Kevin Taylor, Training and Technical Support Manager explains how you can integrate solar arrays into traditional clay pantiles, even in smaller extensions
When tackling roofing projects the ability to combine traditional roof coverings such as clay pantiles with modern roofing solutions can help to create a seamless and high-performing finish to please customers.
The Government aims to triple the UK’s solar capacity by 2030 as part of its decarbonisation agenda. At the same time, consumer demand to improve energy efficiency and cut energy costs is increasing. As a result, builders are increasingly likely to encounter roofing projects that require the inclusion of a solar PV array. These projects may also prioritise the aesthetics, heritage, and performance of a clay pantile.
Technically, combining roofing solutions, such as clay pantiles and a solar PV array via an integrated solution, requires some small adjustments, but factoring in two key installation considerations will ensure a seamless finished result.
Fixing factors
When setting out underneath the solar panels, it’s important to ensure there’s a gap of 130-150mm from the head of the pantile to the underside of the first panel. This ensures the correct coverage of the flashings and allows enough room for the installation of the tiles.
Another important fixing consideration that applies to all interlocking tiles is that the tiles need to finish 30-60mm from the sides of the solar panel array. It’s important to set the solar PV panels out to minimise the number of small tile cuts where possible, as they can be difficult to fix and could lead to maintenance issues in the future.
The clay pantiles also need to finish 60-150mm above the top edges of the solar panels, and it’s important to ensure the tile support strips (supplied in the flashing kits) are installed to ensure the tiles don’t dip after being fixed in place.
Appreciate the profile
A second important factor to appreciate is that interlocking clay pantiles, such as Marley’s Lincoln pantile, typically have a deeper profile, compared to alternative medium or low-profile tile solutions. This means that the head of the tiles can finish too high below the sill flashings, leading to flat or negative falls where rainwater can gather.
To overcome this, the tops of the tiles will need chamfering off to allow any rainwater to flow freely down the roof. Builders will be used to chamfering high profile tiles below sill flashings, as the technique is often required when working with roof window installations. It’s recommended that the additional time for the chamfering is factored into work timescales, though it’s not viewed as excessive.
By being aware of some straightforward installation considerations, bringing together the traditional aesthetics of much-loved clay pantiles and the low carbon energy advantages of modern solar PV arrays as an integrated roofing solution, can be easily achieved.
For more information or support from Marley visit Roof Integrated SolarTile® | Marley | Solar Roof Tiles.
