By Phoebe Kwan, General Manager, CertainTeed Solar Solutions. Phoebe has nearly 20 years of experience in launching and growing global businesses in a multiple industries, ranging from solar to 3D printing to aerospace and more.

As energy cost continues to rise, more and more homeowners are taking individual steps to bolster their homes’ energy efficiency.

One of the fastest-growing trends in the residential market is the conversion to solar energy, with homeowners driven by everything from climate change, rising electric bills, and power outages to tax credits and attractive financing options. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the residential solar market grew 40% in 2022 over 2021, with a record 700,000 homeowners installing solar panels—and that was even despite supply chain issues  that plagued the industry for the most of the year.

Solar roofing is an excellent environmentally friendly solution for renewable energy. And the options available to homeowners are continuing to get better. In previous years, solar panels operated at roughly 15% efficiency. Improvements in photovoltaic technology, however, have grown efficiency to as high as 22%, and that number is expected to rise in the coming years.

Because the landscape of solar power is vast and growing —and because the technology is quickly evolving—homeowners often turn to contractors and installers for guidance on the most reliable solar products, so it is critical for contractors to understand what products benefit homeowners while offering the benefit of fast, easy installation.

One of the most reliable, technologically advanced, and contractor-friendly residential solar solutions on the market today is the Solstice® shingle system by CertainTeed. Solstice shingles offer powerful and efficient solar energy production, all in a sleek, low-profile roofing system.

Low Profile, High Curb Appeal

For starters, Solstice shingles solve for one of the most common homeowner complaints about solar roofs: aesthetics. Conventional rack-mounted solar systems feature larger and bulkier panels that protrude off the existing roof. With their low-profile design, Solstice shingles seamlessly integrate with asphalt shingle roofs, making them an excellent design choice to maintain high curb appeal.

Small Package, Big Power

But looks are obviously not the only consideration when it comes to solar roofing. Power generation is often the primary concern for most homeowners. The Solstice shingle system is the pinnacle of energy production, using high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells to capture and convert maximum solar energy. While the majority of solar shingles produce between 13 and 63 watts, each Solstice shingle yields a maximum power of 70 watts. It also offers superior performance under diffused light and shade leading to increased energy production throughout the course of the day.

Sleek Looks, Robust Protection

Another significant concern about solar shingles is their ability to function as an actual roof that protects homes from the elements. Solstice shingles have category-leading hail-impact and wind-resistance ratings for solar shingles; they’re rated strong enough to be installed in any wind zone — including Florida’s high velocity hurricane zone. Plus, the shingles’ special designed water channels and raised fastener locations provide watertight protection against water intrusion. So, Solstice shingles generate clean energy for the home while also protecting it.

Good for Homeowners, Contractors, and Installers —and the Planet

For 119 years, CertainTeed has built a reputation as a source for quality and dependable roofing materials that benefit contractors with reliable, easy-to-install systems. The Solstice shingle system continues that legacy for the next generation of roofing products. The system can be installed directly on roof decking using standard deck screws, making it easier than ever for roofing contractors to add solar to their roofing offering.

The entire Solstice system is also backed by an industry-leading warranty—and that includes the installer’s workmanship—for up to 25 years. And when installed in combination with a new CertainTeed roof, the entire system is protected under one company, which gives all project stakeholders peace of mind.

Past to Future

CertainTeed has supported generations of builders, roofers and contractors in building and remodeling comfortable, lasting homes for their customers. With Solstice, the company takes its experience and reputation and applies it to innovative solar solutions that improve performance, sustainability, and style for homeowners and installation speed and ease for contractors.

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