What did you do this past summer? GAF Began Theirs by Completing Their First Fully Integrated Residential Solar Panel Installation. 

The DecoTech™ system offers an attractive, innovative, durable residential solar panel solution for homeowners.

Parsippany, N.J.— GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, announced that Bay Valley Contractors completed a fully integrated residential solar panel installation – the first of its kind in America’s top solar state. [1] The 5.1 kW DecoTech™ Solar Roofing System was installed on a home in Concord, California, yesterday, about 30 miles east of San Francisco. This location follows several successful installations on test sites throughout the U.S.

Simple installation and attractive design DecoTech™ Solar Roofing System is the sleek, low-profile, integrated solar roof system that GAF offers at an affordable price. The system provides a seamless aesthetic and is installed directly to the roof deck – unlike rack-mounted solar panel systems that sit above the roof and require multiple points of entry. Its unique fastening mechanism and flashed perimeter maintain the integrity of the roof and help protect against moisture and leaks.

“Building on the GAF expertise in roofing and solar, we designed DecoTech™ to be intuitive for roofing contractors to install and affordable for homeowners to choose,” said Tommy Rodrigues, research scientist and head of solar product design and development at GAF. “Our high-output panels use best-in-class technology, allowing consumers to harness maximum solar energy.”

“The DecoTech™ design simplifies the installation process,” said Ryan Diaz, vice president at Bay Valley Contractors, the company that completed the installation. “Other solar panel systems require contractors to drill into the roof to locate rafters, but DecoTech™ has an interlocking system that fastens directly to the roof deck, which helps cut down on installation time.”

Heritage in roofing and solar GAF has a 130-year history in roofing and decades of experience in solar, including several patents on solar roofing products, a Solar Elite Contractor™ certification program, and proprietary solar financing relationships that have given the company a unique perspective on the market. The DecoTech™ Solar Roofing System, which is available for purchase and installation across the U.S., is the latest product in the growing GAF solar portfolio.

“We are seeing accelerated interest in DecoTech™ among consumers seeking to lower energy costs and find sustainable solutions. GAF is proud to offer an elegant solution with exceptional warranty protections for homeowners,” said Patrick Brokaw, GAF senior residential solar program territory manager for the Western region. “DecoTech’s aesthetic appeal and ease of installation make it unique to anything on the market today, and we are committed to continued growth and innovation in solar.”

[1] Top 10 Solar States. Solar Energy Industry Association

GAF has multiple DecoTech™ Solar Roofing System installations scheduled across the country throughout the coming weeks and continues to introduce its offerings to leading roofing and solar contractors. 

About DecoTech™ DecoTech™ is the proprietary GAF Solar Roofing System. With a low-profile, sleek design and monochromatic Deco Black gloss finish, the high-output solar panels offer a seamless aesthetic. Its concealed wires, metal frame, and waterproofing elements provide durability and allow the panels to shed water just like shingles. The interlocking system, which fastens directly to the roof deck, is designed for simple and fast installation by GAF factory-certified roofing contractors.

About GAF Founded in 1886, GAF is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. It is an operating subsidiary of Standard Industries. GAF products include a comprehensive portfolio of roofing systems for residential and commercial properties, which are supported by an extensive national network of factory-certified contractors. Its success is driven by its commitment to Advanced Quality, Industry Expertise, and Solutions Made Simple. GAF was the first roofing manufacturer to offer a Lifetime limited warranty on all of its laminated shingles, which then evolved with the introduction of the GAF Lifetime Roofing System by extending the Lifetime coverage beyond just the roofing shingles.

With a focus on social responsibility, GAF developed Advanced Protection® Shingle Technology, providing excellent durability and wind resistance while reducing the use of natural resources. The company has also developed single-ply and asphaltic roofing membranes with excellent durability and high reflectivity to meet the most rigorous industry standards while helping commercial property owners and designers reduce energy consumption.

GAF also supports the roofing industry through CARE, the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence, which has provided education to over 230,000 professionals. CARE’s mission is to help professional contractors and distributors build their businesses through sales and management education, and to provide product and installation training to contractors, distributors, architects, property owners, and related industry personnel. For more information about GAF, visit gaf.com.

About Standard Industries Standard Industries is a privately held, global, diversified holding company with interests in building materials, aggregates, and related investment businesses in public equities and real estate. With over 7,500 employees and operations in more than 80 countries, Standard maintains a team-oriented culture of meritocracy and operational excellence, and a passionate focus on investing in its people.