About Client
The client required a large-scale solar PV installation that would support carbon reduction objectives while also resolving significant roofing issues on an ageing building.

Challenges
The existing roof was ageing and suffered from water ingress. Initial plans to install a metal over-clad roof with a traditional solar PV system were ruled out following structural surveys, which showed the building could not support the additional weight. The solution also needed to maintain natural daylight within the building and achieve substantial carbon savings.

Love Solar Solution
Solfit panels were selected as the only viable option. The project delivered the largest-scale over-clad solar PV roof in the UK, comprising 3,115 Solfit panels with a total installed capacity of 1,168kWp. Solfit panels were installed directly over the existing roof, creating a weatherproof over-clad system while generating renewable electricity. Transparent panels were installed over existing skylights to retain natural light inside the building.

Installation Process
The Solfit over-clad solution enabled the roof refurbishment and solar PV installation to be completed as a single integrated project. The design remained within the structural weight limitations identified during surveys while addressing long-standing roofing defects.

Results & Performance
The completed installation generates an estimated 942,930kWh of renewable electricity annually. The system achieved the client’s sustainability objectives, eliminated roof leak issues and delivered an estimated first-year carbon reduction of 195,250kg (195.25 tonnes) of CO₂e. The project stands as the UK’s largest over-clad solar PV roof installation using Solfit technology.