Solar Roofing & Solar Shingles in New Jersey

What Is Solar Roofing?

Solar roofing is a roofing system that incorporates solar energy technology directly into the roof. Instead of installing a separate rack-mounted solar array above conventional shingles, solar shingles become part of the roof itself.

GAF Energy's Timberline Solar® system uses nailable solar shingles designed to integrate with compatible GAF Timberline asphalt shingles. The system is designed to be installed using roofing tools and processes rather than conventional solar-panel racking.

For homeowners planning a roof replacement, this approach can provide an opportunity to address the roof and solar installation as one coordinated project.

Solar Roofing vs. Traditional Solar Panels

Traditional solar panels are typically mounted above an existing roof using a racking system. Solar shingles, by contrast, are integrated directly into the roofing system.

Neither option is automatically right for every property. The right option depends on the condition and age of your existing roof, roof size and configuration, sun exposure and shading, roof orientation and pitch, household electricity usage, your project goals and budget, and available solar and utility programs.

A professional roof and solar assessment can help determine which approach makes sense for your property.

GAF Energy Solar Shingles in New Jersey

Alte offers solar roofing using GAF Energy solar shingles, providing an integrated alternative to conventional rooftop solar panels.

GAF Energy's current Timberline Solar® ES 2 system uses nailable energy shingles that install directly onto the roof alongside compatible Timberline asphalt shingles. GAF states that the system is designed to generate electricity while functioning as part of the roof and protecting the home from weather.

GAF Energy also identifies Timberline Solar as a particularly relevant option for homeowners planning a new roof because the solar system is integrated with the roofing system.

Why Integrated Solar Roofing Can Be Different

A solar roof can provide:

• A low-profile roofing and solar design
• Solar energy generation without conventional panel racking
• A coordinated roof replacement and solar project
• Integration with compatible roofing materials
• A roof designed to provide weather protection while generating electricity

Solar roofing isn't necessarily the right solution for every home, however. A roof evaluation should come before deciding on the system.

Is Solar Roofing a Good Choice for a New Jersey Home?

Solar roofing can be worth considering when you're already planning a roof replacement and want to incorporate renewable energy into the project. Several factors should be evaluated before installation.

1. 1

   Roof Condition

   If your roof is nearing the end of its service life, replacing the roof before or as part of a solar project can make more sense than installing a new solar system over a roof that may soon need replacement.

2. 2

   Sun Exposure

   The amount of sunlight reaching the roof affects the potential energy production of a solar system. Trees, nearby buildings, roof orientation and seasonal shading can all affect performance.

3. 3

   Roof Design

   Roof pitch, available roof area, layout and other structural considerations can affect whether a solar roofing system is suitable.

4. 4

   Household Energy Usage

   Your electricity consumption helps determine how much solar generation your home may need. A proper evaluation should consider your home's actual energy use rather than relying on a generic production estimate.

5. 5

   Project Budget

   Solar roofing combines roofing and solar technology, so the project cost depends on the roof, system design, installation requirements and other project-specific factors.

Solar Roofing and Roof Replacement

One of the most important times to consider solar roofing is when you're already replacing your roof.

Installing solar on an older roof can create a future maintenance issue if the roof needs replacement while the solar system is still in service. An integrated solar roofing project allows the roofing and energy-generation components to be considered together.

Alte can evaluate your existing roof and help you determine whether combining roof replacement and solar roofing is appropriate for your property. A typical project may involve inspecting the existing roof, evaluating the roof structure and condition, assessing solar potential, designing the roofing and solar system, completing required permitting, installing the roofing and solar components, completing electrical and utility requirements, and activating the system.

The exact process depends on the property, system and applicable requirements.

How Does Solar Roofing Work?

Solar shingles contain photovoltaic technology that converts sunlight into electricity.

During daylight hours, the solar shingles generate electrical energy. The system's electrical equipment then manages that energy so it can be used by the home and handled according to the applicable electrical and utility requirements.

1. 1

   Roof Assessment

   Your roof is evaluated for condition, size, slope, orientation and other factors that may affect installation.

2. 2

   Solar Evaluation

   The available roof area, sunlight exposure and household energy needs are considered when developing the project.

3. 3

   System Design

   The roofing and solar components are planned together based on the home's requirements.

4. 4

   Permitting and Electrical Planning

   Required permits, inspections and electrical or utility requirements are addressed as part of the project.

5. 5

   Professional Installation

   The roofing and solar components are installed according to manufacturer specifications and applicable building requirements.

6. 6

   System Activation

   After installation and required approvals, the solar system can begin generating electricity for the home.

Benefits of Solar Roofing for New Jersey Homeowners

• Generate electricity from part of your roof
• Combine roofing and solar into one coordinated project
• Integrated appearance rather than a separate rack above the roof
• Still a roofing system — designed to protect from rain, snow and wind
• Plan for long-term energy use and reduce reliance on grid electricity

How Much Does Solar Roofing Cost in New Jersey?

The cost of a solar roofing project varies from home to home. Factors that can affect the total project cost include:

• Roof size
• Roof pitch and complexity
• Existing roof condition
• Amount of solar roofing required
• Electrical work
• System design
• Permitting requirements
• Roofing materials
• Property-specific installation conditions

For that reason, a generic price isn't a reliable way to estimate your solar roof. Alte Roofing & Siding can evaluate your home and provide a project-specific estimate.

Solar Roofing Incentives in New Jersey

New Jersey has established solar incentive programs, but eligibility and program requirements can change.

The state's Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) program includes the Administratively Determined Incentive (ADI) structure for qualifying smaller net-metered solar projects, including residential solar, while the Competitive Solar Incentive (CSI) program addresses larger qualifying projects.

Because incentive programs, utility requirements and tax rules can change, homeowners should verify current eligibility before making a purchase decision. A qualified tax professional can also provide advice regarding individual tax circumstances.

Ask Alte about the roofing and solar scope of your project, and verify current incentives before moving forward.

Why Choose Alte Roofing & Siding for Solar Roofing?

Choosing a solar roofing contractor means you're not only choosing someone to install an energy system — you're also choosing a company responsible for an important part of your home's exterior.

• GAF Master Elite® contractor with established experience in GAF roofing systems
• Roofing and solar evaluated as one project rather than two separate ones
• GAF Energy solar roofing using nailable solar shingles
• Local New Jersey roofing experience throughout the northern and central service area

Our Solar Roofing Process

1. 1

   Request an Estimate

   Contact Alte and tell us about your roof and solar goals.

2. 2

   Roof Inspection

   We'll evaluate the condition and characteristics of your existing roof.

3. 3

   Discuss Your Options

   We'll discuss whether solar roofing is appropriate and explain the roofing options available for your project.

4. 4

   Project Planning

   The roofing and solar components are planned according to your home's requirements.

5. 5

   Installation

   Our team coordinates the roofing work and solar installation according to the applicable manufacturer and project requirements.

6. 6

   Final Steps

   Required inspections, electrical work and utility procedures are completed before the system is placed into operation.

Solar Roofing Across New Jersey

Alte Roofing & Siding provides residential roofing services throughout northern and central New Jersey, including communities across Warren, Hunterdon, Sussex, Morris, Somerset and Bergen counties.

Solar roofing availability can depend on the property and project requirements. If you're located in northern or central New Jersey and are considering a solar roof, explore our service areas or contact our team to discuss your property.

Frequently Asked Questions