Why Solar Roofing Has a Bright Future

By Evelyn Witterholt. 

We chatted with renewable energy representatives from ABC Supply about the current state and future of the solar industry. 

Demand for solar roofing has been steadily increasing over the last few years. This has led many roofing contractors to wonder if they can start offering solar roofs as part of their services. In a recent podcast, we spoke with Vice President of Renewable Energy James Mason and Business Development Manager of Renewable Energy Eric Cieslak at ABC Supply about why roofers today should think about incorporating solar into their current business. 

James says that one reason solar roofing has become so mainstream these days is because of non-market factors. He said that factors like policy and regulation have made it easier for a solar roofing market to be developed. 

“I believe it was South Carolina... their state incentives are somewhere north of 60%,” he said. “You can get your federal tax credit, the state incentives, and if you're getting American made, and check with your tax professional, you can have upwards of 80 to 90% of your systems paid depending on where you live.” 

Eric says that solar is such a promising industry right now, that he envisions a future where more roofers can begin to offer solar services. He said that he began helping businesses merge solar and roofing after noticing roofing companies losing work to solar companies that were offering roofing services but were not the best at it. 

“We were constantly going out there fixing roofs that were done by solar companies,” he said. “We hired on somebody that worked for a solar company and just said, ‘Hey, how much would it cost for you to merge over to our company and help us build this and teach us and get a crew?’ So they got a crew... And then they taught me how to install solar.” 

Listen to the entire podcast to learn more about the solar roofing industry.