Welcome to Solex Energy
The home of innovative solar heating solutions




SOLAR SLATES ... for totally roof integrated solar heating

Solar Roofing

	Solex solar roofing is an alternative to conventional roofing materials when constructing a roof. It provides an output of solar heated water, which may be used for hot water, space heating, pool heating or any other water heating application. There are numerous benefits to incorporating solar heating technology in a roofing material, including:
• Aesthetically pleasing roofs with clean lines • Low m2 cost compared to traditional solar panels • Conventional building material costs offset2 • Provides for large solar collecting areas with large CO2 savings Our solar roofing materials are compatible with conventional natural and manufactured roofing materials. They may be installed: • To the extremities of a roof, or • As a strip or patch surrounded by other roofing materials The solar roofing consists of transparent roof tiles or slates made of toughened glass or unbreakable polycarbonate. This transparent layer overlies the solar absorbers, which are laid on the roof structure. The roof structure itself is completely conventional, and the solar roofing imposes no increased load on the building. It also takes up no additional space on the roof, or in the loft-space. Design The roof to be covered should face between SE and SW, with south facing being ideal. The optimum pitch is between 30o and 50o for year round performance. For domestic systems, an area of 8m2 is adequate for providing 70-80% of the annual hot water requirement of an average household. Areas of 15-20m2 upwards will make a significant contribution to both water heating and central heating costs. Pool heating and industrial heating are other applications for our roofing systems.
The visual effect of the finished roof is a uniform medium to light grey, a combination of the reflection from the surface and the black colour of the absorber panels which lie beneath. Planning authorities have welcomed these roofs as a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to solar panels.
Operation The sun shines through the transparent roof covering onto the solar absorber panels, which become hot. The heat is conducted to the pipe which runs along the back of the panels, which contains a water/antifreeze mixture. The fluid is circulated in a closed circuit through the panels by a solar pump and controller unit which transfers the heat through pipes to the hot water cylinder or heating system where it is required. The absorbers are backed with heat resistant foam insulation, which has the advantages of keeping the panels hot, whilst also insulating the roof space.
Installation Skills A plumber should carry out the installation of the solar absorbers, as well as installing the pump/controller unit and the pipe work. A roofer should carry out the installation of the solar roof tiles. We have comprehensive installation guides, which enable trades-people with little previous knowledge of solar heating to install these systems.
Products Solex Energy produces several solar roofing products to suit different applications and roof styles:
SOLAR SLATES > These are glass traditional style double lap solar slates, which are compatible with traditional 500 and 600mm (20” and 24”) size slates. They are installed onto a normal felted and battened roof structure.
NU-LOK SLATES > These are glass single lap slates with a unique easy to fit metal battening system. The glass slates are compatible with Nu-Lok heavy-duty ceramic and natural slates, and also with PV slates. This is an easy to fit, low labour system.
SOLAR TILES > These polycarbonate single lap tiles are compatible with Marley Modern/Redland Mini-stonewold concrete tiles. They are ideal for fitting into an existing concrete tiled roof.
SOLAR CLADDING > This is a lightweight solar cladding system for use over existing profile metal roofing. Ideal for industrial applications, it utilises existing profile roof insulation for low imposed weight, low cost, high output systems.

PDF roofing brochure

Solar Slates

Solex solar slates are supplied in various sizes which are compatible with conventionally sized natural and manufactured slates. The solar slates themselves are made of toughened glass, and are installed with metal hooks onto conventional timber battening. They may be installed to the extremities of the roof, or may be installed as a patch surrounded by similarly sized conventional slates.
	As an alternatively they may if necessary be installed as part of a roof face next to non-compatible slates or tiles, e.g. next to concrete tiles. In this case they are ideally installed as a strip at the top of the roof, lapping over the top edge of the non-compatible material.
Installation The slates are installed on a conventional roof construction, typically consisting of rafters with a breathable membrane over, with or without sarking boards or insulation to suit the design. Vertical counterbattens and horizontal battens, both 25 x 50mm, are fitted over the membrane. The solar absorbers, which lie under the slates, are fitted together over the battens with metal 10mm connectors. The ends of the courses are linked with loops of 10mm copper pipe.
The glass solar slates are fitted to the battens with metal hooks, pre-formed to give the required lap. The hooks are held securely with stainless steel screws. Where the solar slates are installed as a patch they are simply stepped into the normal slates. Where the whole roof is to be covered, various special sizes are available: Eaves slates for the first course. Verge slates for every second course at verges (gables). Ridge slates for the ridge, which may be capped with dry-fit or cemented ridge tiles. Cut corner slates for hips. For valleys, around details, and other places where odd shapes are required, matching polycarbonate slates are available which can be cut to suit, as the glass slates cannot be cut.
The visual effect of the tiles is a uniform medium to light grey, a combination of the reflection from the surface and the black colour of the absorbers panels which lie beneath them. Planning authorities have welcomed these roofs as a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to solar panels.

Specifications

PDF slates brochure

Nu-lok Solar Slates

Nu-lok solar slates are made of toughened glass, and are fixed to the roof using a unique easy to fit, low labour, metal batten and clip system. The solar slates are compatible with the other slates in the Nu-lok range, and may be installed either as a patch / strip surrounded by ceramic or natural slates, or they may be installed across the whole roof face.
Nu-lok solar slates are fitted on metal battens instead of conventional timber battens. Metal link channels securely fasten the slates to the battens using stainless steel clips. This system eliminates the need for double lapping of the slates, as water passing through the gaps between the slates is routed down the link channels onto the course below. The Nu-lok fixing system components are supplied with a 50 year gaurantee against corrosion. Nu-lok natural and ceramic slates come with a 50 year gaurantee against water permeability, colour loss and frost damage.		Nu-lok steel battens replace traditional wooden battens that tend to rot, twist and warp. The battens are cold rolled from hot dipped galvanised steel.
		Nu-lok Link Channels are made under ISO 9001 standards using a metal coil made to EN 10147. They are designed to channel moisture passing through the gap between the slates onto the slate below.
		Nu-lok 316 stainless steel clips are located in the link channels and securely hold the bottom corners of the slates. They may be easily moved aside to release an individual slate.
Installation The slates are installed on a conventional roof construction, typically consisting of rafters with a breathable membrane over, with or without sarking boards or insulation to suit the design. Vertical counterbattens are fitted over the membrane. The metal battens are fitted to the counterbattens by drilling and screwing, or using a nail gun. The battens are spaced accurately and simply by placing a couple of link channels between the battens get the correct spacing.	Installation of Nu-lok natural slates
The solar absorbers are fitted together over the battens with metal 10mm connectors. The ends of the courses are linked with loops of 10mm copper pipe. The link channels are clipped in place between the battens, and the slates clipped in place. For whole roof installations1.5x size verge slates are available, and matching polycarbonate slates are available for cutting at hips, valleys and around details.

Specifications

SLATES
	Slate system	Nu-lok system
	Material	4mm float glass, toughened to BS 6206
	Standard slate	400 x 400mm
	Head lap	100mm
	Laying gauge	307mm fixed
	Coverage	8.1/m2
	Loading	13kg/m2
	Minimum pitch	22.5°
	Maximum pitch	70°
	Battens	Galvanised steel, 1.2mm gauge, 4.2m lengths, galvanised to BS EN 10142:2000
	Fixings	Galvanised+E-cote link channels, 0.8mm gauge
	Clips	316 stainless sleel, black, 1.6 or 2.0mm gauge
ABSORBERS	Material	Copper, 0.2mm
	Coating	Selective surface
	Size	1200/600/400mm x 250mm
	Coverage	0.252m2 (1200mm)
	Loading	4kg/m2
	Solar absorption, aM1.5	0.94 +/- 0.02
	Thermal emission, e100°C	0.05 +/-0.02
	Insulation	25mm PIR foam, zero ODP
	Maximum fluid pressure	3 bar
	Average annual output	410 kwh/m2

PDF Nu-Lok brochure

Solar Tiles

Solex solar tiles must be installed as an area surrounded by compatible concrete tiles – Marley Modern or Redland Mini-stonewold.
	The tiles are made of transparent polycarbonate plastic, which is extremely tough and weather resistant.
Installation The tiles are installed on a conventional roof construction, typically consisting of rafters with a breathable membrane over, with or without sarking boards or insulation to suit the design. Vertical counterbattens and horizontal battens, both 25 x 50mm, are fitted over the membrane. The solar absorbers, which lie under the tiles, are fitted together over the battens with metal 10mm connectors. The ends of the courses are linked with loops of 10mm copper pipe.
The solar collecting area is tiled with the transparent solar tiles, and is surrounded on all sides by concrete tiles laid in the normal manner. Each solar tile is securely held down with two nails holding the head of the tile to the batten, while the lower corners are held against windlift by means of a nail one side and a lug locking into the adjacent tile on the other.
The visual effect of the tiles is a uniform medium to light grey, a combination of the reflection from the surface and the black colour of the absorbers panels which lie beneath them. Planning authorities have welcomed these roofs as a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to solar panels.

Specifications

TILES
	Material	3mm UV stabilised polycarbonate
	Minimum pitch	22.5°
	Maximum pitch	90°
	Head lap	75mm	85mm
	Laying gauge	320mm (max)	310mm (min)
	Coverage	11.1/m2	11.5/m2
	Cover width	290mm
	Loading	5.7kg/m2
	Battens	25 x 50mm +/-2mm, durable timber
	Fixings	30 & 60mm copper or aluminium nails
ABSORBERS	Material	Copper, 0.2mm
	Coating	Black chrome selective surface
	Size	1200 x 245mm
	Coverage	0.366m2 (2.73/m2)
	Loading	4kg/m2
	Solar absorption, aM1.5	0.94 +/- 0.02
	Thermal emission, e100°C	0.05 +/-0.02
	Insulation	25mm PIR foam, zero ODP
	Pipe	0.5 x 10mm copper
	Maximum fluid pressure	3 bar
	Average annual output	425 kwh/m2

PDF tiles brochure

Solar Panels

Solex solar panels are high quality traditional flat plate solar collector panels. They have Sunselect blue selective copper absorbers, ultrasonically welded 10mm riser pipes, prismatic solar glass, and aluminium profile casing and backing. Straight through 22mm diameter headers provide good flow rates, and enable easy fitting of multiple panels. Performance The average annual output (south facing, 30o-50o) is 520kwh/m2/annum when used to provide hot water, and in excess of this when used to provide lower temperature outputs e.g. for space and pool heating. Instantaneous output under full sun is up to 770w/m2. Panels are supplied by Solex in 2.0m2 (1000 x 2000mm) and 2.9m2 (1450 x 2000mm) sizes.
Certification The panels are manufactured in Europe and have been tested to EN12975 Parts 1 & 2 for solar collectors.
Installation The panels may be installed over tiles using our galvanised fixing kits designed to hold one or two panels, or by using our stainless steel solar mounting bolts. We also supply stainless steel straps for mounting panels over slates. Flat roof / ground mounting kits are available in a selection of sizes. The panels have 22mm copper spurs on the long (2m) sides (4 per panel), which may be connected with standard compression couplings. Two or more panels may be fitted together in a row as required. As an option we can supply horizontally orientated panels, with the connections on the short sides. Panels may be purchased individually, or as complete kits with all the system components required.

Specifications

	Model	S 2.0	S 2.9
CASE	Actual dimensions	1005 x 2005 x 105mm	1455 x 2005 x 105mm
	Weight	36kg	53kg
	Case material	Extruded aluminium	Extruded aluminium
	Glazing	4mm toughened glass	4mm toughened glass
	Rear	0.5mm aluminium	0.5mm aluminium
	Insulation	40mm rockwool	40mm rockwool
	Seals	EPDM, Silicone	EPDM, Silicone
	Fixings	M8 bolts to captive plates in side profile groove
ABSORBER	Surface area	1.82m2	2.70m2
	Type	0.2mm copper	0.2mm copper
	Surface	Blue Sunselect	Blue Sunselect
	Riser tube size	10dia x 0.5wall copper	10dia x 0.5wall copper
	Number tubes	9	12
	Header tube size	22mm copper	22mm copper
	Fluid volume	1.78litres	2.46litres
TESTING		To EN12975 Parts 1 & 2	To EN12975 Parts 1 & 2

PDF panels brochure