Integrated solar reshapes roofing

By Jesse Sanchez. 

How CertainTeed is aligning building integrated photovoltaics with roofing workflows as contractors respond to rising energy costs and shifting homeowner priorities. 

As clean energy moves from a long-term concept to an immediate business consideration, CertainTeed is positioning integrated solar roofing as a natural extension of the roofing contractor’s scope. During this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Karen Edwards spoke with Andrew Wickham, senior director of products for solar solutions at CertainTeed, discussed the reasoning behind the strategy. 

Andrew brings more than a decade of solar experience to his role, including years focused on mounting and racking systems. From his perspective, the growing interest in solar is being driven less by ideology and more by economics. “The big drivers of increased interest for solar are really around energy independence and rising electricity costs,” he said, pointing to utility rate increases that continue to pressure homeowners and building owners across many regions. 

Those pressures are intersecting with rapid gains in panel efficiency. Andrew likened solar’s progress to the evolution of computing, noting that early panels produced a fraction of today’s output. Higher wattage panels now allow systems to deliver meaningful power with fewer components, changing affordability and feasibility for a broader range of properties. 

Concerns about grid reliability are also shaping the conversation. Extreme weather events and increased demand from data centers have raised questions about long-term grid stability. Andrew emphasized that storage has become a key companion to solar, explaining that batteries and even electric vehicles can support resiliency during outages and reduce reliance on utilities. 

For contractors, much of that momentum is converging around building integrated photovoltaics. Instead of attaching panels after a roof is installed, solar becomes part of the roofing system itself. Andrew shared, “Building integrated photovoltaics, VIPV is essentially integrating the solar technology into a product that's part of the roof.” That integration can simplify warranties and reduce finger pointing by placing roof and solar performance under one manufacturer. 

CertainTeed’s solar portfolio reflects that integrated approach, ranging from traditional rack mounted panels to partially and fully integrated systems. Andrew noted that contractor roles are evolving alongside these products, particularly as roughly 30 percent of solar installations require a reroof. He added, “You’re seeing roofing contractors across the United States become both solar and roofing contractors.” 

To support that transition, CertainTeed emphasizes training and early project guidance. Andrew described a hands-on onboarding process that includes proposal development, permitting assistance and field support during initial installations. The intent, he said, is to “provide a white glove service and really help hold their hand all the way through the first couple installs.” 

As solar adoption continues to expand, integrated systems may offer contractors a way to differentiate through aesthetics, accountability and long-term performance while meeting growing demand for energy independence. 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about CertainTeed’s solar roofing solutions and contractor support programs!