Tata Steel has further extended other pre-finished steel product guarantees in the Colorcoat® product portfolio to cover the use of clips and fix photovoltaic (PV) modules.
Previously, many pre-finished steel product guarantees had restrictions around the use and attachment of PV modules, rendering the warranty invalid. However, recognising the renewed vigour to create more sustainable practices within the industry, as well as the ongoing influence of Part L regulations and the rising cost of energy, other pre-finished steel products from Tata Steel have now had their guarantees updated for the UK market – reflecting the new needs of those in the industry.
The photovoltaic addendum, which previously only applied to Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® and Colorcoat Prisma®, with the Confidex® Guarantee, is now a key part of the other high build pre-finished steel products manufactured at the Shotton site.
This update includes Tata Steel’s Colorcoat® LG and Colorcoat® GP pre-finished steel products, which are now covered by the updated guarantee for use under PV frame modules on a new roof or wall. Available when registered through the system manufacturer or distributor, the product guarantees will now allow PV frame modules to be installed at any point throughout the guarantee period, ensuring the pre-finished steel product will be covered for the length of the guarantee.
This a huge advantage for the construction market, with a large proportion of Tata Steel’s Colorcoat® product portfolio, particularly those that get used for roofs, now being “PV ready”.
Moving forwards under the updated guarantee and PV addendum, it will provide confidence that installing a PV array will not have a detrimental effect on the performance of the pre-finished steel.
Speaking on the update, Dr Peter Barker, New Product Development Manager from Tata Steel, said: “With building and construction being two of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions in the UK, and the sector accounting for 39% of global energy carbon emissions, we are conscious that many people will be looking at ways in which they can build more sustainably, such as with the addition of PV modules to their buildings.
“Due to this, installing PV modules is no longer an optional idea – it’s almost a prerequisite for industrial and commercial buildings. The areas where PV clip and fix modules are installed to on our pre-finished steel products, whether for roofs or walls, will automatically be covered under the product guarantee, giving owners of industrial and commercial buildings long-term peace of mind, allowing them to combine product performance with sustainable technologies.”
Tata Steel’s PV addendum on project guarantees is only valid for new product installations and will not retrospectively cover products that have already been installed. The areas under the PV array are not to be considered “maintenance free” and PV arrays must be installed in a way that allows effective maintenance, with good maintenance records needing to be upheld.
