In-Roof Solar Panels for Housebuilders
Solar is now a structural part of residential construction, and most systems weren’t designed for that. Solfit is engineered for scale, built specifically for UK housebuilders and designed to remove the risk from solar by becoming part of the building fabric. Engineered to meet UK Building Regulations and delivered through a controlled, UK-supported supply chain.
Solar designed as part of the building – not added to it
Solfit is engineered as a true roof-integrated solar solution, where the panels replace traditional roof coverings and form part of the primary weatherproofing layer of the building.
The system becomes the roof covering itself – not an applied product – and is designed, tested and certified accordingly.
Solfit is fully certified to BROOF (t4) and designed to meet the requirements of the Building Regulations, including relevant Approved Documents for fire performance and roof construction.
This ensures the system performs as a compliant roofing element, not just an electrical installation.
Unlike systems that rely on plastic tray assemblies and multiple interfacing components, Solfit is engineered as a single, fully integrated solution, removing material complexity, avoiding reliance on re-tested configurations for BROOF (t4) compliance, and reducing associated supply chain risk and uncertainty.
Over 90% of the integrated roof system components are manufactured in the UK, supporting supply chain reliability, product consistency and alignment with UK construction standards.
High-output panels enable required system capacity with fewer modules, reducing roof penetrations and simplifying layouts. Solfit incorporates dual-glass panel construction with no plastic components within the roof assembly, reducing combustible material and improving long-term durability.
As solar becomes a structural requirement within residential construction, the responsibility placed on system design, compliance and long-term performance increases significantly. Solfit has been developed to meet that requirement, delivering a system engineered, certified and installed as part of the building fabric.
For housebuilders, this means:
- A roof-integrated system forming part of the primary roof covering
- Certified fire performance to BROOF (t4)
- Alignment with Building Regulations and Approved Documents
- Reduced coordination risk between roofing and solar trades
- Fewer components and reduced failure points
- Elimination of plastic tray dependency and multi-part system risk
- UK-manufactured components supporting supply chain certainty
- Consistent roof aesthetics across developments
- A compliant, repeatable solution across multiple sites
Removing the primary causes of PV fire risk
As solar becomes standard in new-build housing, fire safety and system design are critical considerations for developers, warranty providers and insurers.
Industry research highlights two primary contributors to PV-related fire risk:
- High-voltage DC cabling and connectors
- Combustible materials within PV systems
Solfit is engineered to reduce these risks through controlled electrical architecture, material selection and connector protection.
Key safety features include:
- AC microinverter architecture (where specified)
- Minimised DC exposure at roof level
- Dual-glass panel construction with no plastic components
- All-metal mounting architecture
- Module-level rapid shutdown capability
- BROOF (t4) fire certification
In addition, Solfit incorporates ConnectSafe™ connector protection to stabilise and seal DC connections where they exist within the system.
This combined approach reduces electrical fire risk while aligning with evolving safety guidance and regulatory expectations.
Learn more about how Solfit reduces system risk
[Read our technical guide]
Electrical Architecture
Electrical design plays a critical role in the long-term safety, compliance, and performance of residential solar systems. Solfit provides two clearly defined electrical architectures, both developed to minimise, contain, and manage DC exposure at roof level in line with modern residential construction requirements.
Whether using microinverter or string inverter technology, every Solfit system is designed with a focus on controlled electrical risk, compliance, and long-term reliability.
AC Microinverter Architecture – Minimising DC exposure at roof level
Solfit’s panel-level microinverter solution converts electricity to AC directly at each module, significantly reducing DC exposure across the roof system.
Key benefits include:
- Minimal DC cabling at roof level
- Reduced arc fault risk
- Module-level rapid shutdown capability
- Panel-level monitoring and optimisation
- No single point of failure
Supported by a 25-year manufacturer warranty.
String Inverter Architecture with ConnectSafe™ – Protecting DC where it exists
Where string inverter systems are specified, Solfit manages DC exposure through protected and monitored roof-level connections. All MC4 connections are enclosed within the ConnectSafe™ system to improve protection, durability, and long-term system integrity.
Features include:
- Sealed environmental protection
- High dielectric insulation
- Mechanical strain relief
- Flame-retardant enclosure
- AFCI integration for active arc fault detection
Advanced inverter technologies provide integrated monitoring, AFCI protection, and rapid shutdown capability.
A controlled approach to electrical safety
Solfit’s electrical architecture is designed to support modern residential construction standards and evolving compliance expectations.
- Minimise DC exposure where possible
- Protect and monitor DC where required
- Reduce long-term ignition and system risk
- Support compliant residential solar integration
A layered approach designed for modern housebuilding and future-ready developments.
The hidden risks in roof-integrated solar
Solar is becoming structural to new housing. Most systems were not designed for that. Roof-integrated solar introduces responsibility across fire performance, roof construction, electrical design, installation quality and long-term system liability. Where systems rely on multiple components, interfaces or unverified configurations, maintaining consistent compliance can become complex across sites.
At scale, these risks become systemic, and for housebuilders, that risk becomes long-term liability. Solfit removes and controls these risks at design stage, delivering a system that is certified, repeatable and aligned with UK regulatory requirements.
Solar delivered as a managed, governed workstream
Solfit provides a structured delivery framework covering design through to completion. This includes:
- System design and specification
- Regulatory compliance management
- Contractor training and accreditation
- MCS certification oversight
- DNO applications and notifications
- Digital installation auditing
- Ongoing QA governance
100% of installations are digitally audited, with additional physical inspections to verify compliance across developments.
Solar becomes structural to new housing
The Future Homes Standard will require significant reductions in operational carbon emissions from new homes. For most developments this means solar PV will become a standard element of roof design. Solfit has been developed specifically to support compliance with:
- Future Homes Standard
- Part L of the Building Regulations
- SAP energy modelling
- Local authority sustainability requirements
- The system enables solar to be integrated into roof design from the earliest stages of development planning.
See how developers are preparing for the new Future Homes Standard.
Most solar warranties protect components – not the housebuilder.
Solfit provides a 15-year fully integrated system warranty covering:
- Roof integration and watertightness
- System performance
- Installation compliance
- Access and reinstatement
- Delivering clear accountability and reducing long-term liability.
Commercial impact for house builders
- Reduced programme risk
- Consistent, compliant installation
- Simplified regulatory alignment
- Lower long-term defect exposure
- Clear accountability
- UK-based supply chain confidence
- Solar becomes a controlled, predictable workstream.
Technology and Supply Partners
A collaborative ecosystem supporting large-scale solar delivery. Solfit works with leading industry partners to deliver a fully integrated solar solution for UK housebuilders.
Roofing Integration Partner
Russell Roof Tiles
Russell Roof Tiles supports the integration of Solfit within roofing systems used across residential developments, ensuring compatibility with established roofing specifications and construction methods.
Zero Bills & Energy Integration Partner
Octopus Energy
Solfit works with Octopus Energy as a SAP assessment and product integration partner, supporting homes designed to align with the requirements of the Zero Bills initiative through compliant solar design, energy modelling, and integrated low-carbon solutions for modern residential developments.
Distribution Partner
Midsummer
Midsummer supports national product distribution and logistics, ensuring reliable supply chain availability for Solfit systems across UK developments.
Why housebuilders choose Solfit?
Solfit is a compliance-led, risk-managed approach to solar delivery for the new build sector. Designed, certified and delivered as part of the building system, we help housebuilders meet evolving regulatory, fire safety and Future Homes requirements through integrated solar solutions and technical consultancy.
Fully integrated roof system forming part of the primary roof covering
Alignment with BS 7671 Amendment 4 and relevant electrical standards
Reduced long-term liability exposure through system-led design and certification
Designed to support compliance with NHBC Technical Guidance and Future Homes requirements
Compliance-led design support for housebuilders, contractors and developers
UK-supported supply chain with high levels of domestic manufacturing
Certified fire performance to BROOF (t4) in line with Approved Document B (Part B)
Controlled, repeatable delivery across multiple developments
A single, accountable technical and delivery partner
Designed for the Future of Housebuilding
These recent designs showcase how Solfit works with housebuilders, developers, and contractors to deliver fully considered solar solutions for modern housing developments. More than just panels on roofs, our technical consultancy supports the integration of compliant, future-ready energy systems that align with Future Homes Standard targets, planning requirements, and real-world buildability. From early-stage design support through to delivery, we help create solar solutions that are practical, scalable, and designed to work seamlessly within today’s new build developments.
