SOLAR SOLUTION ON THE HORIZON FOR LISTED BUILDINGS
The solar energy market has seen expediential growth in recent years and Nano Markets predict current levels will multiply four-fold by 2015. Spurred on by the rising costs of traditional energy solutions, homeowners are increasingly turning to renewable sources such as solar, but so far this option has been blocked for listed buildings.
Now though, a new ‘solar slate’ roof tile solves this issue, blending the latest photovoltaic technology with a slate that looks exactly like conventional roofing slates. This new slate addresses the public’s aesthetic concerns, plus those of planners, who will now be able to grant approval for solar roof installations on listed buildings.
The advantage of combining solar with slate is fairly obvious. The resulting roof tile carries all the benefits of solar, such as long-term energy payback and lack of environmental impact. In addition, the unique appearance overcomes some of the obstacles traditionally faced by solar. The slate blends almost seamlessly with existing tiles to form an ‘invisible’, fully weatherproof solar roof panel.
The new slate system allows large surface area coverage and ventilation to give maximum efficiency, maximum carbon saving and consistent energy production. Each pack produces between 600 Watts and 3 Kilowatts. This inexhaustible energy source is completely pollution-free and helps to meet legislative targets, including the ‘Merton Rule’. The slate is suitable for retrofits, premium new build properties and listed buildings.
One installation has already been completed at Maslands Farm in Wiltshire. The Grade 2 Listed property, part of the farm’s estate, has met with full planning consent. The installation is a ‘fit-and-forget’ process, requiring no specific training and no additional ‘niche’ trades on site. The materials are supplied as a simple kit, to be installed by a conventional roofer, using standard slate hooks. As a result, the process has minimal impact on the speed and cost of any building programme.
Given the UK’s high volume of listed buildings, the potential for adoption of this new roofing system is huge. Because of its remarkable slate-like appearance, this new form of slate provides an alternative energy option for those who own buildings of historical significance. Several further projects are in the pipeline for public and private buildings across the UK.
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 feel that traditional solar panels are an ugly addition so decide against installing them. These new slates are almost indistinguishable from standard slates, overcoming both aesthetic and planning concerns and making solar power available to all.
