What are Solar Roof Tiles
Solar Roof tiles (or photovoltaic roof tiles), are a seamless way of integrating solar technology into your home without taking away from your home’s natural design. Unlike a traditional solar panel which is mounted on-top of your roof tiles, solar tiles replace your roof tiles all together. Although Solar Tiles may look different, they work just the same as a Solar Panel does. This neat alternative, means that you can use the energy from the sun to generate your own electricity in style.
Although many solar companies have tried and failed to make solar roof tiles work, Tesla believe they have the answer. And who wouldn’t put their money on Elon Musk on providing this solar solution.
The Advantages Of Solar Roof Tiles
- Sleek and Stylish. The main advantage of installing Solar Roof Tiles is their stylish appearance. As the Solar technology is integrated in the roof tile itself, solar tiles have the ability to generate renewable energy, without anyone even noticing!
- Improved Durability. Solar roof tiles are manufactured to be more durable than the standard roof tile. For Example, Tesla's Solar Roof tiles are said to be more than three times stronger than standard roofing tiles. Compared to an ordinary roof tile, solar roof tiles are also more weather resistance, meaning no more leaky roofs. Overall, a Solar tile Roof can last longer than an average roof and has been designed to protect your home for decades to come.
- Perfect For Listed Buildings. Many listed properties aren't allowed to have solar panels due to their aesthetic and structural impact. However, solar tiles are a viable alternative, as are integrated Solar Panels. This is because they are more lightweight, so will cause less strain to more fragile structures.
The Disadvantages Of Solar Roof Tiles
- An Expensive Solar Switch. Although Solar roof tiles may look great, they generally cost more than twice as much as an original solar panel does. For example, if the typical homeowner was to install a Tesla Solar Roof they would be looking at paying $21.85 or £16.71 per square foot. Ultimately, this makes installing Solar Panels a greater economical investment.
- Increased Installation Times. Solar roof tiles can only be fitted if the entire roof is replaced. Even if you only want a portion to be covered with solar tiles. Not only is this a costly inconvenience, but it also means installation times are much longer compared to a standard Solar Panel installation.
- Low Efficiency. Solar roof tiles are anywhere been 8-15% less efficient at producing solar energy than standard solar panels. This means home and business owners will be paying more to generate less solar energy!
- Limited Availability. Due to the current issues surrounding efficiency and cost, there is a less competitive market when it comes down to solar roof tiles. As a product still very much so in development, there is less options to choose from. Nonetheless, as the solar industry continues to grow we expect this to change very soon! Unfortunately we are yet to install them here at Deege Solar due to their limitations.
Existing Solar Roof Tiles
Tesla Solar Roof Tiles
Probably the most sort after solar roof tile, the Tesla solar roof tile are perfect for homeowners who want to power their home using solar energy in style. Especially if you already have a Tesla Powerwall Installed. Available in 4 different styles (Textured, Smooth, Tuscan or Slate), Tesla declares that their solar roof will work out cheaper than a regular roof in the long run. Due to its ability to generate electricity from a free energy source (the sun). Each solar tile includes a highly-efficient solar cell, which has been developed in partnership with Panasonic. Integrating the solar technology in the most seamless way possible.
However, Telsa’s Solar Roof tiles aren’t available to buy just of yet! In May 2017, the Tesla Solar Roof Tile became available to preorder in the UK, however ever since launch it has continuously been delayed. Resulting in many skeptical solar tile fans.
GB Sol solar tiles
Receiving MCS accreditation in 2018, the GB Sol Solar Slate is one of the few tiles already on the market. Its natural blue-grey slate effect, has proven popular with the UK Local Authority when it comes down to planning approval. Its ability to work seamlessly with natural slates, as well as weighing only between 3.0-3.9kg, means it is often seen installed on sensitive buildings such as listed buildings. This is because it is actually lighter than a traditional tile. Manufactured in Wales, the PV Slate has the capacity to generate between 25Wp and 35Wp of solar power and has been tested to withstand the harsh British weather. A GB Sol solar PV slate has a ten-year product and power guarantee.
SOLARCENTURY SOLAR TILES
The UK-based company Solarcentury used to sell solar roof tiles known as the C21e range. Solarcentury has since discontinued their solar roof tiles, and have instead moved into the integrated solar panel market. Similarly to solar tiles, integrated solar panels sit more seamlessly onto your roof than a standard solar panel does. Not to mention, that compared to solar tiles they are also less problematic and affordable.
Find out more about integrated Solar Panels here.
Solecco Solar tiles
The Solecco solar tile is a great alternative for anyone waiting on the release of the Tesla Solar Roof. Based in Leeds UK, the Solar tile manufactures have designed a range of black mono-crystalline and red terracotta polycrystalline solar tiles, perfect for your design aesthetics. Each Solecco Solar tiles is said to generate 15W, and have an efficiency of 17.39%. With a 30 year expected energy generation lifespan, the Solecco Solar tiles are definitely a worthy opponent to the Tesla tiles. Whats more, instead of being manufactured from glass, these solar tiles are crafted from recycled plastic. Meaning you can reduce your carbon footprint even further!
Going Solar in Style
With limited suppliers and a higher price point, Solar roof tiles are unfortunately not where they need to be to take the solar industry by storm just of yet. However, the possibility of seamlessly being able to integrate solar energy into any roof has definitely changed the future of the solar industry.
If you are a UK home or business owner looking to make the change to Solar Energy, get in touch. By simply filling out our short form you can receive a free consultation. While we are unable to offer solar tiles, we can offer integrated solar panel systems, which look just as great!
