Rain screen cladding systems were primarily developed in the UK for the refurbishment of concrete buildings, particularly residential tower blocks and office blocks from the 1960's and 1970's.

Photovoltaic wall cladding PV systems provide an excellent multi-functional building solution and transform older buildings into modern day architectural icons.

The integration of photovoltaics is straight forward with the PV wall cladding panels substituting the traditional rain screen face material.

The ventilated zone behind the solar panels is ideal for controlling PV temperatures and for providing space for the electrical wiring. The PV wall cladding panels can also be inclined to maximise their efficiency.

Rain screen PV cladding adds little weight to the building, provides space to improve insulation levels and creates a ventilated skin.

The Solar Technologies' standard product facade system is a simple, stylish and competitively priced PV system that meets both technical and design requirements for modern, distinctive buildings.

Retaining clips, practical drilling templates and manageable assembly groups accelerate and simplify installation as far as possible.

The structurally proven PV system is attached to the building envelope by means of a continuous base profile which supports the secondary grid assembly. The standard modules are clipped to the assembly - profile sections easily compensating for any unevenness in the walls of up to 30mm.

The result is a rear ventilated curtain wall that allows thermal currents to circulate between the back of the module and the building wall, preventing any accumulation of heat and maximising PV performance even when external temperatures are high. The building wall still operates as a conventional facade.