Ian Adamson (Crest Roofing)

I’d only fitted thermal tubes until now, the slate job was my first experience of solar PV. But solar is the way forward, we need more renewable energy because we can't sustain our existing energy consumption. We need renewables, it's a good idea. C21 was introduced to me when Brian led us through 45 mins of safety and how it works, then we were up on the roof getting it installed. Brian was very good, he guided me through and made me feel very relaxed with it. And by the time I'd put three slates down I had a very good understanding. It's very easy. It couldn't be simpler! It was certainly the easiest solar I’ve installed, definitely easier, as an integrated system. If you were retro-fitting it would be a lot harder but on a new build it's no problem.

In terms of how it compared to installing regular slates, it was very similar. Because the solar slates are taking the place five or six normal slates it works out about the same. With the wires, you’re only pushing two cables together, so it doesn't take long. Roofers do need to take care and be aware of the implications. You need to understand what your doing. I'm not sure every roofer would give it the care it deserves though.

The tiles were lifted up on a fork lift, so it was no problem. Then carrying them on to the roof was easy, they don't weigh anything, so we passed them up no problem.

We’re going to do some more solar very soon, we've got two more jobs to do at Croudace.

“It's quite exciting really to be able to install these. People think it's something special.”

Lots of the things we have to put on roofs are a bit unsightly, but your system is pretty good. The C21e tiles sit perfectly flush and they look fantastic. There's not much more you could do to make them blend in anymore!

“Solar is definitely another string to your bow. It's a good thing to be able to offer our customers. There's only going to be more and more of it.”