New Partnership to Drive Roof-Integrated Solar in New Builds

Roof tile manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles has partnered with solar specialists Solfit to support the deployment of roof-integrated solar systems across UK housing developments as the industry prepares for the Future Homes Standard.

With solar PV expected to become standard across new-build housing under forthcoming energy efficiency regulations, the integration of solar systems within roofing design and construction processes is becoming increasingly important for housebuilders delivering at scale.

Roof-Integrated Solar

Solfit has developed a fully integrated in-roof solar system designed specifically for the operational requirements of UK housebuilders. The system combines roof-integrated solar panels with panel-level microinverter technology, and an all-metal mounting architecture intended to improve integration, safety and long-term performance.

Unlike conventional solar systems that rely on high-voltage DC string architecture, the Solfit system uses AC microinverter technology that converts power at the panel level. This removes high-voltage DC cabling at roof level, reducing one of the primary electrical ignition risks associated with PV systems.

The system also removes plastic mounting trays commonly used in some in-roof solar installations, replacing them with a dual-glass and all-metal architecture designed to support improved fire performance, durability and long-term roof integrity.

High-output panels enable the required system capacity to be achieved with fewer modules, helping simplify roof layouts and reduce penetrations across developments.

The partnership between Russell Roof Tiles and Solfit is designed to strengthen integration between roofing systems and solar deployment, enabling solar to be treated as part of the roof system itself rather than as a separate technology installation.

Lee Chadwick, Managing Director at Solfit, comments: “As solar becomes standard across new-build housing, the industry is moving beyond simply adding PV to developments and towards designing solar as an integrated part of the building fabric. Closer alignment between roofing systems and solar delivery is becoming increasingly important for safety, compliance and long-term performance.

“Our partnership with Russell Roof Tiles reflects that shift, bringing together roofing expertise and integrated solar delivery to help housebuilders deploy solar consistently and confidently across developments.”

(L-R) Lee Chadwick, Solfit MD, and Daniel Hancox, Russell Roof Tiles Corporate Sustainability & Development Director.

Supporting Housebuilders

The collaboration reflects a broader transition within the construction and renewable energy sectors as solar evolves from an optional technology upgrade into a core component of residential building design.

By aligning roofing and solar expertise earlier in the specification and delivery process, Russell Roof Tiles and Solfit aim to support housebuilders in meeting future regulatory requirements while maintaining build efficiency, roofing performance and long-term system reliability.

Daniel Hancox, Corporate Sustainability & Development Director at Russell Roof Tiles, adds: “As solar becomes an increasingly standard feature of new-build housing, closer integration between roofing systems and solar technologies is becoming essential. Housebuilders need solutions that not only support energy generation targets, but also maintain roofing performance, build efficiency and long-term reliability.

“Our partnership with Solfit brings together roofing expertise and integrated solar delivery in a way that supports a more coordinated approach to solar deployment across residential developments.”

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