Saint-Gobain Solar expands into the UK & Ireland

Based in Coventry, England, Saint-Gobain Solar Systems, UK & Ireland will add to the business’ existing global network in the USA, India and 13 countries across Europe.



Combining Saint-Gobain’s experience in glass manufacturing with its own expertise in the development of market-leading solar PV technologies, Saint-Gobain Solar designs, manufacturers and commercialises solar solutions. It invests more than £26-million per annum in the development of innovative solar technologies which deliver optimum performance and superb aesthetics.



The business, part of Saint-Gobain Group, employs 700 people worldwide and operates three divisions: Saint-Gobain Solar Glass, a complex glass components manufacturer for the solar industry; Avancis which develops and manufactures thin-layer (CIS) technologies, and Saint-Gobain Solar Systems, a provider of complete solar solutions for the building envelope.



It has a six year track record in the design and manufacture of complete PV systems for commercial and domestic use, and in the UK and Ireland will offer three market-leading PV modules – SG Solar Suneka®, SG Solar Sunlap® and Powermax.  All three products are MCS accredited. Customers will also be able to take advantage of ongoing project support and training, provided via Saint-Gobain’s Training and Technical Academy network.



Budhi Chilkoti, general manager for Saint-Gobain Solar, UK & Ireland, said: “Our launch into the UK and Ireland is a natural progression for the business.  Solar energy has an increasingly important role to play as we seek to deliver significant energy savings and reduce the levels of Co2 generated by our buildings. Our presence in UK and Ireland will give people access to a range of proven on-roof and in-roof (BiPV) PV systems that are economical, reliable and highly efficient.  We also offer a 12-year and 3 months product warranty on most of our PV modules which is backed by the financial stability of the Saint-Gobain Group.”



The ‘SG Solar Suneka®’, is an on-roof module that is ideally suited for use on residential and non-residential applications where a cost-effective, highly efficient and reliable solution is required. It is available in a wide range of power output between 185wp and 245wp.



The ‘SG Solar Sunlap’, is a solar tile and in-roof system which is completely watertight and suitable for both new and existing homes under renovation. This premium fully-integrated BiPV tile replacement for homes combines aesthetic appeal with powerful performance. A two-in-one roof with electricity generator, the Sunlap solar tile system benefits from a unique ventilation mechanism for each tile which optimises performance and efficiency. It is also a totally flexible system that allows for the integration of roof features such as skylights and chimneys.



Both SG Solar Suneka and SG Solar Sunlap come with a product warranty of 12 year and 3 months from initial purchase and a power warranty of 90% output over 10 years and 80% output over 25 years, making them particularly relevant for property owners who wish to participate in the Government’s Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) scheme.



‘Powermax’, is the ultimate in high performance and aesthetics. This thin film module, based on CIS technology, delivers highest conversion efficiency with respect to other thin film technologies (Wp/m2) and provides higher output (kwh) in low light and poor weather conditions, making it perfectly suitable for UK weather conditions. It is suitable for larger domestic roofs and non-residential applications. It can also cope with heavy snow loads, and comes with a product warranty of 10 years and three months and a power warranty of 90% output over 10 years and 80% output over 20 years.



For installers, training in the commissioning of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is available via Saint-Gobain’s Greenworks academy, whether they require basic awareness or full MCS accreditation. Comprising a mixture of theory, e-learning modules and hands-on practical sessions, courses cover every area from the principles of solar system design, site survey, and installation through to inverters, electrical requirements and testing and commissioning. More information can be found at www.greenworks.co.uk.



For more information on Saint-Gobain Solar and its range of systems, please visit the website for Saint-Gobain UK and Ireland via http://bit.ly/p0Ta2R or contact Saint-Gobain Solar Systems on 02476-547400.