Housebuilders increasingly looking to in-roof solar says installer working on 400 homes

Housebuilders are increasingly looking to in-roof solar installations in their new build homes according to North West-based installer Solarcrown Commercial, which has won contracts for over 400 new build homes in the region.

The company has won its second major in-roof photovoltaic project with property developer Countryside for 98 new-build homes on Blackberry Lane in Stockport, Greater Manchester, as well as ten more for the social housing provider Stockport Homes.

This follows Solarcrown Commercial’s ongoing installation of solar PV in-roof systems on Countryside’s Highfield Green site in Kirby, made up of 200 properties – all 1kW or more – with half for Sigma Capital Group, also to be built by Countryside.

Stephen Scully, product development and technical support manager for Solarcrown Commercial, said: “These appointments by the prestigious housebuilder Countryside are another step forward in the introduction of a more aesthetically appealing PV module.”

The installation group is also installing 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.

Solarcrown Commercial says its clients are turning to solar PV electricity generation to boost household self-sufficiency, independence from utilities and peace of mind for householders. In addition, building integrated solar (BIPV) is proving to be popular as the panels which sit within the roofline remove the “added-on” look of more traditional roof mounted solar.

Solarcrown Commercial’s range of integrated PV modules and flashings, available in black, red and terracotta, can be deployed within a single face or incline, or as an entire roof.

In addition to the aesthetic benefits of these systems, the company added that they reach minimum carbon compliance standards without the need for special insulation or windows often required to reach ‘passive building’ energy standards. This, Solarcrown Commercial claims, provides builders and developers with an ideal carbon offsetting tool for securing planning approval.