GAF Timberline Solar™ Roofing Contractor serving New Jersey
All County Exteriors is a certified installer of the new GAF Timberline Solar™ Roofing solar panels. These sleek, roof-integrated solar panels are a much-needed upgrade from the traditional rack-mounted panels.
A roof with power added
New Jersey’s Go-To Timberline Solar™ Contractor
Timberline Solar™ from GAF Energy boasts the world’s first nailable solar shingle, as part of an elegant solar roofing system. A Timberline Solar™ roof is both strong and appealing — and it generates clean energy. One installation. One project. Backed by an industry-leading warranty.
As a GAF certified roofing contractor we can install both the roofing and solar components.
When you choose a solar roof from GAF Energy, it can produce clean electricity at a cost that’s lower than your utility company’s rate. Timberline Solar™ can even pay for itself when you calculate monthly electric bill savings and government incentives.
Working with a GAF certified contractor means your new solar roof is installed by an experienced roofer that can offer a comprehensive warranty covering both the roof and solar components.
While traditional solar solutions get added on top of your roof shingles, Timberline Solar™ incorporates efficient solar technology inside durable shingles for superior water-shedding qualities.
Industry Solar panels have a gap which allow for animal infestation. The installation also require that the panels get nailed into your existing roof which will inevitably cause leaks. Timberline Solar™ panels never has these issues.
Industry Leading Solar Roof Company
There are many intelligent and valuable reasons to install a solar roof, and all of them lead to using American Home Contractors (AHC) for the most efficient and professional installation. With over 100 years of combined experience and 30 years of delivering exceptional roof outcomes for customers, AHC is fully equipped to meet your needs and is considered the best solar roofer based on online reviews.
Many factors contribute to the effective design of the solar roof install, though, to ensure it operates at peak performance, AHC has a team backed by years of knowledge in solar roofs. We have mastered the processes that are critical to successful installation and operation.
Five-Star Energy Efficiency Houses by a Five-Star Solar Roof Company
AHC is a leading solar roof company for Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania because every facet of our operations and business is carefully optimized for project success:
Superior Materials
With a solar roof installation process supported by top-quality materials, our service will go on to help you and the environment for many years to come. The technical components and integration that enable a solar panel roof to provide the ongoing energy they harness require precision and quality. That’s why we use leading solar material providers such as GAF Decotech and Tesla – because they have proven efficiency and longevity.
Review Our Work
We look like a lot of other solar roof contractors when we’re out installing a solar roof, but you’ll notice the difference in the outcome and enjoyment of the process. Our communicative and responsive service keeps our customers informed every step of the way. If you have a question through the process, we want to hear it and we will be happy to answer it. We strive to be the best solar roofer in the USA.
Our process leaves our clients feeling comfortable and satisfied, and former happy customers have had great things to say about us, too. Check out our thousands of five-star reviews that back up our work as one of the top solar roof companies.
Relationship-Centric
Our friendly solar contractor team can walk you through the process of transforming your roof from start to finish, what impact it will have on your bills and energy usage, and any other questions you may have along the way.
AHC’s personable and approachable attitude towards customers doesn’t end there – we’re focused on building strong relationships every step of the way. This helps us understand your requirements, both with the project outcome and your preferences in the way we work on your house. We’re one of the highest-ranking solar companies near you and we want to earn your business. See for yourself what makes us the best solar roofer
Roof replacement with solar panels
Solar panel systems will typically last around 30 to 35 years – and in that time, your solar panels will generate plenty of savings on your electric bills! These systems have very long lives, which leaves many homeowners wondering about the impact they will have on their roofs: how will the roof hold up over time? What happens if you have to replace your roof after installing solar? Should you just replace your roof at the same time you install solar panels? In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about replacing your roof when going solar.
Should you replace your roof before installing solar panels?
Before you install solar panels, consider requesting a roof inspection to make sure it can withstand installation, especially if the roof is towards the end of its life. If your roof is between five and 10 years from needing replacement, it’s a good idea to get an expert out there to assess.
Most solar companies don’t offer roofing services, although there are some exceptions. Either way, roof work is commonly performed alongside a solar installation and your solar contractor likely has good referrals for roofers in your area – they may even be able to get you a discount on your roof replacement.
If your installer determines that your roof should be replaced prior to going solar, it’s a Smart move to do so. Solar panels are more durable than most roofing materials – so, when you pair solar with a roofing installation, the panels actually extend the lifetime of the portion of the roof that they cover.
The other benefit of pairing solar and a roof replacement together is that if you’re installing on a new roof, it’s unlikely you’ll need to re-roof during the lifetime of the system. This can help save you money in the long run because you’ll avoid the costs associated with removing and reinstalling the solar panels on your roof.
How much does a roof replacement and solar panel installation cost?
In the case that you do need to replace your roof prior to installing solar panels, you’re likely wondering how much your solar panel installation will cost. The average cost to install a new solar system in 2022 is 20,000 before rebates and incentives (like the federal tax credit), based on EnergySage Marketplace data. The average cost to replace a roof is about 10,000, according to This Old House. Therefore, you can expect an average new solar system installation and roof replacement to cost about 30,000. However, you may be able to knock a significant amount off of that price if you opt to combine the two larger costs. You can save up to 30 percent off of your new solar system with the federal tax credit and may be able to receive discounts on the roofing costs if your local roofing contractors or solar installers have partnership agreements to offer customer discounts.
How much does it cost to remove solar panels to replace your roof?
If you run into a roofing issue and need to replace your roof post-installation, there will be labor costs associated with taking the panels off your roof and putting them back on. Unfortunately, it’s hard to give specifics on the costs associated with this labor, as it can vary greatly. Installers will have different rates for their labor and the cost can also vary based on the size of the system, how many panels will need to be removed, and whether you need a place to store the equipment.
If mounting hardware also needs to be removed in order to replace your roof, this will add onto the cost. On average, residential installations tend to cost somewhere between 1,500 to 6,000 to remove and reinstall. (This is not inclusive of the cost required to replace your actual roof.)
If re-roofing post-installation is a concern for you, it’s always good to ask your potential installer how often they do this type of work, and the typical cost associated with it. Some companies will actually specify a price for this in your initial contract, and it never hurts to request this from your company prior to installation.
Do solar installation warranties cover the roof?
Roofing issues caused during the installation process or overtime are uncommon, but many solar installation companies often have warranty coverage for your roof where the panels are located in case you need a roof repair. Many companies do this because it’s common for existing roofing warranties to become void if you’re installing solar, at least for the portion of the roof where your system is installed.
The typical duration of this type of warranty is 10 years, but it can vary from company to company. Before you sign a contract, confirm with your installation company whether they warranty the roof and the duration of that warranty.
Should you install a solar roof?
Solar shingles or building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), like the technology offered by Certainteed or Tesla, are certainly more attractive if you have to re-roof. The solar tiles or shingles will replace the roofing material itself, so you won’t need to spend money on both and can still generate savings on electricity.
Is going solar still worth it if you need to replace your roof?
An average solar installation will save homeowners tens of thousands of dollars on utility bills over its lifetime while generating clean, renewable energy! Re-roofing costs can be high, but the savings of using solar power should make up for it in the long term, especially with rising energy costs – and there’s no better time to evaluate solar if you were planning on re-roofing anyway (those panels love new roofs!). Many homeowners find that they receive discounted rates from roofing companies that have existing partnerships with solar companies, and you could save as much as 30 percent on roofing costs if you replace your roof and install solar at the same time.
If you think that you might be moving in the future, you might be worried about putting money into a new roof and a solar system. But that shouldn’t be a concern: if you go solar at the same time as replacing your roof, you’ll also likely increase your home’s resale value. A new roof already improves the value of your home, and many homebuyers are looking for electric and environmentally friendly homes, making your solar system very attractive!
Start shopping for solar today
If there’s a potential solar installation on your horizon, try out our Solar Calculator to get an estimate of potential costs and savings, or use the EnergySage Marketplace to get competitive quotes for solar installations from local and certified installation companies specific to your home. If your roof is on the older end, you can note this in your account. EnergySage installers can give you advice on potential roofers to contact, or sometimes even do the work themselves.
reading on EnergySage
Looking to go solar? Here’s everything you need to know in… Are solar panels worth it in 2023? Best solar panels in 2023: Top products compared Solar shingles: what you need to know in 2023 How to install solar panels
Innovation, incentives and inclement weather create new opportunities for roofing contractors entering the solar market.
There are few emerging trends in the roofing space hotter than solar as the final quarter of 2022 settles in. Whether it’s through innovative product launches, groundbreaking research, or proving its potential for resiliency in both fiscal terms and physical reality, solar is driving a lot of interest in residential and commercial roofing markets around the country.
And roofing contractors are paying attention. With new federal and state policies extending solar investment tax credits for at least another decade, the potential business opportunity is too great for many to let pass by. According to survey data compiled in RC’s 2022 State of the Industry Report, roughly 56% of residential contractors indicated their solar sales increased last year, and nearly half (47%) expected another increase by the end of 2022.
The report also signaled tremendous gains in the commercial roofing sector. According to the data, 64% of commercial contractors reported an increase in last year’s solar sales, while more than half (51%) anticipated a further increase in 2022. Contrast that with the current use of solar roofing in the commercial space and a clearer picture of the market potential appears. Just 17% of roofing contractors said they were involved with solar roofing products, and it accounted for just 2% of their overall annual sales revenue. Yet 100% of the same respondents indicated they expected solar sales to remain the same or increase (35%) this year – the only product category not expected to see a decrease at all.
So it’s not surprising to see forward-thinking roofing contractors in typical and atypical markets take the plunge into solar roofing.
“We wanted to provide an option for our customers to reduce their carbon footprint as well as provide a clean energy source that affords them the opportunity to generate a return on investment with regard to their roof system,” said Adam Resnick, owner of Resnick Roofing Contracting in Pittsburgh.
Resnick was among the first roofers in the country to install GAF Energy’s Timberline Solar shingle when it became available earlier this year. The groundbreaking product continues to win awards and accolades both within and outside the roofing trade as it approaches a full year on the market. It also became a hit with homeowners due to its cost-saving potential and aesthetics, said Resnick, who believes adding the product line has changed his business.
“Outside of now being able to provide our customers with a roofing solution that produces clean energy, our average roofing job size, in terms of contract value, has increased by approximately 15%,” Resnick said.
While Pennsylvania may not be the typical market geared for solar, the market penetration there speaks to what solar roofing’s overall viability can be regardless of region. The opportunity was too good to led slide by for the team at Austin Roofing and Construction in Austin, Texas. Founded by Tim Bowen, a third-generation roofer, the residential and commercial contractor began installing solar products in early 2022.
They too found success selling and integrating the Timberline Solar shingle into their service offerings. Key difference makers were the cost differential to other solar systems, rising energy and a growing demand for more energy efficiency among both homeowners and facility operators, officials said.
Texas residents also have keen memories when it comes to unpredictable weather.
“We are able to help people generate on-site electricity, which helps us move toward sustainable energy as a community, said Christine Bowen, Austin Roofing’s chief visionary officer. “Clients love (solar roofs), we have a lot of sun and most everyone still remembers last year’s ‘Snowpocalypse.’”
Bowen is also optimistic about a bright future for solar roofing due to continued advances in technology and new incentives from the recently passed Biden climate change bill. Proponents believe it will make solar more affordable to home and business owners at a time when electricity rates approach record highs in many regions of the U.S.
“Outside of now being able to provide our customers with a roofing solution that produces clean energy, our average roofing job size, in terms of contract value, has increased by approximately 15%,” said Adam Resnick, owner of Resnick Roofing Contracting.
SOLAR STIMULUS
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has approximately 370 billion earmarked for clean energy and climate initiatives. With this funding, construction businesses can move forward with efforts like carbon emission reduction, carbon capture, and perhaps most importantly for roofing companies, solar.
The IRA will likely boost consumer interest even further in solar roofing and storage batteries thanks to the incentives it provides, so contractors should become familiar with them if they want to participate in the solar market.
The IRA includes the “Residential Clean Energy Credit” (formerly the Investment Tax Credit), which provides a 30% tax credit on federal taxes for the installation of solar heating, electricity generation and other solar products. This is retroactive to the beginning of 2022.
The 30% credit will be available until Dec. 31, 2032, when it will drop to 23% until 2033, then 22% in 2034, then disappears in 2035 unless it’s renewed. The solar tax credit covers: solar photovoltaic panels; contractor labor for onsite preparation, assembly, or original installation; permitting, inspection and developer fees; any equipment needed for the solar system to operate, like wiring; storage batteries; and sales tax on certain expenses.
There is no dollar limit to the eligible expenses, so customers aren’t locked into spending certain amounts to gain the credit. If you work in a state that offers a credit, check to see if your state will allow customers to reduce their state credit if they use the federal credit.
Trent Cotney, partner and construction team co-leader at Adams and Reese, praised the IRA for its ability to help the environment, but said contractors will need to understand what solar can offer their customers before taking advantage of it.
“Part of it is getting with your sales people to understand what they can pitch and how it ties in with what this bill offers,” he said.
The bill will create a slew of public and federal projects as well, so contractors should monitor those projects and bid on them accordingly, says Cotney.
“There’s going to be a lot of improvements from a construction standpoint that I anticipate will come out both from the federal and state and local framework,” he said.
On the supply side, the law includes over 60 billion to on-shore clean energy manufacturing in the U.S. across the clean energy and transportation supply chain. This includes 30 billion to accelerate the U.S. manufacturing of solar panels, wind turbines and more.
The IRA includes the “Residential Clean Energy Credit,” which provides a 30% tax credit on federal taxes for the installation of solar heating, electricity generation and other solar products.
IRA’S IMPACT ON LABOR
As much as the law will support clean energy opportunities, there are some aspects that affect labor costs and practices. The Investment Tax Credit for commercial building solar, as well as the Production Tax Credit for solar farms, have labor requirements.
The IRA provides bonus tax credits for taxpayers who meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship rules for their projects. According to the National Law Review, for a 30% Investment Tax Credit, projects must pay prevailing wages during construction and the first five years of operation. For the Production Tax Credit’s 2.6 cents per kilowatt hours credit, prevailing wages must be paid in the first 10 years.
Along with prevailing wages, the IRA mandates the use of apprentices in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship program. Projects must have a set percentage of hours worked by apprentices. The wage and apprenticeship requirements apply to employees of contractors and subcontractors as well as the company.
According to Cotney, there are also incentives available to builders of single-family homes and multi-family buildings through the Energy Efficient New Home Tax Credit. Extended to Dec. 31, 2032, this offers credits for meeting Energy Star requirements or the Department of Energy’s “Zero Energy Ready Homes” program. However, prevailing wage requirements must be met for multi-family buildings.
Cotney said wage requirements are based on the Davis-Bacon Related Acts, meaning workers must be paid at prevailing wage rates – typically based on what unions pay in the area. He said additional paperwork is in the future for contractors and subcontractors as well due to certified payroll requirements.
“Primarily, this has been in the federal sphere in the past, but this is going to be required to be used for any of these clean energy-type construction projects they’re doing in the private realm,” Cotney said.
Violations of the wage and apprenticeship rules will result in a 5,000 penalty per covered employee related to the underpayments. If it’s found to be intentional, it doubles to 10,000.
Facilities with a maximum net output of less than 1 megawatts of AC power will automatically qualify for the tax credit multiplier without having to satisfy the requirements. Residential solar has no labor requirements.
While residential solar doesn’t have labor requirements in the IRA, commercial projects may need to abide by wage and apprenticeship rules.
INVENTIVE CONTRACTORS
Aside from diversifying, solar gives contractors the opportunity to provide customers with self-sustaining technology. This was highlighted most recently with Hurricane Ian, where Florida communities and businesses with solar capabilities still had power after the Category 4 storm.
Advanced Roofing Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has worked with solar for years. When Hurricane Ian thrashed Florida, the commercial roofing company checked on its various solar customers to find that most of them only received minor damage.
“In Florida with insurance, there were big articles before the storm about insurance companies not wanting to insure building and housing with solar,” said Rob Kornahrens, CEO of Advanced Roofing Inc. “We have real-time data that says hey, it does work if it’s installed properly.”
In addition to installing solar, the company has its hand in manufacturing it as well. Kornahrens is the CEO of Power Panel, a company revolutionizing solar technology by combining PV electrical production with solar thermal capture to maximize both energy streams. Designed by Garth Schultz, president of Power Panel, the module can produce solar hot water and low-cost electricity. Heating a 50 gallon tank of water a day with Power Panel costs 21% less and occupies 50% less space than traditional PV.
Power Panel’s technology is being utilized nationally and internationally, from low-income housing in Cleveland to sending units to Ukraine. Its stand-alone generator technology, Gen-2-0, was successfully deployed to help people in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria in 2018.
Kornahrens said they’ve been working with companies in China and Brazil but the IRA has been a game-changer. Right now the company has small-scale manufacturing capabilities, but through loans and grants, including those from the IRA, it is looking to scale its production in 2024.
“We’re really starting to commercialize it,” said Kornahrens. “Now with the incentives coming back for 10 years at 30%, we’re re-focusing on the U.S. market.”