Jump into installing solar

By Emma Peterson.  

From what products are out there to the certifications needed to install, these experts share how to get started installing solar. 

As home and business owners look for energy-efficient solutions, solar is becoming a more popular roofing choice. In this Roofing Road Trips® episode, Karen Edwards sat down with Anthony Romero, Eric Cieslak and Rob Smith of ABC Supply to talk about how contractors can help their clients get the solar system of their dreams.  

Products on the market  

Solar has come a long way in the last decade, and there is a wide variety of innovative products on the market. Rob shared a bit about them, saying, “In the new construction markets, we're definitely seeing the emergence of what we call BIPV, or Building-Integrated Photovoltaics. The Tesla Solar Roof or the CertainTeed Solstice Shingle, as well as the GAF Energy Timberline Solar series are basically solar-integrated shingles. They're able to pack out an entire roof.”  

Not only does this mean that you are getting more coverage of solar on your roof, it can also be more aesthetic. Rob explained, “Mainly what we're hearing is most of the homeowners are pulling towards a solar shingle roof, it aesthetically looks more pleasing. If you're not used to seeing a rack and panel, I've run across many people across the United States and said, ‘That is ugliest thing I've ever seen on a house.’ These products offer an alternative to that.” For contractors expanding into the solar market, it’s key to share all of these options with your clients. 

Certifications for contractors 

Understanding the products on the solar market is only one half of the story when it comes to getting started in solar. Roofing contractors also need to make sure they have the knowledge and training to succeed. Anthony shared a bit about what ABC Supply offers their contractors, saying, “With our traditional roofers, we're having classes at our branches with companies like CertainTeed and GAF, just educating them on the product, how it installs, how the whole program works.”  

In addition to having this type of product-specific training, roofing contractors should get certified with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Rob explained, “NABCEP is the only credible solar certification in our industry, and in certain states, the utility company does require you to have a NABCEP certification on staff to qualify for their utility incentives. So, this is where contractors can go to get a certification.” 

If contractors want to tie the solar system they install back to the larger utility grid, there are additional requirements. Anthony explained, “While anyone just installing solar only needs a permit, you have to have a master electrician's license to get it tied back to the grid.” Many contractors weren’t aware of this additional step, but ABC Supply is there to educate, have those conversations and facilitate connections for contractors. And as the solar market continues to grow, it presents a lucrative opportunity for contractors looking to expand their business and their skillset.  

Read the transcript or Listen to the episode to learn more about how working with solar can benefit roofing contractors.