Page 17 - North American Clean Energy July/August 2019 Issue

Chris Fisher is Manager of Solar Product Development & Marketing, CertainTeed. He is responsible for research and development, as well as marketing for CertainTeed’s solar division. He joined CertainTeed in 2009 as a product development engineer and has been responsible for new product development activities leading to the commercialization of several generations of solar and solar roo ng products. Prior to joining CertainTeed, Chris was the manufacturing manager and head of process optimization for a solar module manufacturer. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Villanova University.
CertainTeed /// www.certainteed.com
and certi cation courses for solar installers, particularly on products that integrate with existing roo ng products. Also, more roo ng manufacturers are developing new solar products, such as solar shingles/tiles and low-pro le solar systems, which integrate with existing asphalt or concrete tile roof systems to o er an aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional rack-mounted solar systems.
Pulling together two industries that were once separate simpli es the sales process and creates opportunities for superior warranty protections, more consistent supply chains, and better pricing. As the two industries put their heads together, it also inspires product innovation. Roo ng manufacturers have supply chains and distribution channels that are diverse and well-established, while solar developers are steeped in research and development to produce better and more e cient modules. In the end, consumers will likely see more innovative and a ordable products that integrate the best of both industries.
Greater demand for energy ef cient homes
e cost of energy has always moved in one direction (up) and the cost associated with running air conditioning, electricity, and other utilities is often the most variable aspect of a homeowner’s nances. As
more people become aware of their energy footprint, more new homebuyers are demanding that energy savings be factored into their purchase from the very start.
Net-zero homes – homes that generate more or as much energy as they consume
– are in great demand as they combine
the best of solar, insulation, geothermal heating, natural lighting and window/ siding thickness to ensure that most of a home’s energy comes from natural sources, with little waste. Certain niche home builders focus exclusively on net-zero home building; rooftop solar is a crucial ingredient to achieve net-zero status. is bodes well for solar installers looking
to scale up their operations. Emerging companies have taken advantage of
these opportunities by working directly with medium and large home builders
to facilitate ‘solar communities’ on a
large scale, installing and operating the rooftop solar systems for entire housing developments at minimal cost to the developer and the homeowner.
While the solar industry is learning and growing, the consumer demand for rooftop solar isn’t going away any time soon. With manufacturers, roofers, solar installers, and home builders working together and thinking outside the box to bring solar energy to consumers, rooftop solar is on its way to becoming the norm, rather than the exception.
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North American Clean Energy
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