There was a time when solar roofing was a bulky eyesore.
Fortunately that time has passed, and these days solar roofing is a lot more attractive and technologically advanced.
We talked a little bit about this in our article on fall 2025 top roofing trends, and we’re diving deeper into solar panel roofing in this article with a focus on the GAF Timberline Solar Roofing System.
Before we dive into the benefits of this roofing system, let’s first address a handful of common questions homeowners have …
HOW MUCH CAN A SOLAR ROOFING SYSTEM SAVE ME?
The answer to this question can vary greatly depending on a handful of factors including your current energy usage, how much your local electric company charges, and the size of your solar roofing system. In addition, the amount of sunlight exposure is also a key factor, as well as incentives and/or rebates available.
CAN I HIRE ANY ROOFING CONTRACTOR TO INSTALL MY SOLAR ROOFING SYSTEM?
No. Regardless of what roofing contractor you ultimately hire for the project — make sure they are a GAF solar-certified contractor. In fact, it’s a good idea to work with a roofing contractor that is a GAF Master Elite Installer, as well. The reason for this is that GAF has exacting standards they want upheld when installing their roofing products, including solar roofing, and contractors that take the time — and make the effort — to become GAF certified are better qualified to install these products. This leads to better installs, less problems, and more peace of mind. Quite often, you’ll also receive enhanced warranties on qualifying GAF roofing systems that are installed by a certified contractor.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOLAR SHINGLES AND SOLAR PANELS?
When it comes to functionality, both generate clean energy. That said, Timberline Solar shingles are thinner and more attractive than panels, and they integrate right into your roof system for an added layer of protection. Another consideration is your roofing warranty. Specifically, with standard rack-mounted solar roofing panels, drilling into the existing roof is required — and this can sometimes void your warranties, which is something we recommend homeowners avoid.
THE BENEFITS
NO DRILLING REQUIRED
Speaking of warranties, one of the benefits of Timberline Solar shingles is the fact that we use a nail gun for installation (as opposed to the drilling mentioned above). This minimizes roof penetration as well as disruption of waterproofing, keeping your warranty intact.
COMPATIBILITY WITH GAF ASPHALT ROOFING
Timberline solar shingles are compatible with the Timberline asphalt shingle line, which is one of the most popular asphalt roofing products in the country. The result is a sleek, seamless roof that’s energy efficient and durable.
GAF SUPPORTS HOMEOWNERS
GAF understands that we can all use some support, which is why they provide you, your contractor, and electrician with a coordinator for the project. The coordinator’s goal is to help the project run smoothly. GAF even has a homeowner portal that allows you to monitor and engage with your solar roofing system. The portal clearly relays info regarding energy production and system performance.
GREAT PERFORMANCE
With the GAF Energy Timberline Solar® ES 2 shingle system homeowners receive a 23% increase in power output because of an increase from 46 watts per shingle to 57 watts per shingle. James Cito, GAF’s Senior Director of Marketing for Residential Shingle Products, explains it this way: “the higher wattage per shingle means more power is being produced in the same space,” which means fewer solar shingles need to be installed.
GREAT WARRANTY
GAF is renowned for their impressive warranties, so it comes as no surprise that the warranty on the Timberline Solar ES 2 line includes any associated rooftop electrical components.
Here’s what you get:
- 25-year product warranty against manufacturer defects that cause leaks
- 15-year wind warranty
- 25-year power output warranty that matches the standard set by top-tier rack-mounted solar panels
- Warranted to withstand 130 mph winds
- It’s also the only solar shingle product that has been approved by Miami-Dade County, which means these solar shingles meet or exceed the High Velocity Hurricane Zone requirements of the Florida Building Code standards, which are the strictest in the country
GREAT INSTALLATION
Fast, easy installation is another benefit of this solar roofing system. Homeowners love the fact that installation is quick because it means less time for the job to be completed, which in turn means a lower installation cost. Plus, these solar shingles are durable enough to walk on — unlike rack-mounted photovoltaic panels — so crews don’t have to tiptoe around during the install.
GREAT DESIGN
The enhanced design of the GAF Energy Timberline Solar ES 2 shingles provides a “low-profile, integrated design that offers a sleek, modern appearance that’s noticeably more discreet than traditional solar panels.” This design alleviates the eyesore of unsightly rack-mounted conventional PV panels.
GREAT AWARDS
GET IN TOUCH ANYTIME
Whether you have questions about solar roofing, or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation — with no strings attached — feel free to contact Legacy Exteriors anytime. We’re always happy to help!