SUSTAINABILITY
BREEDON BOOSTS SUSTAINABILITY AND AESTHETICS
BMJ finds out the latest on the Generon solar roof tile, which combines solar power and property aesthetics.
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hen a roofscape is such an intrinsic part of a property’s kerb appeal, why spoil it with a load of solar panels on top?
That’s the idea behind the Generon solar tiles from Breedon.
Launched in spring 2024,Breedon Generon is a partnership with leading European roof tile manufacturer Terran, and concrete roof tile manufacturer Breedon. It has now been used by UK regional developer John Brooke Builders on two sites in Yorkshire.
The innovative system, a premium whole roof concept comprising a 3.2mm monocrystalline tempered glass PV cell discreetly integrated with a Breedon Elite 330mm x 420mm base concrete roof tile which is laid in sequence with matching standard roof tiles, was specified for 10 large detached houses in Brighouse and two semi- detached houses in Robertstown. Designed by Yorkshire-based Fox Architecture and Design, cross sectional roof drawings of the houses at Brighouse were supplied to Breedon for the design of a 4kWp system on each plot, and theoretical and practical training was held for John Brooke’s sub-contractors at the local Huws Gray depot. John Brooke specified the Breedon Generon system over several other options because while he was keen to include renewables in his developments (such as ground source heat pumps), he did not want this to be at the expense of the properties’ aesthetics. Breedon Generon was invented to deliver a seamlessly integrated solar roof, without compromising aesthetics – a key attribute specifically designed to appeal to architects/ specifiers and homeowners who, when questioned during research, wanted their home to generate solar energy but disliked the appearance of traditional solar panels, or even the more recent integrated solar systems. That is exactly what Breedon Generon has delivered for John Brooke Builders in Brighouse
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and Robertstown. Brooke said, “I looked at several other options, and at far cheaper products, and while I gave them consideration, it was a no brainer as soon as I saw the Generon product.”
“The Generon system looks superb on the properties we have built. From the kerbside, you cannot see it, which is what we wanted. I did not want the roof look disfigured by an ugly panel. Our clients, when visiting site, have all commented on how great it is to have a PV roof that is easy to look at, and I firmly believe it has added value to the properties we are selling.”
“There is no doubt the inclusion of Generon on our properties has attracted buyers. The product looks very stylish and is commented on by everyone who visits site, and is a real plus in terms of selling points and customer engagement.”
Sleek and smooth in situ, the Generon system carries a 20-year performance guarantee, and has a dedicated home owner app to track real-time data about its energy production.
Interconnecting cables link the Generon tiles to create an overall solar output based on the number of tiles fitted. Typically, 260 tiles are required to generate a 4kW PV system - the benchmark for family homes. Fitted by roofing contractors in an almost identical way to traditional roof tiles, the Generon system then simply connects to the remaining PV infrastructure to generate safe, reliable and renewable energy. Brooke added: “The product looks very stylish but at the same time discreet. There is a large house neighbouring the Brighouse site that has a large freestanding panel on the roof, that in my view spoils the appearance of the property, but from our perspective gives a great comparison to what we have put in place
“Initially I had concerns as Generon, when all things are considered, is still a bit more
expensive than other systems on the market. But other systems are not PV tiles, they’re panels, and on our sites we are all about high quality and style, and Generon just ticked every box whereas other systems only ticked a cost box.
“Breedon have been excellent every step of the way, from design and technical advice to training of our roofing contractors. If we have needed anything they respond very quickly and any issues that arise are sorted very quickly.”
Breedon Group commercial director Mark
Morris said: “We are delighted that our Generon solar roof tile system, which is the first roof top solar system which delivers cheap renewable energy whilst maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the house, has met exacting requirements for John Brooke Builders.”
Generon was designed and tested to be highly durable and withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, hail and high winds. Such solar roof tiles typically have longer lifespans than traditional solar panels and require less maintenance over time, owing to the securely integrated nature of their design. BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net March 2025
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