GAF Energy, a company under Standard Industries and a leading manufacturer of solar roofing products, has revealed its plan to construct a new testing facility for building-integrated solar photovoltaics (BIPV) products. This initiative has been made possible through an investment from the Department of Energy.
Currently, GAF Energy is in the process of scouting for an ideal location for the upcoming facility. The company already operates two manufacturing plants situated in San Jose, California, and Georgetown, Texas.
The primary objective of the new testing project is to develop, test, and validate a range of optical, thermal, and energy models for roof-integrated solar shingles. The ultimate goal is to enhance the understanding of the advantages that solar shingles offer in terms of improving heating and air conditioning efficiency within homes. The facility will be equipped with advanced weather, photovoltaic (PV), and temperature monitoring systems. Additionally, GAF Energy has teamed up with Sandia National Laboratories and its network of regional test centers to collaborate on this project. The company has been engaged in ongoing testing of solar roofing alongside Sandia National Labs since the year 2021.
Martin DeBono, the president of GAF Energy, emphasized the significance of solar roofing in making residential solar energy more accessible to a wider audience. He highlighted the crucial role that testing plays in driving innovation within this sector. DeBono expressed gratitude towards the Department of Energy for its unwavering support towards clean energy innovation. He also expressed eagerness to continue the collaboration with the experts at Sandia National Labs in order to verify the performance, durability, and benefits of solar roofing products.
The DOE award, which was announced earlier this year, forms part of a larger $71 million investment allocated towards research, development, and demonstration projects aimed at fostering the growth of domestic manufacturers throughout the solar energy supply chain in the United States. This investment underscores the government’s commitment to advancing clean energy technologies and promoting sustainability across various industries.