UK’S FIRST ‘SOLAR SLATE’ BLENDS TRADITION AND TECHNOLOGY
To some, solar roofs embody everything that is good about modern architectural innovation. To many though, there is something unwelcome, almost ugly in the way that solar unavoidably jars with its surroundings. The objections don’t stop at homeowners either, with planning officers flatly dismissing requests to install solar panels on listed buildings…until now.
Cardiff-based solar energy expert PV Systems has launched the UK’s first ‘solar slate’ roof tile, blending the latest photovoltaic technology with a slate so convincing, it looks exactly like conventional roofing slates. The company’s new ‘Heritage Solar Slate’ addresses the public’s aesthetic concerns, plus those of planners, who will now be able to grant approval for PV Systems’ Solar Slate on Grade 2 Listed buildings.
Heritage Solar Slate is a leading-edge photovoltaic roof tile that carries all the benefits of solar, such as long-term energy payback and lack of environmental impact. In addition, this unique PV product overcomes some of the obstacles traditionally faced by solar installations. The slate has been developed to blend almost seamlessly with existing tiles to form an ‘invisible’ solar roof panel. The slates are fully weatherproof and – unlike solar panels – the design does not produce any protrusions on the existing roof structure.
The new PV slate 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.
Because of its remarkable slate-like appearance, Heritage Solar Slate provides an alternative energy option for those who own buildings of historical significance. PV Systems’ first installation has recently been completed at Maslands Farm in Wiltshire. The Grade 2 Listed property, part of the farm’s estate, has met with full planning consent.
Local firm, Marden Roofing completed the installation, which 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.
MD of PV Systems, Bruce Cross, comments: “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 slates are almost indistinguishable from standard slates, overcoming both aesthetic and planning concerns and making solar power available to all.”
PV Systems’ is the UK’s longest established photovoltaic company and the first to complete a UK solar roof installation. The company has unrivalled experience in solar project delivery, having designed and installed over 400 solar electric systems in domestic homes, offices and public buildings throughout the UK and Europe.
