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The integrated solar roof tile by Bristile Roofing is a high-quality product explicitly engineered for Australian roof profiles. It is currently being installed Australia-wide in volume, with Leeson and Bristile Roofing's long-term goal to make Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems an affordable mainstream feature of the Australian PV market.
Completing extensive, detailed engineering and drawings made the system's installation seamless. The outcome impressed the client, and they appreciated the proficiency with which we developed the installation protocol, which was easy for roof tilers and solar installers to understand to complete the job efficiently.
AS/NZS 5033 (Installation of photovoltaic (PV) arrays) and AS/NZS 3000 (Electrical Wiring Rules) do not consider BIPV and the method in which it is installed. As such, we have had to find creative ways to ensure compliance. We have demonstrated excellence in installation practice by installing a product that complies with all Australian Standards yet is years ahead of standard available products and installation practices.
Leeson Solar, particularly Matthew Leeson, strives to find creative solutions that advance our industry to combine photovoltaic products with building products. This installation and the Bristile Roofing integrated solar tile represent the future of solar power globally, reducing the cost of building materials and increasing the uptake of solar power for consumers who do not want to see large solar panels on their roof, or that have façades or roofs that cannot fit standard solar panels.
Due to the lack of a mounting system, Leeson Solar was required to design an operable rooftop DC Isolator system that maintained the client's expectations of clean aesthetics and satisfying electrical regulations and guidelines. Matthew Leeson designed Leeson Solar and subsequently manufactured a custom rooftop building-integrated DC Isolator with sealed shafts and a lockable IP-rated switch fixed to the roof tile. This product is now manufactured in volume and complies with all Australian Standards.
Understanding BIPV and finding solutions that ensure the products comply with installation standards in Australia is a difficult task; however, we believe that soon Building-integrated photovoltaics will be in every new build in Australia. This goal will not be achieved without the commitment to innovate.
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