Homeowners seeking alternative energy sources need look no further than G. Fedale Roofing and Siding. As experts in our industry, we continuously strive to introduce our customers to innovative products and services. To this end, we are proud to now offer solar shingle installation to our inventory of roofing services.
“We’re very excited to partner with the number-one-brand company for shingles, and one that’s on the edge of renewable, green systems,” says Tom DiRocco, a Sr. Project Consultant here at G. Fedale.
As opposed to solar panels, solar shingles are installed in the same fashion as our standard shingles – they are nailed to the roof deck. A solar channel runs parallel to the left of the shingles. Easy access to the connectors within the channel facilitates troubleshooting, and a monitoring app enables efficiency tracking, while alerting the homeowner of any issues. Although no regular maintenance is required, a yearly inspection is recommended. At present, Tom says a specialty crew will do the install and hook up the cells. Down the road, G. Fedale may create a solar department or team to be in charge, similar to our storm recovery team.
While solar panels have been around for quite some time, solar shingles are fairly new to the marketplace. “They are just now getting into our area,” Tom says. Manufactured by GAF, our preferred supplier, the shingles offer a sleeker, more unified look than solar panels, which are installed on top of an existing roof. An after-market install may negatively impact the roof’s warranty, Tom adds. Our solar shingles carry a 25-year warranty and, once installed, are owned by the homeowner. Ownership lets the homeowner take advantage of federal, state, and local rebates – benefits not available to the homeowner for leased panels. GAF solar shingles come in three colors: charcoal, pewter gray, and weather wood. The solar cells themselves are black.
G. Fedale Roofing and Siding is EcoStar certified, is a GAF Master Elite contractor, and is the recipient of GAF’s prestigious President’s Club Award.