Blog Posts

Dec 13

Home Renovations

The bare and dark space of a basement often poses a challenge for basement remodels. Don't let the lack of ideas and design intimidate you.... Learn more

Nov 07

All About Weather Shield Windows

Reasons to consider Weather Shield With hundreds of window and door manufacturers to choose from, it can be difficult to distinguish one company... Learn more

Sep 25

All About James Hardie Products

Choosing a home siding can be a daunting process. It's a whole new arena to become familiar with and it's not uncommon to have questions. Here... Learn more

Solar/CertainTeed Products

In 2016, the solar energy industry reached a major milestone: more than one million total homes in the U.S. had installed solar panels on their homes.  Many of these individuals reaped huge savings on their energy bills, took advantage of significant tax incentives, and increased the value of their home in the process.

Of course, not every home is a candidate for solar, but it’s not only warm southern or western states that qualify.  Surprisingly, a study by North Carolina State University rated New York City as the top major city for energy savings by converting to solar energy.

THE CERTAINTEED LEGACY

With so much growth in the solar industry it is important that you work with an established manufacturer like CertainTeed, which first began making roofing products in 1904. Many providers in the solar industry are young companies without a track record simply riding the wave of exploding solar demand. These companies often only install products from manufacturers that grant their business the best incentives for their own bottom line, rather than offering the best system for your home and budget.

THE COMPONENTS OF A SOLAR SYSTEM

Although solar PV systems may look pretty simple from afar, it is actually a complex technological system that requires top-notch components and installation expertise.  The solar system for your roof is comprised of a number of separate elements, such as the photovoltaic (PV) modules, inverters, mounting system and flashing material.

The system works like this: The PV module absorbs sunlight during daytime hours, while the inverter converts the DC collected on your roof into the AC power that your home can use.  Your electric meter draws energy through the power grid only when the amount generated by your PV system is insufficient to meet your demand. 

PROTECTING YOUR SOLAR SYSTEM

As the trend of system ownership continues to move away from third-party ownership – a.k.a. leased PV systems – to homeowner ownership, solar warranties are becoming more important than ever to homeowners.

Many solar installations come with separate warranties for each component, so when a problem arises, the system owners are left chasing different vendors trying to find the one responsible for that particular problem or warranty. 

Alternatively, CertainTeed claims long-term responsibility for each system component, leaving you with no questions as to who covers what in the event that something goes wrong.

CERTAINTEED’S COMPREHENSIVE INSTALLER WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY

CertainTeed also warrants the installation workmanship for any of its solar systems installed by a CertainTeed Solar installer.

To earn a CertainTeed credential, a company must meet stringent guidelines as to their quality of work, experience with installing solar systems, and professionalism. In exchange, they can offer CertainTeed’s installation workmanship warranty, which includes end-to-end coverage for both the products and the installation workmanship for up to 25 years. 

This warranty coverage comes at no additional cost, and covers system testing to determine the cause of a performance problem, the repair or replacement of defective components, and correction of any faulty installation workmanship.  Plus, in the event that the company who installed your CertainTeed solar system is not in business, CertainTeed will pay to have another installer honor the warranty – so no matter what, you’re covered! 

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Looking for the most efficient and affordable solar solution? Look no further than CertainTeed's Solstice® Solar Systems. With some of the highest efficiency panels on the market today, Solstice accelerates your return on investment, improving an already financially sound decision to go solar.

Features and Benefits

A wide range of options enable Solstice Solar Systems to be configured to best suit your needs:

Mono and polycrystalline panels available

Black or silver framed modules

Black or white backsheet

String or microinverters

High efficiency, cutting edge modules allow you to maximize your roof space

Mounting equipment has been specially selected to maintain the waterproof integrity of your roof

CertainTeed's most economical solar solution, facilitating maximum return on investment

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The Apollo® II system is the pinnacle of roof-integrated energy production, using high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells to capture the most energy per square foot of any solar shingle. Apollo II also functions as your roof, generating clean power while protecting your home from water intrusion.

Features and Benefits

The Apollo II system is a versatile solution for power and aesthetics when installed directly on a new or existing asphalt shingle roof.

Beauty: An all-black solar shingle with a low profile visually blends into your roof and provides a clean look which a standard rack-mounted system cannot match.

Efficiency: 14 high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells provide a power rating of 60 watts per solar shingle.

Simplicity: No need to find rafters. Apollo II solar shingles are installed directly into the roof sheathing using standard deck screws.

Lightweight: No need for structural reinforcements or analysis. The Apollo II system weighs about as many pounds per square foot as a typical asphalt shingle.

Durable: Even though Apollo II shingles are lightweight, they are designed to be strong. The solar shingles have been tested and rated to withstand 250 pounds per square foot.

Wind resistant: The Apollo II system achieves the highest wind rating available for roofing materials and can be installed in wind zones of up to 150 miles per hour.

Watertight: Water channels and raised fastener locations provide added protection against water intrusion. With over 110 years in the roofing industry, you can be assured that CertainTeed knows how to keep water out of your home.

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The Apollo® Tile II system is the pinnacle of roof-integrated energy production, using high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells to capture the most energy per square foot of any solar tile. Apollo Tile II also functions as your roof, generating clean power while blending seamlessly into the surrounding tile and protecting your home from water intrusion.

Features and Benefits

The Apollo Tile II system is a versatile solution for power and aesthetics when installed directly on a new or existing tile roof.

Beauty: Apollo Tile II is designed to match the profile of flat concrete tiles, visually blending into your roof and providing a clean look which a standard rack-mounted system cannot match. An all-black solar laminate combined with a custom colored frame allows the solar tiles to blend with a variety of tile colors.

Efficiency: 14 high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells provide a power rating of 60 watts per solar tile. Simplicity: No need to find rafters. Apollo Tile II solar tiles are installed directly into the roof sheathing using standard deck screws.

Lightweight: No need for structural reinforcements or analysis. At 13 pounds per square foot, the Apollo Tile II system weighs substantially less than a tile roof.

Durable: Even though Apollo Tile II tiles are lightweight, they are designed to be strong. The solar shingles have been tested and rated to withstand 250 pounds per square foot.

Wind Resistant: The Apollo Tile II system achieves the highest wind rating available for roofing materials and can be installed in wind zones of up to 150 miles per hour.

Watertight: Water channels and raised fastener locations provide added protection against water intrusion. With more than 110 years in the roofing industry, you can be assured that CertainTeed knows how to keep water out of your home.