As the residential segment raises the bar, heritage roofs are increasingly being fitted with colour-matched solar elements that blend into existing architecture. On-site solar is gaining ground because the economics work and the technology is ready.
The cost behind the change
None of this happens by itself. Rising energy prices are also pushing up the cost of metals such as copper, aluminium and steel, putting pressure on manufacturers and suppliers of mounting systems. Their response is to slim down designs and push for greater factory pre-assembly – the only way to save time, money and labour on site.
To keep installation as simple as possible, the number of individual components is being reduced. Functions such as cable management, personal protection, lightning protection and water drainage are being built into the systems rather than added on. The result is higher quality and longer-lasting installations, and for a technology that needs to last 25 years, that matters.
From this issue:
Open-ground solar hits its stride
“Margins are tight, and you fight for every cent”
Retrofitting solar for working car parks
Flat roofs – less hardware, faster builds
Metal tiles replace the angle grinder
The colour question on heritage roofs
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Solar Investors Guide – O&M for solar parks
Solar Investors Guide – C&I storage
Solar Investor’s Guide – Minimising risks
Solar Investors Guide – Solarised parking and charging
Solar Investors Guide – Mounting on tricky terrain
Solar Investors Guide – Storage systems to revolutioniae the grid
