StealthEnergy^TM Mounting System

StealthEnergy Mounting System

The Stealth Energy System uses small frameless pv panels, or solar tiles, which are installed as in roof solar. The Stealth Energy solar tile is a frameless pv panel which is supported using a mounting system, so that it is flush with the existing roof. The Stealth Energy mounting system is unique and specific to the Stealth Energy solar tiles.

Mounting systems are now, or shortly due to be, subject to a new standard which is called MCS 012. This new system is intended to rigorously test mounting systems in relation to weatherproofing, strength and fire safety. The Stealth Energy mounting system has been developed to more than comply with this new industry standard in all aspects.

The Stealth Energy Mounting system has specific advantages:

• Simple installation
• Low Profile
• Designed Airflow
• Strength Testing
• Weatherproofing
• Minimal parts
• Black components

Simple installation

The Stealth Energy system is a roof integrated pv solar system. The system is designed to replace a section of the existing roof covering – ie concrete tiles – and offer integrated solar in its place. The Stealth Energy mounting system requires re-battening of the given area. Flashing is installed along the bottom row, and vertically under each row of joints of the solar tiles. Simple fixings provide an extremely solid framework for the tiles, and Pivots (screws) which both fix one row to the next, and provide the exact fixing location for the subsequent row. This process is continued, with side flashings installed row by row. A top flashing is put in place along the top row of solar tiles, and then the existing roof tiles are replaced to the tiles over the flashing.

Low Profile

Solar PV installations have exploded in the U.K. over the last few years. There is no doubt that Solar PV panels are a highly efficient method of generating electricity. However the standard on roof solar pv installations are largely regarded as unattractive. The Stealth Energy system integrates high efficiency with sleek looking installation. The panels are installed to the height of the existing roof tiles making use of the void behind the panels and the top and bottom flashing system to maintain airflow behind the solar tiles which operate more efficiently if the small amount of heat they generate is taken away. The solar tiles are stepped one overlapping the next to replicate the appearance of existing tile installations. In our opinion the Stealth Energy installation system provides the best looking in roof solar solution to have ever been offered to the U.K. market.

Designed Airflow

Critical to the success of the Stealth Energy system is the emphasis on performance. Solar Photovoltaic cells produce heat – less in cold weather and more in hot weather. Airflow takes the heat away from the back of the solar panel, or solar tile, and increases the operational efficiency of the cell. Most roof integrated, or in roof solar systems, do not have any airflow to vent the hot air away, which therefore limits the ability of the cells to perform, and drops the efficiency. It has been suggested that lack of airflow can reduce performance anywhere from 5-20%. The Stealth Energy mounting system ensures there is airflow to take the heat away sufficiently for the U.K. climate.

Strength Testing

The Stealth Energy solar tiles have full TUV accreditation. Part of this testing process is the impact testing where a metal ball of 45.5 kg is dropped from 30cm, 45cm and 1.2m onto the installed tiles. The new regulation of MCS 012 has significant emphasis on strength testing. The installed frameless pv panels, or solar tiles, have large suction cups put on them which attempt to rip the solar tiles off the roof. Additional tests are for wind loading, snow loading and strength testing of the fully installed system, not just the individual solar tiles. The Stealth Energy system has been designed to comfortable pass these new stringent measures.

Weatherproofing

The U.K. has significant extremes of weather. Gale force winds and driving rain, along with extreme snow downfall which is often in heavy winds. Therefore the Stealth Energy system has been developed to deal with all eventualities. Any area of roof should be installed to British Standard 5534: 2003* ‘Code of practice for slating and tiling (including shingles)’ which ensures that the integrity of the roof is watertight before the tiling is applied. However the Stealth Energy system is designed to cope with all weathers. There is vertical and horizontal waterproofing between each solar tile, as well as additional water channel flashing vertically under each row of joins of the tiles. The bottom flashing incorporates the Ubbiflex flashing system, and the top flashing is part of the Stealth Energy mounting system. Additional foam is used in the secondary drainage channels of the flashings, this is often incorporated in systems such as Velux. This foam provides final weatherproofing particularly against snow in very strong winds, and stops snow or water tracking sideways.

Minimal Parts

The Stealth Energy system has been developed to add a new level of solar tile performance efficiency with a simple mounting system. The parts necessary are minimal, allowing simple familiarity to be gained to ensure swift installations. Fewer parts means that the installers can become quickly familiar with installing the Stealth Energy solar tile system and get quicker and quicker at doing so.

All the parts are short sections, which means that transport and delivery are very much simpler. Often with traditional on roof system the rails can be up to 3meters long, and the panels themselves very large and awkward to handle. Smaller simple components add efficiency to all aspects of moving and handling the Stealth Energy system.

Black Components

Where necessary any components which are visible will be coated black. Clearly this adds to the subtlety of the installation. All components are specified from the highest quality metals, and although it is a very expensive part of the manufacturing, where possible and where necessary black coatings are applied.