Apr 27 2004
The first installation of the new PV roof tile, C21, took place last month on a development of six new homes in Lincolnshire.
C21 is the latest in roof integrated solar technology and was launched at Interbuild where it was Best Exterior Product category at the Interbuild New Product Awards.
Steff Wright, CEO, Gusto Construction said, "We're excited to be pioneering this new product from solarcentury. It's imperative to us that each aspect of the design and construction of our homes must incorporate environmental good practice - using photovoltaics in our homes is just part of this commitment."
Gusto Homes, have a impressive record in sustainable housing design, their recent developments have featured rainwater recycling, natural ventilation, super insulation solar water heating.
With UK homes accounting for around a third of UK CO2 emissions, Steff believes that the government needs to do more to fast track developments of sustainable homes, adding, "There are so many opportunities for the government to steer the direction of the housing market. The review of the building regulations and planning policy guidelines will be vital if they are to achieve their 2010 CO2 targets. And the development of new technologies and products will also play a key role."
The new roof tile designed by solarcentury, unlike other solar roofing products, has been developed specifically for the UK housing market. It's integrated design and aesthetic appeal means that for most developments it won't need planning permission.
Martyn Berry, new product development engineer at solarcentury explained, "We designed the roof tile primarily to make it easy for house builders to incorporate it in with their original house design as well as to generate clean electricity. Because it fits quickly and easily to standard battens and integrates with common interlocking roof tiles they can be installed by any roofing contractor."
Source: solarcentury