There’s no stopping the demand for solar, according to Marley
The fact that renewable energy helps protect the planet has always made it an attractive option for those looking for more sustainable ways of living. However, in the midst of almost unprecedented energy price hikes, the appeal of renewables, including solar PV, has not only increased, but is likely to continue apace as consumers look to reduce their outgoings in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis.
Earlier this year, changes to Part L of the building regulations saw Solar Energy UK estimate that up to five times the number of new homes could be built with solar technology, whilst the government’s VAT cut to 0% on the installation of energy-saving materials in residential properties, was a boost to the retro-fit market, making green technologies, such as solar, much more affordable for a greater number of people.
In August, the BBC reported that the energy bills crisis had prompted a big rise in the demand for solar whilst, according to Solar Energy UK, just over 3,000 solar installations were being carried out every week, up from 1,000 per week in July 2020, with one contractor reporting that they had seen enquiries about solar panels increase ten-fold in that month alone.
Growing demand
Daniel Redfern, Marketing Manager at Marley said: “MCS, the body that defines and maintains standards for small-scale domestic renewable energy and heating across the UK and has recorded all certified installations since 2008, reports that 76,560 solar PV installations were completed from January to August 2022 – a 30% increase on the 61,431 installed in the whole of 2021.
“In August 2022, there were 12,411 solar PV installations recorded by MCS, up from 5,082 in August 2021. That represents a huge 144% increase and helps combat concern in the renewable energy sector that demand for solar PV would diminish after the Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) incentive ended in April 2019.
“Overall, solar PV installations comprise more than 80% of the 1.4 million renewable installations so far registered with MCS, taking the total number of ‘sunny roofed’ residential properties to over one million and counting.”
Marley SolarTile® – a sustainable future
To help satisfy this demand, Marley SolarTile has been developed to deliver on aesthetics, installation and sustainability, providing a truly integrated roof system that fits seamlessly with the design of the roof.
The system does away with the need for counter battens as required on other in-tray roof systems, thanks to its double fixing to battens and trusses and, by replacing existing tiles rather than fixing over the top of them, greatly reduces the risk of costly tile breakages on the roof.
Completely compatible with all clay and concrete tiles and slates, Marley SolarTile is supplied as a complete kit with all components, such as adhesive flashing and fireproofing materials included so there’s no extra material costs. Whilst colour-coded boxes make for easy installation, the patented push-together design means that installation times of less than one hour per kilowatt peak can be achieved.
Don’t miss the opportunity
Daniel continued: “Now, more than ever, solar should be discussed on every roof and roof truss enquiry – it’s a great upselling opportunity for roofing contractors across the UK. ‘The way we produce our energy is changing rapidly and although solar may seem like a totally new market for some contractors, the opportunity is too big to miss. When used alongside a full range of Marley roofing products, Marley SolarTile forms part of our full roof system, complete with our 15-year guarantee. In addition, we continue to support our roofers with advice and training on all aspects of solar PV installation as we move forward together.”
For further details and on Marley SolarTile visit www.rdr.link
