PV distributor Solar Cube has seen a huge increase in demand for roof integrated products throughout 2012. The company has announced that, since January 2011, distribution sales of in-roof mounting systems and integrated roof tiles have increased by over 200% compared to 2011 figures.
The Midlands-based company has attributed the increase in demand to the uptake in interest from the new build sector. Housing associations are turning to solar PV to help reach different levels of the code for sustainable homes, the UK's green building regulatory framework. Solar Cube has found that housing associations tend to prefer integrated PV systems as they are easier on maintenance of the roof tiles, reduce roof loadings and save costs for the developer on installation.
This year was the first year that Solar Cube’s sales for housing developments outperformed sales destined for retro-fitting domestic households. Managing Director Jason Turze commented: “We do not see a likely change in this trend in the New Year, and to make sure we stay in tune with our customers’ requirements, we have increased our stock holding of integrated mounting systems and PV roof tiles.”
