TubeVsPlate...

• Quality Flat-Plate panels such as the RMSolar S-Class have longer guarantees than standard tubes i.e. 20 years on S-Class vs on average between 3 and 5 years on tubes.

• Flat-Plate panels are far more aesthetically pleasing to the eye when on the roof.

• Flat-Plate Panels are far more versatile as they can be integrated and flashed flush into most standard roof types. This makes them an easy option on new build properties.

• Due to the S-Class Flat-Plate having a 20 year guarantee it gives it a far better payback and a smaller carbon footprint.

• Flat-Plate panels are much more durable and pass part 2 of the EN 12975, durability tests for such things as hailstones. Tubes do not generally conform to this standard and are susceptible to some adverse conditions. Due to the appearance of tube systems vandalism is also a serious concern. Many Tubes may have part 1 of the EN 12975, this relates to performance, however only part 2 applies to durability, RMSolar S-Class panels have both parts.

• In established markets such as Europe Flat-Plates make up the bulk of all sales, with tubes only selling in much smaller percentage terms.

• Individual tubes fail by losing the vacuum rather like a light bulb, this means more maintenance and increased chance of having to gain roof access in order to maintain and repair the system. RM Solar panel failures are almost unheard of, and a sturdy construction of the flat plate is far more capable of taking immense heat stresses of thermal solar.