Russell Roof Tiles (RRT) has launched its first solar PV offer to market, with the same quality credentials and easy installation as its concrete products.

The launch follows 18 months of research and development, and the new in-roof solar PV system RussFast Solar has been designed to be compatible with most profiles of Russell Roof Tiles, offering a quality roof aesthetic for both commercial and domestic specification.

This is the latest in an extensive line of strategic investments the company has made into its sustainability commitment over the past 10 years. Russell Roof Tiles announced its NetZero 2040 target over two years ago, and the firm has already made significant steps towards its goals by procuring 100 per cent renewable electricity at all three manufacturing sites for example. This comes in addition to electrifying the majority of its mobile plant fleet, driving the business towards electrification and decarbonisation.

Industry body Solar Energy UK estimates that solar technologies are currently used in one in every 20 buildings in the UK, from garden sheds to commercial estates. But, according to latest figures 1.5 million solar panel installations have been carried out across the UK, therefore just under two per cent of the 28 million homes in the UK are generating electricity from solar. In 2023 there were 220,500 installations registered, reflecting a growth in UK homeowners who are turning to renewable energy to heat and power their homes.

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The launch of RussFast Solar enables Russell Roof Tiles to make the most of the growing renewables market and to helps meet Part L of the Building Regulations.

Not just for residential projects, commercial markets are looking to decarbonise, and solar PV offers a popular choice for zero-carbon electricity. In addition, local authorities are also looking to solar PV on public buildings and social housing, for example, Hackney Borough Council plan to install solar PV on 15,000 council houses.

RussFast Solar is an extensive range of in-roof solar kits with a market leading power output of 455W per panel. The system features every element needed for a comprehensive in-roof array which is designed specifically to work with all Russell Roof Tiles interlocking tile profiles.

The RussFast Solar system can be laid in a variety of configurations, and sits within the roof covering, offering excellent aesthetics and flexibility to suit all project or tile type. Combining high panel efficiency and the latest solar cell technology means fewer panels can be installed per square metre, saving both labour and materials.

Russell Roof Tiles has been a pioneer towards sustainability, with many other manufacturers now recognising the importance of reducing their environmental impact and promoting sustainability.

Russell Roof Tiles work closely with Planet Mark, an internationally recognised accreditation report on its carbon footprint and demonstrate its progress.

Dan Hancox, Corporate Sustainability and Development Director, commented: "Our market leading offer will provide a 15-year roof system guarantee when it is installed as part of a full RussSpec, and fitted in accordance with our guidance, in addition our solar PV panels will provide a market-first 30-year performance guarantee.

"We have really focused on developing a solar PV system which can be fitted by roofing contractors in a similar way to traditional concrete roof tiles, with an interlocking system designed for quick and easy installation which mimics traditional tile laying."