GB-Sol

GB-Sol, British manufacturer of roof-integrated solar solutions

GB-Sol is an independent British company established in 1994, spun out of Cardiff University's solar test centre. It designs and manufactures photovoltaic panels and mounting systems at its factory on the Treforest Industrial Estate, north of Cardiff, in south Wales. The company presents itself as one of the longest-established manufacturers of solar roofing products in the United Kingdom and operates with a group structure spanning several companies.

Products for solar roofs

The catalogue is organised around three main lines of roof-integrated solar PV:

• PV Slate: a solar slate that combines the aesthetics of traditional slate with power generation, backed by a 25-year warranty.
• Infinity: a glass and aluminium solar roof covering from ridge to gutter and side to side, aimed at achieving an almost seamless appearance and high energy output; it also carries a 25-year warranty.
• Integrated: a roof-integrated solar PV system that allows full-sized, high-efficiency panels to be fitted within any type of conventional roofing material.

The company also offers battery storage systems, which it describes as devices capable of managing variations in a building's demand and on-site power generation. Installations can be complemented with optimisers, batteries, remote monitoring, arc fault protection, bird proofing and firefighter isolators.

Projects and client types

GB-Sol's projects team manages complex solar PV installations, including large commercial buildings, industrial environments and social housing retrofit programmes. The company works on both new-build and retrofit projects. Published case studies include PV Slate roofs in West Berkshire, Nansledan (Cornwall), Spinkhill (near Sheffield), Wimbledon (in a conservation area), Oxfordshire (Georgian building retrofit), West Sussex (oak-framed coach house) and Royal Tunbridge Wells, as well as a barn conversion in Hampshire with edge-to-edge PV Slate. PV Slate has also been installed on 32 homes in a new residential development in Kent.

Manufacturing, materials and certifications

The products are manufactured using toughened glass, marine-grade aluminium and stainless steel, and are independently tested and certified. The company states that its products are more extensively proven than those of its competitors globally. GB-Sol Projects Limited, the company responsible for installations, holds MCS certification as a solar PV installer and commits to the MCS Customer Commitment. The company does not participate in MCS battery storage certification. It is a member of Made in Britain and has been recognised by Ethical Consumer as a 'Best Buy' for solar panel manufacturing, with a score of 80 compared with most manufacturers, which scored less than 40.

Group structure

GB-Sol comprises four companies: GB-Sol Ltd (manufacturing), GB-Sol Projects Ltd (installation), Solarware Ltd (technology) and B2 Landlord Ltd (factory). The group is owned by GB Renewables Investments Ltd.

Installation and coverage

The company not only manufactures but also installs, in order to control the quality, longevity and safety of the systems. Its projects team has experience in new-build and retrofit, with processes regularly audited. It has installation teams and surveyors across Great Britain to provide local communication and support.

Sustainability and factory operations

The company prioritises local suppliers wherever possible, reduces waste and packaging, and powers its facilities with solar energy supplemented by a 100% green electricity supply. Its factory has 140 kW of installed solar PV capacity. The company presents itself as a long-term solar partner and places responsibility and ethics among its commitments, with responsible sourcing and human rights policies.

Location and contact

Renewable Energy Works, Treforest Industrial Estate, Cardiff CF37 5YB · Phone: 01443 841 811 · Email: info@gb-sol.co.uk