Wienerberger UK and Ireland is excited to launch Sandtoft in-roof Solar, a brand-new solar roof tile which provides housebuilders with a seamlessly integrated solar energy source, helping them meet the requirements of recent Part L legislation and future-proofing new homes for the Future Homes Standard 2025.

In a significant move for the manufacturer, the new Sandtoft in-roof Solar product will build on Wienerberger's existing portfolio of concrete and clay tiles. When offered alongside the company's range of brick, block, and fa?ade systems, this uniquely positions Wienerberger to provide solutions for the full building envelope through both Fabric and Technology options, with a combination of these helping housebuilders to meet their energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets.

Keith Barker, managing director of Wienerberger UK and Ireland, said: "This is a huge step for us as we boost our support to housebuilders, helping the sector to prepare for a net zero future. Building Regulations and the Future Homes Standard will lead to homes which can generate and store their own energy—and solar is the most efficient way to achieve this. As a sustainable manufacturer, we are committed to innovating for the future, and this means developing new customer offerings that reduce our impact on the planet."

Sandtoft in-roof Solar will be delivered via a partnership with Oxford-based Westech Solar, a progressive renewable technologies business. Jenny Chen, Founder and Director at Westech, added: "We're delighted to be partnering with a manufacturer who shares our commitment to delivering sustainable solutions for the built environment, and by working with Wienerberger, we will be able to deliver solar at scale through Wienerberger's established route to market. This partnership will give housebuilders an easy-to-install and sustainable solution to support them with the changes that lie ahead."

The in-roof integrated panels are applied directly to the roof battens, incorporating an interlocking design to speed up the installation process. The single-lapped panels have also been developed to reflect the aesthetic of a traditional tiled roof and are fully compatible with all clay and concrete tiles. Furthermore, when used in combination with Sandtoft roof tiles and accessories through our "RoofSpec" design & specification service, customers will benefit from a 15-year system warranty.

The product will be available from February 2023 through major merchants and direct to Wienerberger's housebuilder customers across the UK and Ireland.