Integrated solar replaces the tiles or slates on the roof so the panels sit lower down in the roofline to look more like an intended of the house and less like a bolt-on afterthought than above-roof rack-mounted systems.
The aesthetic benefits of roof integration are clear, but there are other benefits from going in-roof
Solar panels should last thirty years or more. In this time it is highly likely that the roof covering will need either maintenance or replacement. An on-roof system will have tiles or slates behind the panels, so the solar system would need to be decommissioned and removed before a single tile can be replaced. A simple job that can be carried out from a roof ladder by a roofing contractor has become a significant task that requires scaffolding and the involvement of an electrician or solar installer. With roof integrated solar, there are no tiles behind the panels, so all roofing repairs can be carried out while leaving the solar system in place.
For new roofs or extensions to existing buildings, new regulations require that all tiles are fixed with nails or clips. This makes the task of fitting an above-roof solar system afterwards very difficult. Tiles may need to be broken to access the roof structure below and attach fixing brackets. Replacing removed tiles in accordance with the roof fixing specification is likely to require an adhesive bond between the replaced tile and the surrounding ones.
By contrast, roof integrated solar panels can be installed easily in a new roof. Solar specialists can fix the panels and flashings before the roofing contractors fix the roof covering around them.
When installing to an existing roof, integrated solar is often seen as more work than above-roof systems. However, the task of weathering around numerous fixing hooks can be time consuming. Removing a patch of tiles or slates does not take much longer, and provides spare roof tiles that are a perfect match for any future roof repairs.
A reason that is commonly given for opting for above-roof solar PV ahead of roof-integrated solar PV is that above-roof systems will operate at a lower temperature due to better ventilation (although see section above). Since solar PV power output falls as panel temperature rises the argument goes that roof integrated solar will have a lower energy yield. Viridian Solar and researchers from Cambridge Univeristy have examined this effect.The published research found that the reduction in energy yield was very small, of order only 3%.
Solar panels fixed above the roof offer a safe, sheltered area behind for birds to roost or nest. While this may at first sound like a good thing to do, householders with solar installations that have been colonised in this way have reported a number of drawbacks including noise and fouling of the panels, walls and paths below the nests. A small industry has sprung up to bird-proof above roof solar installations with spikes and mesh around the outside, further reducing their aesthetic appeal.
Clearly nests below the panels will reduce the free passage of cooling air behind solar PV panels increasing operating temperature and reducing energy yield (see next point).
Cost Effective
The most competitive integrated system for roof renovations and new builds
Easy to Install
10 to 16 panels can be installed in around 6 hours
Universal
Excellent fire and impact resistance, perfect, long-lasting water tightness
The GSE In-Roof System has evolved… in order to keep up with the requirements of the market and to address the new expectations of more power per roof.
The new GSE solution will allow the integration of larger, wider and more powerful modules.
GSE brings mounting systems for roof integrated solar panels to each pitched roof
With GSE In-Roof System, you can replace traditional tiles or slates and create an aesthetic and productive roof. The solar roof will protect and enhance the value of buildings in every country.
GSE:- Are you driven by the need to offer you the most innovative products, best tailored to meet your needs in terms of use, efficiency and implementation, with the highest level of cost-effectiveness.
Using the same attractive all-black, slimline design as their roof panels, their carport is scalable up to a 12m span – big enough to house an emergency vehicle – with limited footings and no sub-roof required. The watertight roof panels are made from bifacial double glass, so natural light can pass through whilst still being durable enough to withstand well beyond the highest possible UK wind speeds.
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Savings to be made on Slate/Tile Purchase