In a bid to encourage PV installers to take advantage of the growing BIPV market in the UK, PV manufacturer and glass specialist Romag has launched its new BIPV Partnership Programme at Solar Power 2012, which is being held this week in Birmingham, and will be rolling it out across the UK in the coming months.
The first of its kind in the UK, the partnership programme aims to provide support and resources for installers focusing on roof and building integrated PV solutions. It is targeting both new and experienced BIPV installers in new build and retrofit markets, and offers opportunities to improve skills as well as reach wider audiences. So far, Romag has signed up 6 installers at Solar Power UK.
The sales director at Romag, David Papworth, said, “As a manufacturer we have noticed an increasing demand for roof and building integrated PV products and can see the wealth of opportunities that these types of products offer. With an ever growing focus on sustainable construction, via The Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM for commercial buildings, we strongly believe that BIPV is the future of the solar industry and that we are well positioned to lead the way.
“We understand that BIPV presents different challenges for installers and want to support the adoption of these newer technologies by offering training and technical support. Equally important is the sales and marketing support available to help secure the contract as well as sales leads generated through our CPD sessions and loyalty rebates for regular purchases.
“By partnering with installers we hope to raise the profile of BIPV and work together to make the most of the predicted 4.6GW of BIPV installations over the next five years!” Speaking to Solar Power Portal, Papworth was optimistic that this target could be reached, especially with encouragement from the new partnership programme.
Recent research, published in The Telegraph, highlighted that solar panelsare one of the three biggest ‘deal-sealers’ when home owners decide whether to buy a property or not. As a result Romag’s popular solar tiles, offering a more aesthetically pleasing alternative for new builds and reroofing, have already been specified by many of the leading house builders.
Romag has also supplied PV to several high profile commercial BIPV projects including City Hall in London, The Eden Project and Kings Cross railway station.