As the growth of solar PV continues to rise in 2024. Stuart Nicholson, Roof Systems Director at Marley discusses how building professionals should be looking to maximise the opportunity the renewable technology offers.
Changes to legislation, high energy prices, increased consumer awareness about the climate emergency and the Government’s net zero target, are combining to ensure renewable technologies are now fully part of the construction sector’s decarbonisation journey.
Solar PV is a proven technology solution that delivers access to more sustainable energy for homeowners and has been identified as a key component of the emerging specification templates ahead of the launch of the pivotal Future Homes Standard in 2025.
Industry expectation
Due to mandatory changes to building regulations introduced last year, solar PV specification is predicted to soar in the years ahead. Indeed, forecasters predict that of the 200,000 new homes currently built each year, around 160,000, will include solar PV.
So as demand grows, those working in the industry need to prepare to maximise the business building opportunity this presents. While the cost of solar PV has reduced significantly over the past decade and innovative integrated solutions such as Marley’s SolarTile® are straightforward to install, it’s important those working in the industry can take advantage of soaring solar PV demand and add real value to their new build or refurbishment projects.
MCS certification and establishing solar partnerships
MCS certification covers installations of products used to produce electricity and heat from renewable sources, including solar PV. While tradespeople don’t have to be certified to install Marley’s SolarTile system, the final connection and sign off must be made by an MCS certified installer.
Those working in the industry may look to form a partnership with a certified electrical contractor or become MCS certified. To do this, prospective solar PV system installers need to undertake the appropriate training for solar PV connection and apply to a certification body to arrange an assessment.
Upskilling
Professionals should also make the most of solar PV training opportunities to gain essential system knowledge and obtain the confidence to undertake installation as part of new build or retrofit schemes.
To assist, Marley has launched its SolarTile Installation Training Course. Running weekly, the series of in-person training courses will cover the theory behind solar PV technology and the practical steps needed to ensure a safe and compliant installation.
The one-day sessions, held at Marley’s training centre in Burton-upon-Trent, offer a comprehensive and in-depth overview of solar PV, how it works, solar PV system design, practical installation training, and tips to consider for complex system arrays.
The training course also provides installation guidance on how to install SolarTile, and complementary accessories such as ArcBox, as well as sharing how energy generation calculations are undertaken.
Get familiar with solar PV systems
Tradespeople should look for a reliable and high-quality roof-integrated solar PV system, as these are easier to install and provide better aesthetics than ‘on-roof’ traditional panels. With an integrated system, both tiles and solar panels are installed together, so there is no modification to the roof tiles which secures the overall roof warranty.
The integrated system is compatible with all Marley’s clay and concrete tiles and slates, so solar PV can easily be incorporated into any roof design. It has an integrated tray, so no counter battens are required and delivers higher wind and fire resistance than separate tray systems.
To find out more about SolarTile, or the SolarTile Installation Training Course, visit Training – Roofing Courses | Marley.
