PHPD talks to Catnic about its latest launch, Solarseam, a bonded integrated solar solution that’s easy on the eye.
Just last month the Government announced that the long-awaited Future Homes Standard 2025 would finally be launching this Autumn, with mandatory new build solar panel installations playing a part. While this announcement has come as a welcome confirmation to many, there are those out there who still aren’t entirely convinced by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s “rooftop revolution” and what it will mean for rooftop aesthetics across the country.
Indeed, the bulky, unnatural look of proud-mounted solar panels has consistently remained one of the less desirable aspects of harvesting our local star. Thankfully, and with perfect timing, Catnic has come up with a nifty solution that’ll put any visual worries to bed.
The solution
Enter the SolarSeam; an innovative photovoltaic (PV) solution for standing seam roofs that has been engineered to deliver exceptional performance without compromising on aesthetics. The solution consists of a flexible solar laminate bonded to the popular Catnic Urban standing seam roofing panel, delivering efficient renewable energy without the traditionally highly visible frames. Because of this, and as an added bonus, the panels can be installed on roof pitches down to five degrees for true design flexibility. The solution is supplied as a complete kit of parts too, including the panels, flashings and fixings, making it simple to order and straightforward to install.
With increasing pressure to deliver more and more new homes and at a faster rate (if we’re ever to reach that 1.5 million target), this single-source, hassle-free quality makes for a welcome added bonus.
The technology
Catnic SolarSeam uses Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) solar technology. The MCS Certified low-profile CIGS cells are made up of multiple diodes, meaning they have excellent ambient light performance, and unlike traditional monocrystalline panels, have high shade tolerance. This means that more energy is captured, even on cloudy days, and homeowners are not restricted to installation on south facing roofs. In fact, with monocrystalline panels shading reduces energy production by as much as 80%, while for CIGS panels it is as little as 10%. CIGS cells are also lighter, more flexible and more resistant to damage, cracking and physical impacts.
It also provides further sustainability benefits as the SolarSeam’s CIGS cells are manufactured in the UK and require significantly less energy to produce compared with monocrystalline products for a lower carbon footprint. Additionally, the Catnic Urban panel that the cells are bonded to, is also made in the UK and has BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing certification and a BRE A+ rating, demonstrating it has the lowest overall environmental impact. All this makes Catnic SolarSeam ideal for environmentally conscious customers. With fire performance an essential consideration, the solar panel, when bonded to a Catnic Urban panel, has been tested in accordance with CEN/TS 1187-4 and classified as BROOF(t4) for external fire performance, the highest rating possible, with minimal flame spread and no fire penetration for at least 60 minutes.
For the homeowner, SolarSeam is supplied with the peace of mind of multiple guarantees. There is a 25-year Confidex® Home Guarantee on the Catnic Urban roof substrate as well as a 10-year solar product guarantee. The performance of the solar is also covered by a 25-year guarantee. All of which are transferrable to the new owner.
Amanda Hinks-Edwards, Business Manager at Catnic commented: “With the target for a 68 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2030, renewable energy, and solar in particular, has never been more important. Recent indications from the Government suggest that solar panels could be mandatory on all new homes from 2027 and with a target to build 1.5 million new homes within this parliamentary term, the expansion of residential solar could be considerable. “Catnic SolarSeam provides an ideal solution for new and refurbishment projects that delivers excellent solar performance and allows design flexibility and uncompromised aesthetics. It also represents an opportunity for roofing professionals with skills in the installation of standing seam roofing to expand their offering to customers.”
More information on Catnic SolarSeam
