Viridian Solar Adds New 445Wp Modules to Clearline fusion Range
Viridian Solar today announces an exciting new addition to its range of Clearline fusion roof-integrated solar panels. The new solar modules are compatible with the existing M10 roofing kits but have a power rating of 445Wp, giving nearly 10% more power output from the same roof area than the company's current PV16-405-M10 product.
The PV16-445AG-M10 utilises the latest in solar cell technology to achieve this higher specific power density, with N-type TOPCon cells encapsulated between two glass sheets, front and back. The move to glass-glass panels improves the panel lifetime by better protecting the cells from oxidation and mechanical stresses and strains. As a result of this, the power output guarantee for the 445-AG is improved to 95% of rated power at 10 years and 87% at 30 years.
Furthermore, with incombustible glass on the rear face of the new panel replacing a polymer backsheet, the new panel further reduces fire risks. When used in combination with the all-metal Clearline fusion mounting system the new product's resistance to fire contrasts even more starkly with competitor offerings that introduce large amounts of combustible material behind the panels and into the roof build up.
The new panel positions Viridian Solar to help developers meet the challenge of future building regulations and supports innovative new approaches in the sector that require ambitious levels of solar power from each roof.
The PV16-445AG-M10 will be available from 1 June 2025 and the company is recommending that the new product should only be committed to development projects starting after this date unless by special arrangement.
The PV16-445AG features the latest TOPCon cell technology
KT Tan, CTO at Viridian Solar said:
"The new glass-glass construction of the 445AG panel puts the cells right on the centreline of the laminate thickness at a position called the Neutral Axis where the cells experience no stress when the laminate is flexed, for example by the loads from wind or snow. Glass is also less permeable to the passage of gas molecules than the polymer backsheets that were previously used to make solar PV panels, and so the damaging effects of oxidation on the cells and connections is also reduced. The combination of these two changes is to dramatically increase the durability of the new solar panels and their lifetime energy performance."
"Recently there has been much discussion of problems for roof integrated solar systems obtaining a fire classification for building regulations due to changes in the Extended Application process in the European Standards. In contrast with other suppliers, Viridian Solar is in complete control of the design and bill of materials of the entire system - both panels and mounting kit, and certified fire test laboratories have been able to test and issue a fire classification without the need to apply an Extended Application. The 445AG has now been certified to have the highest fire resistance classification (BRoof) for both Test 1 (Germany and Benelux) and Test 4 (for the UK), and is listed both MCS005 and MCS012 certificates."
Jamie Berryman, CSO at Viridian Solar added:
"Our strategy of controlling both the panel and mounting kit has demonstrated its value time and again - customers can install Clearline fusion with confidence, especially when compared to roof integrated solar systems assembled from interchangeable components sourced from a diverse range of manufacturers. You can have confidence that it meets the NHBC durability requirements as the only product with third party accreditation of this new requirement. You can have confidence that you are fitting products with the highest levels of human rights due diligence due to our extensive work in this area. Finally you can have confidence that your solar installation will be lawful in building regulations because the solar panels and mounting kit have a fire classification in combination."
"We expect the new 445AG to be attractive for projects where the design goal is to achieve the highest possible power output from the roof. This would include projects for self-build, social housing re-roofing and new build developments that are aiming to achieve performance in excess of current building regulations, including innovative new approaches such as the Octopus Zero Bills House."
