Redland first to offer PV solution for slate, plain tile and profile tile roofs

Redland is the first company to offer housing specifiers a fully-integrated PV solution for slate, profile tile and plain tile roofs. Launched at Ecobuild, Redland’s second generation Solar PV Tile brings five new roof-tile specific PV options to the market, each developed to match one of Redland’s most popular tile ranges for the house building market – Cambrian, Mini Stonewold, MockBond Mini Stonewold, DuoPlain, Landmark Double Pantile, Landmark Double Roman, Grovebury and 50 Double Roman. .

Redland’s new roof-integrated PV tiles have been designed for their good looks and ease of installation as well as for long-term performance. The individual PV tiles replace 6 or 6.5 roof tiles and feature matching sidelocks and fits seamlessly with the adjoining roof tiles. This gives a clean roof line that will appeal to both designers and planners.

The launch is timed to take advantage of the Government’s new Feed-In Tariffs, introduced in April 2010, which are intended to stimulate the micro-renewable market in both the public and private housing sectors. While the new Solar PV systems are suitable for both new build and retrofitting, Redland is aiming its solar business firmly at the new build market, with a specialist team to support specifiers designing for Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 standards and above.

Said Redland’s Head of Marketing, Richard Hartley: “Nearly every house in this country has a pitched roof which could be used to generate clean electricity. The new Feed-In Tariffs recognise the importance of electricity-generating roof tiles to the climate change agenda, with both the highest tariff levels (up to 41.3p/kWh) and the longest tariff lifetime (25 years) compared to other micro-generation technologies. Tariff levels have been set to provide a nominal rate of return of around 8-10%.

“With this is in mind, it is obviously vital that both the systems and the roof will perform throughout that period. Redland’s latest Solar PV tiles have been specifically designed to integrate with eight of our most popular tile ranges in the housing market, and offer both aesthetic and roof performance benefits over above-the-roof systems, which if poorly fitted can compromise the weathertightness of the roof.”

The new roof-integrated Solar PV systems are included in Redland’s 15 year Roof System Guarantee, which assures the durability and weathertightness of the whole roof.

Redland Solar PV Tile meets the current Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) standard and, anticipating advances in industry certification, has successfully undergone dynamic wind loading, deluge and driving rain, and fire resistance testing, putting it in a strong position to be the first system to meet the new MCS solar renewable roof integration standard when it is introduced.

Passive ventilation under the PV tile lowers the temperature of the unit to give the PV laminate a 3% efficiency boost. While the aluminium frame and aluminium junction box gives enhanced durability and eliminates the fire risks associated with PVC used in other systems.

Redland Solar PV Tiles are available in standard packs relating to kWp output – a 20 PV tiles Mini Stonewold pack will provide 1.8kWp, while 24 PV tiles provide 2.16kWp – making it easy to specify for smaller projects. For larger or more complex installations, Redland Technical Solutions provides its EcoMaster service, specifically for solar PV installations, detailing both the materials required for each installation and the likely energy performance, carbon savings and payback period.