Drawing on over 100 years of roofing expertise, Sandtoft has launched a new solar roofing system. Designed for pitched roofs, the PV48 incorporates black photovoltaic modules with matching, easy-to-fit flashings that enable it to integrate with virtually all types of slate or tile. It can be used on both existing and new build properties and installed by any roofing contractor.

“Our new system has been designed for installation by roofers as a complete system and is supplied ready to fit,” said Andrew Lawton, Sandtoft’s sales director. “Unlike some PV panels which are offered without flashing kits there is no risk of any integration issues with the roof tiles. Our system can be easily installed using a method already used widely by roofers, which reduces the risk of poor workmanship and subsequent weatherproofing problems. In addition, there is no need for a specialist solar installer which reduces the number of trades on the roof and saves time.

“The PV48 is also aesthetically pleasing. The flashings are matt black so are unobtrusive and also maintain the straight vertical lines on the roof, avoiding the step effect that occurs with broken bonded tiles.”

The flexibility of the PV48 system also makes it ideal for the retrofit market. To fit the product on an existing roof, an area of tiles is stripped. There is no need for ‘coursing in’ as the tiles are simply laid up to the universal flashings of the system. And, unlike ‘on roof’ panels which are fixed to the rafters, there is no risk of damaging the tiles or affecting the waterproofing of the roof.

The PV48 solar system is MCS accredited. Sandtoft also provides installation training and ‘RoofSpec’ which guarantees that the roof will remain weatherproof for at least 15 years when the system is designed and installed in accordance with Sandtoft’s specification.

Andrew added: “Now that the feed-in tariff is in place, it is the responsibility of the roofing industry to grow the solar market by delivering well-designed solar roofing systems that can make a genuine and lasting difference to climate change. The launch of our PV48 is a major step forward towards achieving this goal.”