Solar Integration

There is still quite the buzz around residential solar products. Several companies continue work on finding ways to make solar cheaper and more efficient. And to make homeowners happier, companies continue to find ways to integrate solar systems into a home’s roof.

BP Solar offers a line called Integra that has a low-profile installation which blends with asphalt shingle roofs so the panels aren’t as noticeable from the street. Custom-Bilt Metals’ new FusionSolar fuses directly to the standing seam metal roof. GE Energy also has an integrated system as does Eagle Roofing products, which has teamed up with Suntech to offer the SolarBlend.

With solar systems becoming increasingly popular in the United States, Jay Banister, national solar and marketing manager for Eagle Roofing Products, has offered to explain Eagle’s take on the residential solar market.

Qualified Remodeler: What are the big trends you’re seeing in the residential solar market right now?

Jay Banister: The increasing prevalence of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems is one of the big trends in the residential market. BIPV solar systems and the Eagle Solar Roof with SolarBlend from Suntech, in particular, are prized for their ease of installation and the superior finished appearance and weatherability performance. BIPV systems produce clean energy, increase home value, help protect the environment, and the aesthetics of these systems is unmatched.

Another big trend in residential solar is the desire to make rooftop solar systems part of the traditional building construction process by working with existing installers. Eagle is doing this by expanding the solar installer base to include experienced roofing contractors who either become or partner with equally experienced electricians and solar integrators. The partnering of these trades allows them to offer meaningful solar roof system and solar electric system warranties to builders and homeowners, ensuring a level of protection that has not been available in the past. Especially for large home builders and developers who have built relationships with existing roofing and electrical contractors, the ability to continue to use these trusted contractors to add innovative solar products to their homes is a tremendous benefit.

Interest in solar electric systems is increasing steadily across the country with the U.S. market, about doubling in 2008 over 2007. Homeowners who are building new homes or remodeling existing homes see the value in producing their own energy through a rooftop solar electric system. U.S. consumers are realizing more and more that solar electricity will protect them against future utility rate increases. They can see that the increased monthly mortgage cost attributed to paying for the system is often more than offset by the resulting monthly savings in electricity and that there are additional upfront savings from the federal tax credit for 30 percent of the system cost. In addition to saving money, homeowners are also learning that solar systems help to prevent the release of CO2, the destruction of forests and the consumption of fossil fuels, thereby protecting the environment for their children and grandchildren.

QR: What do you think is pushing those trends and driving the market?

JB: While there are many factors driving the market’s move toward solar, three stand out from the rest. In order of impact, we see them as federal incentives, state and local level incentives and programs, and a growing “green” movement in the United States and other countries. The strongest drivers are the federal incentives; there is a 30 percent tax credit for residential systems that helps make the financial case for homeowners. For commercial systems, the 30 percent comes in the form of a cash grant paid 60 days after project completion and accelerated depreciation provisions that greatly improve the rate of return for solar system investments on commercial buildings.