GAF Solar Shingles

How do Solar Shingles Reduce the Electric Bill?  

7 minutes

Solar energy presents an opportunity to significantly diminish your electric bill. By harnessing the power of the sun, solar shingles convert that energy into usable electricity, reducing your reliance on traditional power grids. This not only lessens your environmental footprint, but also results in noteworthy savings on your electricity bill. So, how do solar shingles reduce electric bill costs? 

To optimize these benefits, it is important to understand how your solar shingle system works and how factors such as the size of your solar system, the sun exposure of your roof, and your energy usage habits can impact your savings. Additionally, calculating your potential savings with solar energy can provide a clear financial picture. 

While solar shingles are a powerful tool in reducing your electric bill, other steps can further cut your energy usage and costs. The key is to select the right solar shingle system for your needs and ensure its proper installation. DaBella provides top-quality solar shingles designed for long-lasting performance and maximum electric bill reduction. Find out how much you can save with solar power today. 

How Solar Shingles Function and Their Benefits 

Solar shingles are a revolutionary roofing solution that harnesses the sun’s energy to generate clean electricity for your home. Unlike traditional solar panels mounted on racks, solar shingles seamlessly integrate with your existing roof, replacing conventional asphalt or other shingles. These innovative shingles are composed of photovoltaic (PV) cells, the same technology used in traditional solar panels. When sunlight strikes the PV cells, they convert the light energy into electricity. 

This direct current (DC) electricity then travels through a network of interconnected shingles to a central inverter. The inverter plays a crucial role by transforming the DC electricity from the shingles into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the type of electricity used to power your home appliances and electronics. The converted AC electricity is then fed back into your home’s electrical grid, offsetting the need to purchase electricity from the traditional power grid. 

Solar shingles offer many benefits for homeowners. They not only generate clean, renewable energy but also contribute to a more sustainable future. Additionally, solar shingles can potentially lower your electricity bills by reducing your reliance on the traditional grid. Furthermore, due to their integrated design, solar shingles offer a sleek and aesthetically pleasing look for your roof.  

How Much do Solar Shingles Have an Electricity Bills  

While solar shingles offer a compelling path to clean energy and potentially lower electricity bills, the exact amount of savings you can expect can vary. Here at DaBella, we understand that transparency and knowledge are key to making informed decisions. Let us delve into the key factors that influence your potential solar savings: 

  • Solar Shingle System Size: The size of your GAF Timberline Solar Shingle system, measured in kilowatts (kW), directly impacts the amount of electricity it can generate. Larger systems generate more power, potentially leading to greater savings on your electricity bills. Our DaBella experts will analyze your energy usage and roof size to recommend a system size that aligns with your needs and budget. 
  • Sunshine Exposure: Sunlight is the fuel for your GAF Timberline Solar Shingles! The amount of direct sunlight your roof receives throughout the day significantly impacts energy production. Our team will assess your roof’s orientation, shading from trees or structures, and average sunlight hours in your area to estimate the solar energy potential of your home. 
  • Shingle Efficiency: GAF Timberline Solar Shingles are known for their high efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity. This translates to more electricity generation per square foot of shingles installed. DaBella offers the exceptional performance of GAF Timberline Solar Shingles to maximize your energy production and potential savings. 
  • Shingle Angle and Orientation: The angle and orientation of your roof play a crucial role in capturing sunlight. South-facing roofs with a tilt close to your latitude generally receive the most sunlight throughout the year. While DaBella cannot change the orientation of your roof, we can factor these aspects into your system design to optimize energy production based on your existing roof structure. 
  • Energy Usage Habits: The amount of electricity you use significantly impacts your potential savings. Homes with higher energy consumption will see a greater reduction in electricity bills when switching to solar power. DaBella can help you understand your historical energy usage and explore ways to potentially reduce consumption, maximizing the financial benefits of your solar shingle investment.  

Estimating Savings with Solar Energy 

Estimating potential savings from solar shingles involves evaluating your electricity consumption and the GAF solar shingle output, determining the payback period and return on investment (ROI), and considering other factors like the location of your home, the cost of electricity in your area, available incentives, tax credits, and net metering policies.  

GAF Timberline Solar Shingles do not only have a warranty on the shingles themselves but also a warranty on the output they provide your home. The first 2 years after installation the shingles will produce 97.45% and after 25 years, they are warrantied to produce 84.8% of the originally stated output. According to GAF, “the actual power output in the aggregate will not decline by more than 0.55% annually for the remainder of the warranty term.” 

Further Ways to Minimize Your Electric Bill 

Besides installing solar shingles there are other methods that can further reduce your electric bill. Using energy-efficient windows, roofing, siding, adopting energy-saving practices, exploring net metering, and making the most of peak sunlight hours are all effective ways to save on your energy bill.  

Solar Shingle Installation 

Like traditional roofing, a water-resistant underlayment is first installed on the deck. Then, the solar shingles themselves are strategically placed, directly replacing the conventional shingles. They often integrate with starter strips and a specific pattern for secure interlocking. As the shingles are installed, electrical connections are made between them to create a series circuit, allowing them to function as a single unit for generating solar energy. Cables carrying the generated electricity are then routed from the shingles through the roof deck to a connection point inside your home, eventually connecting to your inverter which converts the DC electricity into usable AC electricity. 

Once installation is complete, meticulous sealing is done around any points where cables penetrate the roof deck to prevent water leaks. The entire system then undergoes electrical checks to ensure proper functionality and safety. 

DaBella Roof Replacements with GAF Timberline Solar Shingles 

Ready to transform your roof into a powerhouse of clean energy and beauty? DaBella offers comprehensive roof replacement solutions, with the option to seamlessly integrate GAF Timberline Solar Shingles for a future powered by the sun. 

Here’s why DaBella is your perfect roofing partner: 

  • Expert Replacements: Our factory-trained installers deliver exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring your new roof is built to last. 
  • Solar Power Option: Harness the sun’s energy with GAF Timberline Solar Shingles, a sleek and efficient solution to potentially reduce your electricity bills. 
  • Unmatched Warranties: Enjoy peace of mind with DaBella’s commitment to quality. We offer excellent warranties on both the roof replacement and the GAF Timberline Solar Shingles, ensuring your investment is protected. 

Contact DaBella today for a free consultation and quote. Let our experts assess your roof and explore the possibilities of a beautiful new roof enhanced with the power of GAF Timberline Solar Shingles. Together, we can create a sustainable future for your home, starting from the top down. 

See if your local DaBella location offers solar shingles as an add on for your next roof replacement! 


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Steven Shortridge

District Manager

Portland, OR

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1-844-DABELLA