Certainteed Announces Industry-First Photovoltaic Training For Roofing Contractors

Grumpy

Certainteed Announces Industry-First Photovoltaic Training for Roofing Contractors
09/01/2010
VALLEY FORGE, PA -- As the first asphalt shingle manufacturer to bring photovoltaic technology to asphalt roofing contractors, CertainTeed Corporation is making bold moves that will increase the use of solar energy. In conjunction with the launch of its EnerGen™ photovoltaic roofing system, the company has established a new services group and robust training program that will assist roofing contractors to transition into the solar roofing market.

"As the first asphalt shingle manufacturer to bring photovoltaic technology to traditional roofing contractors, CertainTeed Corporation is taking a leadership role in meeting the growing demand for solar energy," says Bob Gardiner, vice president of marketing for CertainTeed Roofing. "We are equipping our network of roofing contractors with the skills needed to be successful in the solar market, which will ultimately make photovoltaic technology more accessible to homeowners."

Offered in pre-engineered kits containing all components necessary for installation, EnerGen features thin-film UNI-SOLAR® laminates which integrates with traditional asphalt roofing shingles. The system's lightweight design requires no rooftop penetrations, making it easier for contractors to install while maintaining roof deck integrity. The laminates lie flush with the remainder of the traditional roofing shingles, providing a streamlined, visually appealing appearance. Its flexible design allows it to be customized to meet a home's specific energy needs and environmental conditions.

The EnerGen system is backed by thorough installation and marketing training, with on-going support provided through the newly established solar services group. More than 100 roofing contractors throughout Arizona, California and Hawaii have participated in the training program.

"Photovoltaic products, such as the EnerGen roofing system, are a key ingredient to efficient, sustainable homes and buildings," adds Mark Stancroff, general manager of CertainTeed Solar. "Looking ahead, CertainTeed will continue to fuel this growth through cutting-edge design and research that will expand our PV product offering."

In addition to EnerGen, many of CertainTeed's roofing shingles may qualify for credits through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), ENERGY STAR® and the National Association of Home Builders' Green Building Program as well as eligible rebates through local utility companies in select areas and federal tax credits through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

For the past two years, CertainTeed has been recognized as the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for Energy Management by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This prestigious award recognizes CertainTeed for its accomplishments and leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency at its facilities.

jmiller

Here are their panels on the Gov. of Michigan's house. I like that there are no penetrations, but they're still ugly with shingles IMO. Would look great with a standing seam roof.

from: http://www.certainteed.com/pressroom...se.aspx?id=293

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Grumpy

If it were the back side of the house, who would care how they look, but for the front side it is a little bit yuck.

Then again it's the governor's house and he needs to show the voters that he cares. LOL

Cjeff

Actually I do not think that looks that bad even with shingles.
On a new home a good architect could make it part of the design.

seeyou

I don't think it looks too bad either. In fact, that was kind of a bland roof anyway.

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seeyou

I had a rep send me this info the other day. Don't know much about it, but thought it might be worth a look.

http://www.freedomsolarroofing.com/

There's a couple of installs that look pretty good and a bunch that look pretty bad to my eye.

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cork-guy

My neighbor has those solar powered photovoltaic shingles installed (BP Solar?) and to be honest they look horrible, but you don't get use to them after awhile.

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Grumpy

People don't install solar for the look.

jmiller

Double entendre, meaning you are right in more than one way. People install them for the function, regardless of how they look- but also people don't install them because of how they look, even though they're aware of the benefits.

I agree with others that these could look good if the roof was designed well, and I like that Certainteed is making an effort to train the roofers to do it. I wouldn't want anyone screwing panels to a roof we did if we weren't making the money from an install that results in an increased leak potential. And I wouldn't feel comfortable trying to sell any kind kind of bracket mounted setup, but these look pretty roofer friendly. I wonder if you could order enough to make a demo board that powers a light bulb or something.

seeyou

I wouldn't feel comfortable trying to sell any kind kind of bracket mounted setup, but these look pretty roofer friendly.

They are the roof.

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jmiller

I like Certainteed's better. The reason [any solar panels] look bad (IMO) is you can't cut them to match a hip. As noted, the architect needs to design a south facing rectangle shaped section just for the panels, in order for them to look natural.

seeyou

I'm a big Certainteed fan. I just had that other info so I thought I'd add it.

I thought the same thing about the hip and valleys. The three south facing exposures on my house are a triangle and two parallelograms. Hopefully they'll make panels to fit those areas. It appears they can make them to cover what ever rafter length you're dealing with.

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Grumpy

I used Open Energy solar shingle which were designed to be installed like and tie into various clay or cement tiles. it was a pretty slick setup installed on a batton system and termianted at the hips with cement tiles that you can easily cut. we installed over a fire rated modified bitumen.

RooferJim

Thanks for the link Grumpy, I think we will see more of this kind of thing in the future.

MJW

Who is to say that we won't be throwing these in the dumpster in 15 years just like the last surge in solar power gimmicks? Will they be obsolete the minute the are purchased just like any electronic thing you buy nowadays? This stuff is just really hard to swallow being we have seen it all fail in the past already numerous times.
Any info on pricing? I want to know real numbers, not no government subsidized BS. We don't need any more wool over our eyes. For anything to actually make a difference in the future it must be available and affordable. Their Solaris line is kind of a flop so far, along with the IR shingles.

RooferJim

The Greenie's love this kind of crap. if people keep voting democrat we might have the green police in the future and have it mandated.

red_cedar

They may thrown away or obsolete in 15 yrs, but the concept of energy savings is the future.