SOLARWATT Links With Easy Roof To Provide Building-integrated PV For Better-looking Buildings And Smart EV Charging
SOLARWATT, a German manufacturer of complete photovoltaic systems and the European market leader in glass-glass panels, is working with Easy Roof manufacturer IRFTS to highlight the visual appeal of solar PV while serving demand for at-home EV charging.
Fresh from working together on several UK projects, the two companies are targeting a number of schemes in response to growing demand among customers for eye-catching designs. The two companies jointly supply striking designs for the growing carport and EV charging markets.
Seen by many installers and contractors as the best in-roof mounting system on the market, Easy Roof is installed widely in the UK, Netherlands and Europe. The system fits like Lego and is installed at the same time as the roof structure, replacing tiles, with no plastic penetration, guaranteed water-tightness, interchangeable panels, zero maintenance, anytime access to electrics and connectors and high wind-load performance.
Manufactured for the residential market using SOLARWATT glass-glass PV panels, IRFTS Solar Car ports and Solar Pergolas complete the total concept for house owners that use EV car chargers with battery storage and energy management systems from SOLARWATT, and can be erected in one day.
Global demand for building-integrated solar photovoltaic (BIPV) is set to grow as householders and firms seek styles that accentuate their design qualities and complement rather than clash with surroundings.
The industry is keenly aware of the potential offered by good design. “The innovative new approaches to integrate solar within the fabric of the roof can greatly enhance the kerb-appeal of our homes, while at the same time driving down energy costs for occupants,” said the Solar Trade Association in Stunning Solar.
Conservation and campaign groups are also concerned about appearance in the built environment - a factor in the move from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources such as solar. The countryside charity CPRE and the industry research body the BRE produced a good-practice guide for designers, manufacturers and installers to ensure buildings with solar PV installations blended with their surroundings.
Neal Goddard, SOLARWATT Sales Manager, UK, said: “Our customers are concerned about energy independence and sustainability and they're looking for the smart technologies that will deliver these. The same people want not only the highest quality and performance - they also want something that will enhance their home or business. There's no reason smart technologies shouldn't be beautiful too.”
“Easy Roof Evolution's unique overlapping and interlocking mounting systems operates with no seal and no cut so it fits just like tiles. And like SOLARWATT, it works for residential, commercial, public-building, agricultural and industrial roofs.”
Frank Thiollay, Easy Roof Sales Manager for the UK, Ireland and Benelux, said: “We have completed in excess of 35 projects together and are working on a further 50 in response to domestic and commercial customers. We share similar values and approach as well as industry-leading quality in our products.
“With its high-performance PERC solar cells embedded in the glass-glass composite and thus optimally protected against all weathers and mechanical stress, SOLARWATT's black Vision 60M Style module achieves the highest yields for the longest time, due to minimal degradation, and looks terrific in our mountings.
SOLARWATT glass-glass modules are made in Germany and offer a 30-year warranty on performance and product quality and free FullCoverage (all-risk) insurance for five years.
