GAF Energy, poised to claim the title of the world's largest solar roofing producer, is on the cusp of achieving this feat with its new nailable solar shingle factory in Texas. The San Jose-based company, a sibling to GAF, North America's premier roofing and waterproofing entity, inaugurated its expansive 450,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Georgetown, just north of Austin, in a ceremonious ribbon-cutting event last week.
The impetus behind establishing the Texas factory was to meet the burgeoning demand for GAF Energy's groundbreaking “world's first” Timberline Solar Energy Shingle, which made its debut in January 2022. This new facility, the company's second, is projected to amplify its production capacity by a staggering 500%, catapulting the total output of its solar shingle to 300 megawatts (MW) annually and providing employment opportunities for over 240 individuals. GAF Energy's initial factory, located in San Jose, California, commenced operations in 2021.
The strategic advantage of GAF Energy's solar shingles lies in their seamless integration with roofing systems, presenting an opportune moment for installation during roof replacements. Notably, GAF's solar shingles boast a warranty ensuring resilience against winds reaching up to 130 mph. In April, Timberline Solar received validation from Miami-Dade County's Product Control Sector, affirming its compliance with or surpassing the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone requirements outlined in the Florida Building Code standards for safety, wind resistance, and waterproofing.
Addressing cost concerns, GAF Energy asserts that Timberline Solar offers an economically viable alternative, standing at approximately half the cost of Tesla's solar roof and competing favorably with rack-mounted solar systems.
In a candid acknowledgment of challenges, GAF Energy disclosed a voluntary recall of certain solar shingles and associated equipment installed between November 2021 and April 2023 due to potential fire hazards. However, the company swiftly moved to rectify the issue, reporting that by early August, approximately 80% of the affected installations had undergone necessary fixes.
