The next generation in roof renewables, Generon, is launched by Breedon Group JV.

A unique solar roof tile that will help builders merchants support their customers in meeting Part L Building Regulations and claim their own starring role in climate change mitigation has been launched in a Joint Venture by UK construction materials group Breedon.

Breedon Generon is a premium whole roof concept comprising a 3.2mm monocrystalline tempered glass PV cell discreetly integrated with a Breedon Elite 330mm x 420mm base concrete roof tile, which is laid in sequence with matching standard roof tiles. Interconnecting cables then link the Generon tiles to create an overall solar output based on the number of tiles fitted. Typically, 260 tiles are required to generate a 4kW PV system - the benchmark for family homes.

Fitted by roofing contractors in a similar way to traditional roof tiles, the Generon system then simply connects to the remaining PV infrastructure to generate safe, reliable and renewable energy. This combination delivers a seamlessly integrated solar roof, without compromising aesthetics – a key attribute specifically designed to appeal to homeowners who, when questioned during research, want their home to generate solar energy but dislike the appearance of traditional solar roof top systems.

To develop their innovative solar tile, Breedon partnered with Terran, a leading European roof tile manufacturer. A third-generation family-owned business, Terran have been at the forefront of roofing product innovation since 1920, and over the past five years has successfully developed and distributed the Generon PV roof tiles across Europe.

Unlike traditional solar panels, Generon solar roof tiles offer a sleek and seamless design that blends in with the rest of the roof, whilst delivering high levels of performance. They also eliminate the need for separate contractors to install solar panels as they can be easily installed by a roofing contractor using storm clips in sequence with the standard concrete roof tiles, thus reducing the time and overall cost of installation.

Furthermore, unlike many traditional sola system manufacturers, who require the installer to purchase ancillaries and fittings as part of their system, stocking Generon gives merchants additional link product sales opportunities from the outset.

Generon has been designed and tested to be highly durable, therefore requiring minimal maintenance. And owing to the securely integrated nature of their design, the system carries a 20-year performance guarantee for installer and homeowner peace of mind.

Breedon Group commercial manager Mark Morris said:

“The Generon system offers merchants the chance to carry a premium line alongside standard concrete roof tiles from Breedon, with higher margins and the opportunity to capitalise on the growing renewables market at a time when their customers need new solutions to meet Part L of the Building Regulations.

“Likewise, by investing in Generon, we have committed to becoming a leader in this new market by delivering the first roof top solar system which generates cheap renewable energy, whilst maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the house."

Growth forecasts for Generon are therefore very promising, with many industry analysts predicting double-digit annual growth for the adoption of solar systems for the next decade.

For more information on the Generon solar roof tile, please visit: www.breedon-generon.com