panels. Tesla’s solar shingles they are not, but then again, at least they’re ready.
