Rooftop Solar: Maximizing Solar Power Generation & Getting to Carbon Neutrality

AIAU26-GAF01

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1 LU

Live course date: 03/10/2026 | 03:00 PM

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Description

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 3-4pm ET

Solar energy is now cost competitive and rooftop energy generation is becoming more mainstream. As owners shift towards a net-zero approach to portfolio management, rooftop real estate is primed for solar panels. This presentation is geared towards owners considering the benefits of solar arrays and the designers guiding owners through this process. Understanding the long-term trends that make rooftop solar a compelling choice is the first step. Considerations to maximize output will be discussed, and approaches to various solar installations will be evaluated to assist with the design process. This will include how rooftop solar can support the path to net zero. Finally, roofing considerations to assist in the long-term performance of the roof assembly will be discussed.

Learning Objectives

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Describe how roof material choices contribute to the long-term success of a solar installation.

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Identify the different approaches to maximizing output.

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Explain how rooftop solar can support net zero design goals.

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Discuss different types of solar panels and installation approaches.

This free live course is brought to you through a partnership with GAF. By registering for this course, you grant AIA permission to share your name and email address with GAF.

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Instructors

Matt Braun

Matt Braun is a Building Design Manager for GAF in the West Region of the US. Matt is a licensed Professional Engineer in multiple states (AZ, CO, & TX) and holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. With over 13 years of experience in building enclosure design and consulting, his background includes waterproofing design in multi-family construction, compliance and forensic testing of roof and exterior facade assemblies, consulting on new construction and restoration projects, and review of roofing and building designs with designers and installers. Matt is also an active member of IIBEC (Colorado Chapter President 2023 & 2024) and NRCA.

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Andrea W. Watts

Andrea Wagner Watts is the Building Science Education Manager for GAF | Siplast Building & Roofing Science, engaging with industry professionals to provide guidance, technical support and education for roof and wall assemblies. With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, Andrea strives to improve the overall performance of the building enclosures through application innovation, product development and building science research. Andrea has published on building science, assembly interfaces, durability and resilience and holds multiple patents. She is the chair of the Air Barrier Association of America and chairs the ASTM E06 and D08 Task Groups on air barriers assemblies.

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