Solar Roofing
GAF Solar Shingles That Look Like a Roof
Most people who want solar don't love the look of solar. GAF Energy's Timberline Solar nails down as part of the roof itself — no racks, no add-on panels — installed by a roofing company across Christiansburg, Blacksburg, and Roanoke.
Solar Energy, Without the Bolted-On Look
Traditional rooftop solar is two systems stapled together: a roof, and then a separate solar array drilled through the shingles into the rafters. GAF's Timberline Solar is fundamentally different — a solar shingle that installs as part of the roof plane. And because Modern Day Roofing is a roofing company, we install it the way it's meant to go on: as roofing first, energy second.
It's a Shingle, Not a Panel
GAF Energy's Timberline Solar is installed with nails, right alongside standard Timberline shingles and integrated into the roof plane. There's no bulky array bolted a few inches above your roof.
No Mounting Penetrations, Fewer Leaks
Traditional panels drill through your shingles into the rafters — every mount a potential leak point. Because GAF Solar has no racking, there are far fewer opportunities for leaks, a big deal in a wet, storm-prone climate like ours.
The Part That Matters Most
Why Have a Roofer Install Your Solar
When solar goes on a roof, the roof is what fails first — almost always at the mounting points or the flashing. Solar companies are electricians and salespeople; they are not roofers, and it shows in the leaks. GAF Solar is designed to be installed by roofing professionals, and as a GAF-certified contractor, our crews install it as part of the roofing system — properly underlaid, flashed, and sealed. You get the energy production of solar with the watertight integrity of a professionally installed GAF roof, from one company that stands behind the whole thing.
Is Solar Worth It in Virginia?
Virginia gets more usable sun than most people assume, and electricity rates have climbed steadily. For the right home — good roof orientation, decent southern exposure, a roof that's newer or being replaced anyway — solar shingles can offset a meaningful share of a monthly power bill and keep paying back for decades.
- The 30% federal tax credit applies to qualifying residential solar installations, which materially shortens the payback period.
- Best value on a re-roof — adding GAF Solar shingles while you're already replacing the roof is far more efficient than retrofitting panels later.
- Durability that matches the roof — these are GAF shingles engineered for the same wind and weather performance as a quality asphalt roof.
We'll be honest about whether your roof is a good candidate. Solar isn't right for every home — heavy shade, poor orientation, or a roof with plenty of life left can all change the math — and we'd rather tell you that up front than sell you something that won't pay off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are solar shingles different from solar panels?
Solar panels are separate units mounted on racks above your existing roof. GAF Solar shingles are the roof — nailable solar shingles installed alongside standard shingles, integrated into the roof plane with no mounting penetrations. The result is a lower-profile look and fewer potential leak points.
Do solar shingles leak?
Because GAF Solar installs without the racking penetrations traditional panels require, and because it's installed by roofers as part of a complete roofing system, it's engineered to be as watertight as a standard GAF roof. Proper installation is everything — which is exactly why it's designed to be installed by certified roofing contractors, not solar-only crews.
Does GAF Solar qualify for the tax credit?
Qualifying residential solar installations are currently eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit, which applies to the solar portion of the system. We'll walk you through what applies to your project; for the specifics of your tax situation, check with your tax professional.
Is my roof a good candidate for solar shingles?
The best candidates have good sun exposure (generally south-facing sections), minimal shade, and either a newer roof or a roof due for replacement. We'll assess your roof's orientation, condition, and shading and give you a straight answer on whether solar makes sense for your home.
Should I do solar during a roof replacement?
Yes — that's the ideal time. Installing GAF Solar as part of a new roof means one integrated system installed once, rather than retrofitting panels onto a roof later and disturbing the finished surface. It's the most cost-effective and watertight way to go solar.
Curious Whether Solar Fits Your Roof?
Especially if a roof replacement is already on your radar, it's worth a conversation before you commit to standard shingles. We'll assess your roof and give you real numbers — no pressure.