Growing U.S. BIPV solar roof segment gains attractive new entrant in SunStyle
Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solar roofing is having a moment in the sun this year. I’ve probably typed that before, but it’s more true in 2022 than ever before.
For starters, GAF Energy’s nailable solar shingle, Timberline Solar, continues to gain steam nationwide. This week, it became available in North and South Carolina. Timberline Solar boasts a depth of less than a quarter inch and integrates with traditional shingles to create a sleek and attractive look. It is the first product to achieve UL’s 7103 certification, which authorizes GAF Energy to install the system on residential roofs as a roofing product and a solar energy product — the first of its kind to be recognized as both.
Meanwhile, SunStyle has been providing its distinctive Swiss-engineered solar roofing shingles for more than a decade, and just announced its expansion to the United States. The SunStyle solar shingles carry a wow factor and has been installed on hundreds of projects in Europe, including residences, churches, schools, businesses, government and industrial sites.
“We looked in the schematic design phase for alternatives, scouted the market, and SunStyle was the right solution, functionally and aesthetically,” said Stefan Behnisch, principal and founding partner of renowned international architectural firm Behnisch Architekten.
In the U.S., SunStyle’s “dragonscale” tiles can be seen on Google’s new campus in Mountain View, Calif., and are being installed on commercial and residential projects around the country.
SunStyle’s UL/IEC-certified solar roof shingles are made with monocrystalline PERC solar cells to maximize the efficiency of the roof. SunStyle says its solar tiles meet both the industry standards for solar modules as well as the standards required by building and construction codes, including achieving the highest possible ratings for hail (FM 4473 Class 4), fire (UL 790 Class A), and wind resistance (ASTM D3161 Class F).
“We are encouraging greater adoption of solar energy by taking solar beyond functional and making it beautiful,” said Gene Rosendale, CEO of SunStyle. “As Americans continue to embrace solar at a rapid rate, we believe it is the perfect time to make our solar roof available to the U.S. market. We are working with architects, builders, solar installers, and roofing companies to build a network of residential and commercial installation partners across the country, and they all agree that the time is now for BIPV.”
“SunStyle’s highest priority is responsiveness and customer service in support of its installation partners and individual property owners to ensure installation excellence and long-term satisfaction.”
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