Green Building Forum - Recessed PV panels Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:42:22 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198585#Comment_198585 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198585#Comment_198585 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 17:13:57 +0000 Triassic
Anyone got any suggestions or recommendations on how to achieve this particular request?]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198586#Comment_198586 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198586#Comment_198586 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 17:21:11 +0000 DarylP These are available from the large european mfr's, Schott, Ubbink etc al

Good luck]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198587#Comment_198587 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198587#Comment_198587 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 17:29:16 +0000 Nick Parsons
I believe one of CAT's solar roofs uses the panels themselves (and there must be some jointing system) as the waterproof layer.]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198590#Comment_198590 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198590#Comment_198590 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 18:53:42 +0000 Triassic Posted By: DarylPDoes he mean 'in-roof' system? Yep, that's what he wants!

Posted By: Nick ParsonsI believe one of CAT's solar roofs uses the panels themselves
Must admit this is what I had in mind, after all the panels are waterproof, so I need to do is join them together to form one large sealed unit?! Mind you, the panels will form the 'picture' and the slates the 'frame' surrounding it. so I'll need some sort of flashing kit to make the transition between panel and slate?]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198591#Comment_198591 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198591#Comment_198591 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 19:29:42 +0000 Gotanewlife ]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198592#Comment_198592 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198592#Comment_198592 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 21:16:34 +0000 Triassic Posted By: GotanewlifeMake up of existing roof was beam and block Unfortunatly my roof is duo pitch, with one plane facing south, even the angle of the roof is prescribed by the national park people. Must admit I thought that some existing patent glazing bars would do to seal the panels together, if it works for conservatory glazing it should be OK on a roof.]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198593#Comment_198593 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198593#Comment_198593 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 21:34:53 +0000 atomicbisf on the building rather than part of it, psychologically they are less disruptive (perhaps because they are at least theoretically removable).

Ed]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198594#Comment_198594 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198594#Comment_198594 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 22:09:38 +0000 SteamyTea http://www.ebuild.co.uk/blog/12/entry-99-in-the-beginning/]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198596#Comment_198596 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198596#Comment_198596 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:11:20 +0000 Gotanewlife Posted By: TriassicUnfortunatly my roof is duo ditch
Perhaps you should turn your plan the other way up :bigsmile:
Posted By: atomicbisfIs it just me, or does anyone else think recessed panels are a silly requirement?

Maybe it is just you - whilst I only put my panels in line with the tiles in order to qualify for the highest level of incentive, there is no doubt in my view that PV panels look much better when not perched on top of the roof. I would say though, that it is easier and much safer to build up a roof around panels than 'build-in' relying on panels and glazing bars to keep the water out. Ahhh here are some (slightly gratuitous) pics]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198597#Comment_198597 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198597#Comment_198597 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:11:43 +0000 Triassic Posted By: atomicbisfdoes anyone else think recessed panels are a silly requirement?I think that recessed panels should save a few Bob on the price of expensive slate tiles they replace. Again the national park will only accept slate, so no cheap alternatives allowed, other than inset panels.]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198598#Comment_198598 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198598#Comment_198598 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:14:25 +0000 Gotanewlife
PS these were taken before the FPs were added, you can see the threaded bars ready, and they are very ugly in comparison!]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198599#Comment_198599 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198599#Comment_198599 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:18:30 +0000 Triassic Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198600#Comment_198600 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198600#Comment_198600 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:22:32 +0000 Gotanewlife Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198602#Comment_198602 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198602#Comment_198602 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 23:27:26 +0000 Jecop Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198604#Comment_198604 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198604#Comment_198604 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 06:08:35 +0000 SteamyTea Not sure why they have to be a natural finish though. Bit f black paint sorts it out.]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198620#Comment_198620 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198620#Comment_198620 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 10:19:39 +0000 Chris P Bacon Posted By: SteamyTeaOur old mate JSH has a blog that includes his in-roof PV system


Don't know which product Jeremy went for but it doesn't appear to be very well integrated with the roof, it's better than sticking up on mounting channels but still not flush to the roof like GANL's]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198658#Comment_198658 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198658#Comment_198658 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 16:01:27 +0000 Triassic Posted By: SteamyTeaIf you don't have the ali frame, what you going to clamp to? I'd assumed that if the PV panels are similar to a pane of glass I could use glazing bars, a bit like a conservatory?]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198671#Comment_198671 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198671#Comment_198671 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 19:28:50 +0000 Gotanewlife Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198690#Comment_198690 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198690#Comment_198690 Fri, 21 Mar 2014 08:49:14 +0000 Triassic Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198692#Comment_198692 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198692#Comment_198692 Fri, 21 Mar 2014 08:58:06 +0000 SteamyTea Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198695#Comment_198695 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198695#Comment_198695 Fri, 21 Mar 2014 09:28:53 +0000 skyewright Posted By: TriassicI'd assumed that if the PV panels are similar to a pane of glass I could use glazing bars, a bit like a conservatory?
Would the frames stop you using (thicker) glazing bars? I'm not sure what range is available but IIRC the roof on our sunspace is 7 wall, 35mm polycarbonate & I'm pretty sure the frames on our PV panels are slimmer than that.]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198696#Comment_198696 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198696#Comment_198696 Fri, 21 Mar 2014 09:31:29 +0000 Sprocket
http://www.renusol.com/en/solutions/in-roof.html

The panels are spaced 20mm apart and sit above a waterproof rubber layer.
It's well-waterproof. I trust it far more than the normally tiled opposite pitch.

The system came with overlapping/interlocking flexible rubber sheets and tray detail for the edges of the panel... which is helpful but is not usually the edges of your roof.
The fiddly details of what to do at the roof edges (eaves, ridge, gable ends... where we used a little bit more clay tile so that this pitch would look similar-ish from ground level view) were... fiddly.

It saved us buying 100m2 of reclaimed clay tiles. Shame the PV panels are not red though. We used the Sanyo panels with circular cells and the overall look is 'interesting'... you certainly can't miss them. It's nowhere near as subtle as the photo Chris posted above - that looks really nice.

Renusol have produced some much more integrated systems since we did this one though - they might be worth a closer look.]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198706#Comment_198706 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198706#Comment_198706 Fri, 21 Mar 2014 10:22:00 +0000 dickster Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198725#Comment_198725 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198725#Comment_198725 Fri, 21 Mar 2014 18:54:21 +0000 jamesingram http://www.solarworlduk.co.uk/product-range.php
http://www.solarworlduk.co.uk/panels.php
or Sunpower E18
http://www.sunpowercorp.co.uk/homes/products-services/solar-panels/

If you can live without total black panels ( and their cost!) check out
REC black frame panels , excellent EROEI
http://www.windandsun.co.uk/products/Solar-PV-Panels/REC-Solar-PV-Panels]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198747#Comment_198747 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198747#Comment_198747 Fri, 21 Mar 2014 23:28:15 +0000 PeterW
http://www.windandsun.co.uk/products/PV-Mounting-Structures/GSE-Integration-Roof-Integrated#.UyzKuPl_seg

Cheers

Peter]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198755#Comment_198755 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198755#Comment_198755 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 08:29:13 +0000 jamesingram Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198764#Comment_198764 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198764#Comment_198764 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 10:25:20 +0000 PeterW
Just got to get planning to accept PV in a conservation area ......

Cheers

Pete]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198765#Comment_198765 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=198765#Comment_198765 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 10:28:46 +0000 jamesingram Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=199493#Comment_199493 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=199493#Comment_199493 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 07:54:58 +0100 Triassic
Any ideas why?]]> Recessed PV panels https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=199494#Comment_199494 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11883&Focus=199494#Comment_199494 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 07:57:48 +0100 DarylP ]]>