What is an Active Roof?
 An active roof can be any roof that has one or more renewable energy features incorporated into it. These would typically be solar electric (often known as photovoltaics or PV for short), solar thermal (hot water) and micro-wind. But an active roof may also include wind cowls, sun pipes and can be combined with green roofs. One defining feature is that it may be accessed by a range of people such as electrical contractors and plumbers, as well as experienced roofers.
In 2005 the EurActive Roofer project was set up as it became clear that solar (and other) elements had to become mainstream if the EU is to meet its energy targets, which includes generating 20% of the union's energy from renewables by 2020. Historically, most roofing work done has been done by specialist roofers, not renewable energy specialists or electrical contractors. This project also had a particular focus on SMEs, as much work on roofs - especially in the domestic sector - is undertaken by small local companies.
The EurActive Roofer project sought to develop specific guidance on:
and these web pages will display some of the key findings most applicable to the UK. But before that, it will be helpful to provide a Background to Photovoltaics and information about Types of Active Photovoltaic Roofs and Solar Cells that are used in them.
NEF would like to thank the partners in the EurActive Roofer project for their assistance with this micro-site. The information given is for guidance only and should not be used in place of proper engineering calculations in accordance with the relevant British or European Standards.
The EurActive Roofer project ran from 2005 to 2008 and was supported by the European Union's programme for Horizontal Actions involving SMEs.
Last update: 18 July 2008
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