Solar shingles get new testing facility

New facility aims to validate and test models for roof-integrated solar shingles, enhancing heating and cooling efficiency. (Image Credit: PRNewswire)

GAF Energy, a Standard Industries company and North America’s leading solar roofing provider, is establishing a cutting-edge solar roofing testing facility. Supported by a US Department of Energy (DOE) investment, this project aims to advance Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) testing. The new facility will develop, test, and validate models for roof-integrated solar shingles, focusing on their optical, thermal, and energy efficiency benefits. Partnering with Sandia National Laboratories, GAF Energy continues their collaboration to enhance solar technology. This initiative is part of a $71 million DOE investment, including $16 million from the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to boost domestic solar energy manufacturing. GAF Energy’s Timberline Solar integrates solar technology with traditional roofing, and the company has opened a 450,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Texas, with a new testing facility location to be determined.