BBA Issues First Ever Certificate for a Renewable Energy Technology to Viridian Solar
Solar energy moves further into the mainstream
November 2007, Cambridge, UK.
The British Board of Agrément (BBA) has issued its first ever certificate for a renewable energy technology - the Clearline range of roof integrated solar water heating panels from Viridian Solar.
|
 |
Greg Cooper of BBA presents the first
certification for a renewable energy
technology
|
Tests for lifetime and
weathertighness at BBA |
In common with other quality solar panels, Clearline has passed tests to the European standard for solar panels (EN 12975), but Viridian Solar wanted to go further to provide reassurance to developers and housing association clients that the risks associated with adopting this new technology had been minimised:
“While the European standard asks many questions about the quality and durability of the solar panel itself, it does not consider the interfaces with the building at all”, says Stuart Elmes, Chief Executive of Viridian Solar
“The Clearline replaces tiles, sitting lower for an improved aesthetic, but even those solar panels that install above the tiles interface with the building, with roof penetrations for plumbing and mounting brackets.”
The BBA and Viridian worked together to develop a series of tests.
Greg Cooper, Chief Executive of the BBA said:
“This was a new area for us but we have unrivalled expertise in the assessment of roofing products, so evaluating the weather-tightness and structural aspects of the Viridian panel was straightforward, as was our examination of its behaviour in relation to fire. Measuring the energy performance was more of a challenge but again our experience in hot water storage systems was invaluable, as was the input of our client, and our work on durability over the years helped us derive a statement for that, too”
The wider industry has reacted positively to the news.
Peter Crane, Head of Standards at NHBC said:
“NHBC welcomes the certificate awarded to Viridian Solar for their roof integrated solar water heating panels. It is important that renewable energy technologies incorporated in new homes are both properly assessed and correctly installed”.
Web Links:
Clearline Solar Water Heating Panels
NHBC
British Board of Agrement
Back to News Articles>>
|
