Certainteed Enters Partnership with SRS Energy

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Posted by Roof Info Staff on Apr 21, 2008 in Solar Roofing

Per an SRS Energy news item, they have entered into a partnership with CertainTeed Corporation, a North American manufacturer of interior and exterior building products.

The partnership will be used for the advance and development of photovoltaic roofing products, such as solar shingles. Both companies will collaborate on the development of a polymericbased photovoltaic roof tile that generates energy when exposed to radiant energy (light) without compromising the look of the home.

Newer technology allows you to seamlessly and inconspicuously embed solar technology into the roof tile. Most existing solar roofing systems rely on large and unattractive panels which makes PV systems a more elegant solution. Hi tech, while being low-key and aesthetic.

“We are thrilled to be on the leading edge of developing attractive roofing products that help save homeowners money and reduce energy consumption,” says Marty Low, Chief Executive Officer of SRS Energy. “This partnership will revolutionize the way homeowners look at roofing-from being simply a form of shelter, to being an environmentally-friendly resource that powers a home.”

This announcement came quick on the heels of CertainTeed laying off 140 workers from its fiberglass insulation plant in Kansas City, Kansas. CertainTeed said that downsizing was necessary due to an excess capacity for insulation products because of a weak new housing market.

Advances in technology

In the early 70′s, going solar meant panels the size of dining room tables. Now, where in the last few years, the solar industry are becoming more in tune with existing building architecture. The newer technologies enable us to have solar-powered cells that can be seamlessly incorporated into most traditional roofing materials such as slate, metal, and as in this partnership, asphalt roofing.

Solar shingle (or tile) systems are considered to be building-integrated photovoltaics or BIPVs. Strings of shingles spread over hundreds of square feet of roof can generate enough electricity to power a home. The solar shingles can be installed over new or existing roofs. An electrician and/or trained roofer will wire them together and patch them in to your home’s electrical system.