4-minute read
Why Choose Viridian Solar for Roof-Integrated Solar
One of the stand out products on the CCL stand at this year’s Solar & Storage Live was the Clearline Fusion, Viridian roof-integrated solar PV display, with M10 flashings and the new 445W full black solar PV module
Viridian Solar specialises in roof-integrated solar panels making ‘solar a genuine home improvement’. They aim to help homeowners, ‘Preserve the kerb appeal of the home while lowering energy bills now and long into the future.’
The Clearline Fusion range is well-known for its aesthetics, but here we take a look at all the benefits that the in-roof system offers to both homeowners and installers.
When Looks Count
When visual impact is important, in-roof solar panels are a natural fit. In the Viridian Solar Clearline Fusion range, the PV modules become part of the roof, replacing the tiles or slates. Because of the positioning of the modules, the installation looks simple and sleek, rather than bolted on. Invisible clamps add to the uncluttered aesthetic, and panel spacing is automatically set to give consistently accurate shut-lines.
Caption: Sleek & compact, the Viridian Clearline Fusion M10 solution gives just a 5mm gap between rows and columns are spaced apart by 30mm.
Robust Design & Exceptional Fire Performance
Viridian Solar’s design strategy of including the panel and the mounting kit within the system has been key to Fusion Solar’s success. Because they have control over all parts of the system, it’s backed by full, rigorous testing and third-party accreditation.
Independent accreditation
Clearline fusion is the only roof-integrated PV system with independent, third-party accreditation that it meets NHBC Technical Requirements for durability, issued in 2024. Its British Board of Agrément certificate applies to the entire system and gives housebuilders a simple, clear route to demonstrating to NHBC inspectors that a compliant product has been used.
High wind-resistant solar mounting system
The Viridian mounting system is rated to resist wind uplift pressures far exceeding many competitor systems. In fact, it has been demonstrated to be more than four times higher than alternatives in a number of tests.
Fire classification
The system is designed to meet stringent fire safety standards (BRoof T1 through T4) when combined with their mounting kit. The new PV16-445AG-M10 module utilises glass-glass construction with TOPCon (tunnel oxide passivated contact) technology to improve long-term reliability, reduce degradation and further reduce the risk of fire.
The System – Flexible, Compatibility & Universal
Viridian’s system is engineered to be universal across common roof coverings. Whether your customer’s roof is clad in tile or slate, or uses different batten systems, there are fixing kits and flashing options to accommodate each option.
Along with the PV modules, the Clearline Fusion mounting system kits are designed to get the best out of the roof shape with push-fit connections to make the system rapid to fit and provide a secure, weather-tight fixing. Corner conversion kits allow the creation of non-rectangular shapes and kits are available for the integration of VELUX® roof windows within the array. For lower roof pitches (down to ~14°), Viridian provides technical guidance and compatible underlay solutions to mitigate leakage risks.
Caption: A universal system working with all commonly used tiles and slates, including slate over sarking.
Rapid Installation
Viridian Solar’s patented connection method enables panels to be simply pushed together to create a weather-tight and secure fixing. Viridian Solar highlights that installation times of less than 1 hour per kilowatt-peak are easily achievable meaning less time on the roof and more projects completed in a week.
Caption: As an NHBC approved roof-integrated solar system, the Clearline is a clear choice for solar roof integration for new build homes
Easier Roof Maintenance
A practical advantage of a roof integrated system is easier maintenance. Since there are no tiles behind the solar panels, if a part of the roof requires repair or replacement, there’s no need to dismantle the entire installation to access the roof underneath. This makes Viridian’s solution well suited to long-term homeownership, where roofs may need repair during the 25+ year life of the PV system. And with the modules sitting lower in the roofline, problems associated with bird infestation are avoided.
Cost-Competitive & Efficient
You might assume that full roof integration demands a price premium but Viridian positions its Clearline Fusion system as economical, with savings made during installation and costs comparable to conventional above-roof installations. And while some have argued that integrated panels suffer from reduced ventilation and hence reduced efficiency, Viridian cites research (including work from Cambridge University) suggesting the yield penalty is in on the order of just 3%.
Support for Installers
Viridian Solar provides hands-on product training for installers at its Cambridge Experience Centre, which features a roof training rig the can also conduct training on-site at a customer’s location. Installers learn to install the Clearline Fusion system, as well as other products including inverters and EV chargers, and receive support for regulations and technical challenges.
Caption: If you are interested in booking a training session, please contact your CCL account manager, sales@cclcomponents.com / 01355 599 900.
To assist installers and specifiers in laying out, pricing, and ordering the precise flashing kits and modules required for a given roof design, Viridian offers a design tool. You can access the Viridian Configurator design tool here.
Caption: The Viridian Solar configuration tool
Environmental & Community Initiatives
Viridian also ties their solar business to environmental and social responsibility. One of their programmes, Fusion Forest, pledges that for every five Clearline Fusion panels sold, they will plant a tree.
The Practical Case for the Viridian Solar System
On a new roof, there seems little point to add a solar PV system on top of tiles, so the case for roof-integrated solar for new build is clear, and with increasing numbers of householders wishing to avoid the ‘solar panel clutter’ look – especially in neighbourhoods with strict visual guidelines – the integrated option is compelling. Add in all the benefits of performance, design efficiency, easier maintenance and durability that Viridian Solar brings with the Clearline Fusion, and Viridian Solar offers a convincing proposition for homeowners and installers at a price that’s more competitive than you’d think.
