GAF Energy, a Standard Industries company and manufacturer of solar roofing products, said it will build a new testing facility for building-integrated solar photovoltaics (BIPV) products, thanks to an investment from the Dept. of Energy.

GAF Energy is currently searching for location for the new facility. The company operates two manufacturing facilities in San Jose, California, and Georgetown, Texas.

The new testing project aims to develop, test and validate a combination of optical, thermal and energy models for roof-integrated solar shingles to improve understanding of the benefits solar shingles provide in heating and air conditioning efficiency for the home. The facility will be equipped with weather, PV and temperature monitoring. GAF Energy is partnering with Sandia National Laboratories and its network of regional test centers on the project. The company has conducted ongoing testing of solar roofing with Sandia National Labs since 2021.

“Solar roofing offers the opportunity for residential solar to reach the mainstream and testing is critical to further innovation in this sector,” said Martin DeBono, president of GAF Energy. “We’re thankful to the Dept. of Energy for their ongoing commitment to supporting clean energy innovation and we’re looking forward to continuing our partnership with the experts at Sandia National Labs to verify the performance, durability, and benefits of solar roofing.”

The DOE award was announced earlier this year as part of a broader $71 million investment in research, development and demonstration projects to grow the network of domestic manufacturers across the U.S. solar energy supply chain.

News item from GAF Energy