By the end of 2025, Sun Vault Roofing is on track to complete seven solar shingle projects across Wisconsin, totaling roughly 62 kW (equivalent to planting about 1,400 trees). Project sites are in Madison (2), Wauwatosa, Evansville, Sheboygan, Oconomowoc, and Cambridge.

Together, they represent the first fully integrated CertainTeed Solstice solar shingle roofs in Wisconsin. They’re also the first true building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solar roofs of any kind in Madison or Dane County.

Each installation begins with an ice-and-water shield underlayment, followed by the solar shingle array with perimeter flashing. Asphalt shingles are then installed around the array. Every solar shingle is screwed directly into the roof decking, and each fastener is fully covered by the next course of shingles—just like a traditional shingle roof. This creates a continuous, watertight surface that blends seamlessly with the rest of the roof. Because all fasteners are covered by overlapping shingles, solar shingle systems eliminate exposed penetrations and don’t rely on sealants, gaskets, or specialty flashings for long-term waterproofing. Roof leaks from conventional solar installations are already rare, but for those concerned about penetrations, this system provides a truly penetration-free, watertight solution.

The products Sun Vault Roofing offers also lessens the chance that pests will bother your array. Unless what is called ‘critter guard’ is installed, traditional solar arrays can end up attracting squirrels or other animals that can chew wiring.

Mike Mannion, Sun Vault Roofing co-owner and Director of Operations, was recently recognized by Clean Jobs Midwest for helping popularize solar shingle technology in Wisconsin and installing the first of these projects. Read more about the feature here.

Based in Baraboo, WI, All Sky Energy has over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial solar sectors, offering the grid-connected, off-grid and battery back-up systems. They joined the co-op in 2019.

We interviewed Lisa Kahlow, who, together with her husband, Keith Kahlow, owns All Sky Energy, to get an in-depth look at their dedication to renewable energy and their customers in the communities they serve.

Tell us a little about your company and how it began. What were the motivations to start your company? 

Keith has worked in the electrical field, both in residential and commercial settings, since high school for small shops and also for the union for many years. Keith has over 30 years of experience, has been a Master Electrician for 15 years and continues to stay up to date on the ever-changing codes and industry. In 2010 he made the decision to go out on his own and we started All Sky Energy together. He saw an emerging industry and wanted to have firsthand experience with his clients and seeing projects from start to finish. I worked for my parents and decided in 2013 that I needed to go full time with our solar business. Read more

Interview with Adam Schmidt, Project Resource Officer at Midwest Solar Power

Tell us more about Midwest Solar Power’s ‘origin story’…

Founded in 2009 by Rik Rosenlund and Tom Schlaefer who previously worked together in residential construction, the goal of MSP was to engage in more impactful prospects.  They wanted to bring together their expertise in construction, project management and customer service and soon realized that solar was a field they believed in and were confident they could improve. Over the years, they became experts and built a happy customer base. MSP was also strengthened by the additions of Michael Reuter and Adam Schmidt. Michael Reuter brought his renewable energy and architectural technology training from Madison College along with a passion for green building and renewable energy to MSP to help grow the business and has grown into an ownership role over the last 5 years. Adam Schmidt joined in Feb 2021 with an engineering background and an eagerness to address climate change. Read more