According to the Department of Energy, by 2030, over 70% of the energy produced by buildings will come from solar.
Brands like GAF are trailblazing the solar shingle market. Timberline solar shingles from GAF are the epitome of innovation and sustainability.
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Timberline Solar: The Basics
Before we explore how solar shingles by Timberline compare to other brands, their cost, and benefits, it’s essential to explain what they are.
Timberline shingles are produced by GAF’s sister company, GAF Energy.
The sole focus of GAF Energy is to revolutionize solar roofing in the U.S. and worldwide.
GAF solar shingles are not the only solar shingle option on the market, but they are unique.
Timberline’s solar shingles are the first solar shingles that can be nailed to the roof, the same as a conventional shingle.
Their dual purpose indeed makes solar Timberline shingles unique. These solar shingles protect the house from rain, extreme temperatures, and wind as they produce solar power.
These are the main features of a Timberline solar shingle:
- Dimensions: 64 1/4 x 17 1/8 x 1 inches
- Weight: 10.1 pounds
- Roof pitch: 2:12 or greater
- Maximum installation altitude: 13,000 feet
- Average temperature range: minus 40 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit
- Wind classification: Class F (up to 130 mph)
Did you know? The most abundant energy source on the planet is solar power. Only three weeks of energy can create the same power as all the coal on Earth.
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How Much Does Timberline Solar Cost?
Because the solar roof system by Timberline is a pretty new product, pricing data is scarce.
According to Martin DeBono, president of GAF Energy, the ballpark figure is around $40,000 for an average U.S. home.
With tax credits and other subsidies, that number can go down to $30,000.
We know that other solar shingle manufacturers charge between $21 and $25 per square foot. Timberline shingles, due to their fast installation, likely cost less.
| Amount of solar Shingles | Cost |
|---|---|
| Average U.S. home size | $30,000-$40,000 |
| Average price per square foot | $21-$25 |
Timberline GAF Solar Shingles Cost Breakdown
The only way to know how much a GAF solar roof will cost is to fill out a form on the official GAF Energy website.
You can leave your contact information with the company and have them reach out via email or phone.
This is not a commitment to purchase Timberline shingles but a chance to get an accurate estimate from the manufacturer.
Still, a few factors will undoubtedly impact the final cost of a Timberline solar roof installation.
Square Footage of the Roof
When it comes to solar power investment, the size of the roof matters.
In most instances, homeowners must replace the entire roof, and the cost will be increased if their home is sizeable.
It follows that if you own a smaller home and want a more sustainable energy source, the initial price will be lower.
Number of Sun-Facing Slopes
Roofing experts use special tools to determine how much sun reaches the roof.
If your home has more sun-facing slopes, it will probably need fewer shingles. Therefore, the final cost will decrease.
Complexity of Roof Replacement
The steepness of a roof is part of the final cost calculation.
When the roof is steep, the installation process takes longer, and there are safety issues to consider. The installers will not be able to work as fast, which impacts the hourly cost.
Available Financial Incentives
Homeowners who want solar Timberline shingle roofs are eligible for various financial incentives.
You may also receive state or local tax credits. In some instances, you may even be eligible for cash incentives to install solar shingles.
It’s important to check at the state and local levels for these programs.
Cost per sq. ft.
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Water Shedding And Warranted Timberline Solar Shingles
GAF roofing products are known for their reliability and durability.
The same applies to Timberline solar shingles. They are water-shedding, and can resist wind impact up to 130 mph.
Furthermore, these solar shingles have a 25-year warranty, including roof and solar energy components protection.
Solar Timberline Shingles Curb Appeal
Homeowners need to consider their property’s curb appeal and resale value when deciding on the roofing for their house.
GAF’s solar shingles blend in with the aesthetic of most homes and even enhance their visual appeal.
Thus, these solar shingles are the perfect blend of sustainability, durability, and aesthetics.
Pro Tip: Consider using large appliances during the day if your home runs on solar power. Even if you’re loading the dishwasher in the evening, set the timer for daytime hours.
How Solar Savings Work
One of the primary purposes of all solar shingles is to reduce energy costs for homeowners.
With solar Timberline shingles, you needn’t worry about special waterproofing protection, as it is a complete solar roofing system.
Homeowners receive clean home electricity and don’t have to buy as much from their utility company.
By installing solar shingles, your monthly energy bill will be substantially lower.
Timberline Solar Shingles Installation
Typically, solar roof installation takes approximately one week, though the speed depends on many factors.
Of course, if you need to reconstruct your roof entirely, the process will take longer.
Timberline shingles installation is shorter and more efficient than some solar shingle brands.
There’s no need for special mounting systems, as the shingles are nailed directly to the roof. Still, installing solar shingles is not a DIY project, and homeowners should find a reliable and licensed contractor.
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Solar Timberline Shingles Reviews
GAF makes high-quality products, and there’s no doubt that solar shingles by Timberline are becoming more popular.
Here are a few positive and negative reviews to get a better sense of how homeowners feel about this product.
- “I bought GAF Timberline Solar roof and was blown away by the service and appearance.”
- “I recently purchased a Timberline roof and am looking forward to saving money. Installation went great.”
- “Our Timberline roof allows us to produce electricity for the whole house. We love it!”
- “The GAF shingles are not producing how I expected, and I am having issues with the warranty.”
- “I am still waiting to see the return on my investment.”
Solar Timberline Roofing vs CertainTeed
CertainTeed is another reputable company that produces solar shingles.
CertainTeed offers a complete roofing solution but can integrate solar with asphalt and concrete shingles.
Similar to Timberline, CertainTeed does not offer transparency about pricing.
Also, like Timberline, CertainTeed’s shingles are made in the U.S.
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GAF Solar Shingles vs IKO Cambridge
IKO Cambridge Cool Colors shingles are a popular choice for homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
IKO Cambridge Cool Colors shingles offer 25% reflectivity and help your home stay cool.
However, IKO Cambridge Cool Colors shingles are architectural laminated shingles, not solar.
Even though they can play a role in reducing energy bills, IKO Cambridge Cool Colors shingles are still an entirely different category from Timberline.
Timberline Solar Shingles vs Tesla
Because Tesla is such a big name in many industries, their proprietary solar shingles are popular too.
Tesla is nearly synonymous with the idea of solar shingle roofs.
Tesla solar shingles are known to be quite expensive, and have only a 20-year lifespan compared to GAF solar shingles’ 30 years.
Tesla solar shingles are also more challenging to install.
Because they’re the high-end option, there’s currently a waiting list for homeowners who want a Tesla solar roof installed.
GAF Solar Roof Shingles vs Owens Corning
Owens Corning offers asphalt shingles with solar-reflecting granules.
These solar-reflecting granules significantly decrease the amount of heat entering your home.
The “Cool” roofing shingles from Owens Corning also offer excellent sun reflectance and thermal emittance.
Again, while they can affect energy bills, Owens Corning’s cool roofing shingles are not solar shingles like Timberline.
Did you know? Solar energy can power airplanes. Some of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers are investing in technology that can produce solar-powered planes.
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Will Installing GAF Solar Shingles Save Me Money?
Yes, there are several ways GAF Timberline solar shingles can save homeowners money.
This particular brand of solar shingles saves you money on labor costs.
Timberline solar shingles also don’t require a storage battery, which can be very expensive, to work efficiently.
Finally, having a GAF solar shingle roof will reduce energy bills and save money in the long term.
Will Solar Shingles Increase My Property Value?
It almost certainly will.
Of course, the solar shingles must be in excellent condition and have all the appropriate warranties.
A home property’s value depends on other factors too, so relying on solar shingles to increase a property’s value is insufficient.
If you’re planning to sell your home in the future, installing solar shingles may increase your home’s value by up to 5%.
Do I Get A Federal Tax Credit If I Install Solar Shingles?
Yes, you will get a federal tax credit if you install solar shingles.
You must complete the installation first and apply for the federal tax credit.
In 2022, Congress voted to increase and extend the federal residential solar energy credit. It went from being a 26% to a 30% tax credit.
But how do you know you’re eligible for the credit?
Here are the main requirements:
- Your solar system was installed between January 2017 and December 2034.
- The solar system is on a residence you own in the U.S.
- The solar system is new and is being used for the first time.
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Can You Walk On GAF Solar Shingles?
Walking on GAF solar shingles won’t damage the roof.
The shingles are very durable and resistant to damage.
Of course, you should minimize your time on the solar shingle roof anyway. Only access its surface for general inspection and maintenance.
It’s also essential to point out that solar shingles can be slippery, so the shoes you wear should have ample traction.
It’s often best to allow solar roof specialists to access the roof for whatever reason.
Pro Tip: A heat pump hot water system is an excellent choice for homes with solar-powered roofs. That’s because they use 75% less energy than conventional water heating systems.
Common Misconception About Solar Power
The possibility of solar-powered homes appeals to many people. But the need for fossil fuel and electric energy still dominates.
Still, many would choose to install solar panels or shingles but hesitate due to common myths and misconceptions.
Myth No. 1 – You Need to Live in a Sunny Climate
This is probably the most damaging misconception about solar power.
Contrary to this myth, you don’t need to live in a warm and sunny climate to have solar panels or shingles work correctly.
The term “solar power” doesn’t refer to the outside temperature but the sun’s energy.
It’s also vital to point out that areas with colder climates can greatly benefit from solar power because it can offset heating bills.
Cloudy weather is also not an issue for harnessing solar power.
For example, Germany has many cloudy days during the year but is one of the leaders in solar energy.
Myth No. 2 – You Must Use a Battery
Another widespread misconception about solar power is that you need to store excess energy in batteries.
While you can add batteries to a residential solar energy system, they are unnecessary.
A metering system connects most solar power panels or shingles to a power grid. The homeowners receive electricity credits based on the amount of energy their house supplies.
Myth No. 3 – The Payback Takes Too Long
You might have heard that solar power takes approximately 25 years to provide a return on investment.
But that’s not true.
Depending on the size of your initial investment, you may see the payoff almost immediately.
If you make the most of the federal tax credits, purchase high-quality shingles like Timberline, and hire a certified installer, you may see an ROI in a few years.
Also, remember that solar shingles increase your home’s value, sometimes by $20,000.
Myth No. 4 – Solar Shingles Raise Property Tax
Many believe that because solar shingles increase property value, the property tax goes up too.
But most states offer some type of protection for homeowners by providing exemptions.
The perfect example is the California State Board of Equalization, which offers a property tax incentive for homes with solar power energy systems.
This program offers 100% tax exclusion if you install a solar energy system by 2024.
Myth No. 5 – Solar Power Systems Require a Lot of Maintenance
The opposite is true.
Solar shingles and panels are pretty low maintenance.
As with any shingles, homeowners need to clean excessive snowfall and remove leaves and twig build-up.
But overall, you don’t have to bother much with maintaining the solar energy system.
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How Long Does A Solar Shingle Roof Last?
For now, solar shingles have a life expectancy of around 30 years.
It’s important to highlight that this doesn’t mean solar shingles stop producing energy after 30 years. However, the power output does decrease over time.
The best solar shingle brands, like Timberline, offer around 85% of initial output after 25 years of usage.
Homeowners can expect around 2% degradation in the first year after installation. After that, the degradation is about 0.5%.
Did you know? Even though the first solar panel was made in 1941 by Russel Ohl, the technology was first discovered in 1839 by Alexandre Edmond Becquerel.
Are Solar Shingles Worth It?
Solar shingles are undoubtedly a significant investment. It makes sense to wonder if they are worth the money they would cost the homeowner.
Perhaps the best way to determine whether solar shingles are suitable for your home is to look at the pros and cons more closely.
| Solar Single Advantages | Solar Shingle Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Long Lifespan | Price |
| Easy Installation | Incomatabiliy with Some Roofs |
| Electricity Savings | Limites Style Options |
| Increased Safety | |
| Low Maintenance | |
| Attractive Apperance |
Advantages of GAF Timberline Solar Shingles
First, let’s talk about why many homeowners install solar shingles. These are the most compelling benefits to keep in mind.
Long Lifespan
Solar shingles are weather-resistant and incredibly durable.
These qualities ensure their fairly long lifespan.
Most solar shingle manufacturers like GAF Energy offer warranties of between 25-30 years. But you can expect a solar shingle roof to last much longer, provided there is no severe damage to the roof.
Easy Installation
Solar shingles, and Timberline in particular, allow for a quick installation.
There’s no need for a special mounting system, as with solar panels. Instead, installers nail them directly to the roof, like any other type of shingle.
Electricity Savings
Many homeowners choose not to rely on utility companies for electricity and opt for solar power.
The solar shingles allow them to produce their own energy and save on utility bills in the long run.
Solar shingles reduce how much energy a home uses overall and thus lowers the carbon footprint.
Solar shingles are the perfect solution for people trying to live more sustainably.
Increased Safety
Compared to solar panels, shingles offer more safety.
You never have to worry about panels falling from the roof because they are the roof.
Keep in mind that you can seamlessly combine solar shingles with standard asphalt shingles.
There are no gaps; therefore, wind can’t separate them easily.
Low Maintenance
Solar shingles, particularly the Timberline brand, require very little maintenance.
If you opt for solar panels, you will likely need to remove the debris more often and even remove the panels to clean the rest of the roof.
Attractive Appearance
If you’re not sure whether to install solar panels or shingles, consider the curb appeal.
While some might not mind the solar panels on their roof, to others, it’s not the visual they like.
Solar shingles solve that problem and provide a more sleek and attractive aesthetic.
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Disadvantages of GAF Solar Shingles
Like any type of roof, solar shingles come with a few drawbacks.
Here are some you might want to consider:
Price
Solar shingles are more expensive than standard asphalt, metal, and even tile roofs.
For many homeowners, that’s enough of a deterrent.
Still, the ROI alone can make it a worthwhile expense.
Not Compatible With All Roofs
Unfortunately, not every type of roof supports solar shingle installation.
Sometimes, homeowners need substantial investments to restructure the roof before installing solar shingles.
Limited Styles
Compared to conventional options, solar shingles come in limited styles.
Some brands are expanding their solar shingle lines, but the options are pretty similar across manufacturers.
The shingles are generally attractive, so it doesn’t necessarily present a problem to some.
Getting Timberline Solar Is A Good Idea
GAF solar shingles are undoubtedly a fantastic solution for people who want to switch to solar power with a reliable brand.
GAF Energy is a relatively young company, and it will be interesting to see if they’ll offer more versatile products in the future.
Timberline solar shingles are durable, easy to install, and have many government incentives.
Perhaps the only downside is that their price is unclear. However, homeowners can reach out to the manufacturer and ask for an estimate.
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For over 20 years Leo has run a successful roofing business in New England, specializing in metal roofing, as well as cool flat roofing technologies. Having replaced and installed hundreds of roofs in New England, Leo has first hand experience with pretty much every residential roofing material and roofing manufacturer available in the US.
