Housebuilders in the Northwest of England are plugging into the renewable energy future by choosing stylish in-roof solar PV for more than 400 new homes. Solarcrown Commercial, the renewable energy installation group, has won its second major in-roof photovoltaic project with Countryside, for 98 new-build homes on Blackberry Lane in Stockport, Greater Manchester, plus 10 more for the social housing provider Stockport Homes.

This follows Solarcrown Commercial's successful ongoing installation of solar in-roof photovoltaics systems on Countryside's Highfield Green site in Kirby "“ made up of 200 properties, all 1kW or more, 100 of which are for Sigma Capital Group, also to be built by Countryside.

Housebuilders are turning to solar PV electricity generation energy to boost household self-sufficiency, independence from utilities and peace of mind. With fossil fuel costs likely to remain uncertain, solar PV helps customers control prices in advance while reducing carbon emissions for a cleaner environment and a better future.

"These appointments by the prestigious housebuilder Countryside are another step forward in the introduction of a more aesthetically appealing PV module," said Stephen Scully, Product Development and Technical Support Manager, Solarcrown Commercial.

Solarcrown Commercial is installing solar PV systems for two new developments in Runcorn, Cheshire, comprising 74 properties ranging from 0.5kw to 1.25kw for David Wilson Homes, and 36 sites from 0.5kw to 1.25kw for Barratt Homes.

All 418 homes in the four projects will feature in-roof PV modules made by Solarcrown Commercial consisting of frames that turn roofs into power generators.

All 408 418 homes in the four projects will feature in-roof PV modules made by Solarcrown Commercial consisting of frames that turn roofs into power generators. Roof-integrated panels remove the "˜added-on' look by creating a continuous surface, flush with roof tiles. Some roofs feature all-surface solar PV for a wholly seamless perspective "“ whether as a single face or incline, or as an entire roof. Solarcrown Commercial's range of integrated PV modules and flashings, available in black, red and terracotta, bring added style.

Not only is this range highly effective in generating solar electricity, it helps reach minimum carbon compliance standards without the need for costly special insulation or expensive windows often required to reach "˜passive building' energy standards. This provides builders and developers with an ideal carbon offsetting tool for securing planning approval. And the integrated design looks amazing.

"The combination of state-of-the-art technology with functional aesthetics and simple installation has made Solrif a market leader, first in Switzerland and Europe and increasingly worldwide," said Martyn Johnson, Schweizer Sales Manager, UK and Ireland.