Deks Renewable Energy: Driving Solar Innovation

In the UK building products sector, successful growth hinges on diversification and innovation. Following the philosophy that “you’ve got to innovate or die”, Deks has successfully leveraged its deep polymer expertise to become a key supplier in the high-growth Deks Renewable Energy market. This strategic pivot has resulted in significant success, with the company reporting 40% growth in the last year, following 20% growth in each of the two previous years.

As a global business and part of the New Zealand-based Scalar group (valued at between £130 million and £140 million), Deks operates globally through three entities: Deks AIA, Deks Australia, and Deks America. While the wider group produces specialised items like foam for K2 ski boots and Redband wellies, Deks’ core background in polymers provides the foundation for its construction and industrial products.

What Drives the Deks Renewable Energy Strategy?

Deks views solar as a “huge market”, which has necessitated ongoing research into niche markets and continuous product development. The company operates by identifying the needs of our customers, speaking directly to installers and manufacturers about the “pinch points” and headaches they face when installing products. This approach drives the development of an ideal solution for the building trade.

Dex Fast Flash: Ensuring Watertight Integrity and MCS Accreditation

A cornerstone of Deks’ offering, the Dex Fast Flash lead replacement product is used heavily in in-roof solar installations because it ensures a secure seal to prevent water penetration. Deks stresses the criticality of following strict specifications, especially since this product is BBA accredited. For certain large in-roof solar systems, the use of Dex Fast Flash is mandatory; failing to use the specified product means the entire solar panel setup is not MCS/Kiwa accredited. This robust, “fit and forget” product provides reliable protection and protects the consumer’s long-term solar investment

Watch the Full Deks & Purplex Testimonial

For the full details on Deks’ pivot into the renewable sector and the successful strategies that led to 40% growth, watch the testimonial video featuring Deks MD Ollie James:

This is how we help businesses grow: Purplex X Deks testimonial Channel: Purplex Marketing

Multi-Cable Solutions and Peak Efficiency

The company supplies a multi-cable product, considered the “industry favourite,” designed to bring up to 10 solar PV cables through a roof while maintaining watertight integrity. Furthermore, new technologies like optimisers enable homeowners to install solar panels on different roof aspects, preventing power generation losses (which occur when shading causes the whole system to downgrade) and ensuring the system operates at peak efficiency.

The “Battleship” and Preventing Tile Cracks

Product development is ongoing, with Deks constantly developing new solutions, such as the new multi-cable product nicknamed “the battleship”. This new product features a lower profile design, being long and thin, allowing it to sit neatly within the profile of a double Roman tile for effortless installation. Deks also holds a patent pending for a rubber tile developed to stop rosemary tiles breaking, thereby mitigating tile cracks, when cables are run through the roof.

Diversification and Future Growth

Deks recognises that the solar and renewable energy sector is a natural progression for many contractors. The benefits of solar energy are compelling: new homes must have meaningful solar installed by 2027, and the current payback period for solar investment is around seven or eight years. The lifespan of your solar panels is approximately 25 years.

Additionally, Deks has broadened its portfolio into complementary markets like outdoor living and drainage, providing a “one-stop shop”. Following market feedback, they now offer a shallower channel (50mm instead of 87mm) and a 20mm upstand for porcelain tiles, supporting optimal water drainage.

Ready to future-proof your product portfolio with industry-leading, accredited solutions for solar and outdoor living?

Deks is dedicated to providing high-quality, “fit and forget” polymer products, including the vital BBA-accredited Dex Fast Flash and innovative cable solutions, ensuring your installations maintain crucial MCS/Kiwa accreditation. To discuss how the Deks Renewable Energy focus and proven expertise can support your business growth, contact the team today.

DEKS Industries Europe Limited West End Trading Estate, Blackfriars Road, Nailsea, Bristol, BS48 4DJ

Email: sales@deks.co.uk Telephone: 01275 85 88 66

Office Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:30 – 17:00 Friday: 8:30 – 16:00