The European solar roofing company, Roofit.Solar, has made its official entry into the North American market with a residential installation in Michigan. The company, founded in 2016, is now active in over 30 countries and aims to expand its presence in the US through a new partnership with US installer ArcEdge. This move marks an exciting development in the solar energy sector, as it brings together two companies that share a common goal of promoting clean energy solutions.
The company's focus on building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) sets it apart from traditional solar panel installations. By combining a roof and solar array into a single product, homeowners can enjoy both aesthetics and clean energy without compromising one for the other. This approach is particularly appealing to architecturally sensitive properties, historic buildings, and homeowners who want a low-profile solar setup.
The Kalamazoo, Michigan installation used Roofit.Solar's Velario system, which integrates high-efficiency monocrystalline solar cells directly into standing-seam metal roofing panels. The result is a roof that serves both as weather protection and as a power generator. This innovative design has recently received UL certification after testing for fire resistance, electrical safety, and weather durability – a key requirement for selling solar hardware in the US.
The Kalamazoo project added 12.32 kW of solar capacity to a newly built private residence designed to run on solar power. The system was installed by Agathon Solar as part of the partnership between Roofit.Solar and ArcEdge. This project demonstrates the potential of BIPV systems in providing reliable and efficient clean energy solutions for American homes.
Roofit.Solar claims to have completed over 3,000 installations globally, with most of them taking place in Europe. The company asserts that demand is growing among American property owners seeking distributed clean energy systems that don’t alter a building’s appearance. This trend suggests that homeowners are becoming increasingly interested in sustainable living solutions.
The partnership between Roofit.Solar and ArcEdge marks an important milestone for the US solar market. By providing integrated solar solutions, these companies can cater to high-end projects and appeal to property owners who value both style and sustainability.
Despite its growing presence, the adoption of building-integrated solar in the US has been slow due to higher costs compared to traditional rack-mounted panels. Companies like Roofit.Solar must demonstrate that their systems can compete on price, installation speed, and long-term performance against conventional solar to gain widespread acceptance.
The success of BIPV systems will depend on various factors, including cost-effectiveness, reliability, and aesthetic appeal. If companies like Roofit.Solar can prove the value of these solutions, they may be able to shift the market's perception and drive adoption in the US.
As the solar energy sector continues to evolve, it is essential for companies like Roofit.Solar to push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability. By doing so, they can help create a cleaner, more environmentally friendly future for generations to come.
The integration of solar panels into roofing materials could revolutionize the way we generate clean energy in the US.
