Semi-transparent glazing system is super adaptable, working in daylight - not just sunlight - and without the need to be south-facing or installed at 45 degrees
Sussex-based solar and glazing specialist Newframe supplies and installs the UK’s most powerful 435w semi-transparent bi-facial solar PV overhead glazing.
Its Powerframe Series Solar PV Glass Canopy system is a 2-in-1 product that can give an additional source of renewable power while providing cover for the occupants or products below.
Designed and factory-built in Cambridge, the bonded aluminium system is A1 fire-rated, wind and load tested and vandalproof with no hanging cables.
It is low maintenance and strong enough to be used in coastal areas. The system is suitable for rail and aviation applications such as platform concourses, carparks (with EV chargers), outdoor restaurants, social areas in care homes and garden centres, plus domestic gardens and carports.
On social housing, it is perfect for hard-to-decarbonise properties and those in fuel poverty and, for vulnerable residents, the outdoor space has proven welfare benefits.
Newframe's Solar PV Glass Canopy at The Perch, Lancing
Last year, Newframe designed and installed the first solar brise-soleil canopy of its kind at The Perch restaurant in Lancing, West Sussex.
The unique building design and challenging weather conditions meant a robust technical solution was needed.
The canopies comprise three separate sections totalling 42 metres in length. Newframe constructed a steel portal structure, galvanised and finished with a 100-micron marine-grade powder-coated finish, and secured to it 39 aluminium framed and bonded 370w solar PV glass panels with 20 per cent transparency engineered to prevent corrosion.
It also undertook the DC connections and wiring through the entire roof system ready for the electricians to connect up to the mains.
The system is designed to produce a 14.4kW peak, giving a daily power performance of 34.2kW hours and 12,427kW hours annually.
The semi-transparent solar PV glass works in daylight, not just sunlight, doesn’t need to be south-facing or at 45 degrees, so is super adaptable and it looks amazing.
Integrated battery stations, EV chargers, water loss and biodiversity measures can also be included. The super structures can be in oak, aluminium or steel and all have been designed to integrate the solar glass panels seamlessly and beautifully. Various transparencies are available too.
'When we discovered Newframe’s Powerframe Series Solar PV Glass Canopy, it stood out,' says Alexander Coombes, managing director of The Perch, 'not just for its smart technology, but also because it looks great.
'Newframe assured us its system had been specifically designed for harsh environments. A week after installation, a big storm rolled through and it didn’t move a millimetre.'
Newframe is exhibiting at Grand Designs London Live, ExCeL London from 2 to 5 May 2025. Use the contact details below for more details and to apply for free tickets.
Contact:
01903 244449
duncan@newframe.uk