Kingspan, a global leader in high-performance building envelope systems, has partnered with Zestec Renewable Energy, a wholly owned business within Octopus Energy Generation funds, to deliver a groundbreaking solution for building owners: funded solar roofing for refurbishment projects. This innovative approach combines roof renovation with integrated solar PV technology, enabling owners to future-proof their assets without the burden of significant upfront capital expenditure.
Ageing roofs often prevent building owners from capitalising on the benefits of solar. This new combined offering addresses this challenge head-on by integrating roof refurbishment with renewable energy generation. Using PowerPanel, owners can replace or overclad existing roofs with FM-approved insulated panels that incorporate advanced photovoltaic technology. These systems deliver exceptional thermal performance, fire safety, and energy output, up to 475 Wp per module, while enhancing the building’s aesthetics and market appeal.
Kingspan’s technical excellence underpins the solution. QuadCore® insulation technology delivers U-values as low as 0.11 W/m²·K, improving thermal efficiency and compliance with evolving regulations. PowerPanel is tested to FM 4478 standards, confirming resilience against fire, wind uplift, hail, and structural loads.
For projects where over-cladding is the preferred route, Kingspan also offers the Elite Refresh Roof System, designed to work seamlessly with solar PV installations. This system maintains coating warranties, meets stringent fire classifications, and provides a lightweight, durable solution for extending roof life while enabling renewable energy generation.
At the heart of this solution is a flexible Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) model. Under this model, Zestec funds 100% of the solar PV installation, along with a significant proportion of any roof upgrades aligned to the overall project investment, often covering the entire project value. Where total project costs exceed the maximum investment criteria, the building owner contributes the remaining balance, creating a pragmatic partnership that unlocks both renewable generation and critical building upgrades.
Rather than funding the full project cost upfront, building owners simply purchase the solar electricity generated and consumed on-site at predictable rates below market prices. This PPA structure delivers immediate cost savings, long-term price stability and increased energy resilience, while removing traditional financial barriers to investing in on-site renewable infrastructure.
Zestec takes responsibility for the entire project lifecycle, spanning design, funding, installation and long-term operations and maintenance, simplifying delivery and materially reducing complexity and risk for building owners. Underpinned by Octopus Energy Generation’s long-term investment strategy, the model prioritises quality, safety and performance over the long term, providing lasting reassurance and alignment for clients and building owners alike.
Beyond energy savings, this approach strengthens ESG credentials, improves EPC ratings, and enhances asset value—critical factors for attracting tenants and investors. By combining refurbishment with renewable energy, building owners can demonstrate a tangible commitment to sustainability while mitigating the risk of stranded assets.
“Our Renovate + Generate approach is designed to remove barriers for building owners who want to upgrade their assets and embrace renewable energy,” said Phil Smith, Managing Director at Kingspan Insulated Panels. “By partnering with Zestec, we can offer a funded model that makes critical refurbishment projects financially accessible while delivering long-term performance and sustainability.”
This partnership is about removing the structural barriers that have historically held back both roof refurbishment and on-site solar,” said Simon Booth, CEO of Zestec Renewable Energy. “By combining Kingspan’s roofing expertise with our long-term funded PPA model, we’re enabling building owners to upgrade critical infrastructure and access lower-cost, clean energy through a single, trusted solution backed by Octopus Energy Generation.”
Kingspan and Zestec’s collaboration represents a new era in building refurbishment. With a funded model, technical expertise, and long-term operational support, owners can transform their roofs into energy-generating assets—without compromising budgets or timelines.
For full details please contact:
UK: +44 (0) 1352 716100
IRE: +353 (0) 42 9698 500