PV SYSTEMS SCOOPS PRODUCT INNOVATION AWARD FOR ‘SOLAR SLATE’
Ken Livingstone presented the award in recognition of PV Systems ‘Heritage Solar Slate’, the UK’s first roof tile of its type. The tile blends the latest photovoltaic technology with a slate so convincing, it has been successfully installed on a Grade 2 Listed building. The Low Carbon Performance Awards – organised by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineering (CIBSE) – took place at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Wednesday 4th of February.
Sales and Product Manager Terry Sweeney collected the award on behalf of PV Systems: “This award is the culmination of a lot of hard work, both in production and testing and getting the product to market. This has justified our strong belief that there is a significant market for Heritage Solar Slate and gives us huge optimism for the future. Mr Livingstone [who presented the award] also endorsed the product, saying he would love to have our slates on his house! He also took a brochure, which is great. Hopefully he’ll be placing an order soon!”
CIBSE President John Swaffield said: "The awards demonstrate the achievements that can be made through the sustainable design and operation of both new and existing buildings in the UK. With money saving and therefore energy saving on everyone's minds - it is the ideal opportunity to recognise and reward those campaigns, projects and innovations that help to reduce the amount of carbon emitted and energy consumed by the built environment."
Before Heritage Solar Slate, solar powered roofs were too conspicuous to stand a chance at meeting strict planning guidelines. Even for unrestricted buildings, some people have felt that traditional solar panels are an ugly addition and so decided against installing them. Heritage Solar Slate is almost indistinguishable from standard slate, overcoming both aesthetic and planning concerns and making solar power available to everyone.
