Solar roof tiles are a fascinating development in the solar industry. If you’re thinking about installing solar panels in your home, solar tiles, or roof integrated panels, could be your best option.
The interest in solar power in Australia has been readily on the rise since it was first introduced in the 1970s. These early units were an answer to the oil crisis of 1973, and they were primarily used in hot water systems. Today, Australians are still in love with solar to generate power and avoid the high prices of using grid power.
The solar tiles and shingles you’ll find today are very different from these early models. Solar tiles are installed on your roof and will replace your current roofing materials. Solar tiles are more durable than many existing roofing materials, and they’re aesthetically appealing (compared to standard rack-mounted solar panels), which can increase your home’s kerb appeal while keeping down your electricity bills!
Solar roof tiles are an excellent addition to your home, especially if you’re considering replacing your current roof covering (tiles or steel). Solar tiles, shingles and integrated panels belong to a category of solar systems known as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) or BIPV solar. Solar systems are a great way to make your home eco-friendly and lower your carbon footprint.
This article will uncover some of the history surrounding solar tiles, the advantages and disadvantages of installing BIPV solar and provide enough information to help you decide what solar system is best for your home.
What are solar roof tiles?
Solar roof tiles look like regular roof tiles, but instead of just protecting your home from the weather, they’ll convert light into energy. The main difference between regular solar panels and solar tiles or shingles is they replace your existing roof covering instead of being mounted on top of them using a metal frame.
Solar tiles are designed to appear like a standard part of your home. This method of incorporating solar panels into the overall design of your home is what makes BIPV systems highly sought after. While many people enjoy the benefits of solar power, the panels required are generally not that appealing. BPIV systems, like solar shingles and tiles, are being used in more and more buildings, with architects incorporating these unique systems into their building designs.
Solar tiles and shingles work the same as standard photovoltaics (PV) panels. Sunlight (photons) pass through the panels, and then electrons are separated from the photons, which generates a direct current (DC). The DC electricity is then sent to an inverter which converts the DC to alternating current (AC) electricity, which can then be used by the homeowner or sent to a storage device (usually a battery array or into the grid).
The main difference between regular PV systems and solar tiles is how they look and the amount of space they use. In a PV system, you are limited to the number of panels you can install based on the rack size your roof can support. When you use solar tiles, you can cover a larger area on your roof because they are smaller and will conform to the shape of your roof. It is possible almost entirely to replace a roof with solar shingles.
When were solar shingles or tiles first used?
In the history of solar panels, solar tiles and shingles are reasonably new. Dow Chemical Company created solar shingles in 2009, and the first commercial sales were in 2011. The company estimated the industry could be worth $10 billion by 2020.
Solar shingles are incredibly innovative as they solve the problem of standard PV systems being visually unappealing. These new shingles from Dow could take the place of many PV systems and generate the same amount of electricity. TIME magazine announced the solar shingles as one of the top 50 best inventions of 2009.
Early sales projections were working on a manufacturing cost that was 10-15% lower than other PV systems. Unfortunately, the cost of these solar shingles was considerably more than other PV systems, even with government incentives. DOW eventually discontinued its solar shingle line in 2016.
Since DOW discontinued its solar shingles, many other tile companies saw the market as open and attempted to take over the industry, but they struggled to remain niche due to high prices and limited options.
What are roof integrated panels, and how did they change the BIPV market?
Integrated solar panels differ from solar tiles or shingles. These panels offer the kerbside appeal of BIPV, yet integrate with leading roofing materials, tiles, steel and slate and are priced similarly to rack-mounted systems on a new build or reroof projects.
In 2015 Viridian Solar launched Clearline Fusion, a cost-competitive PV roofing system with above-roof installations, but that draws on our extensive history and long track record in building-integrated solar. Fusion has rapidly established itself as the UK’s market-leading roof-integrated solar PV system and the choice of volume housebuilders and individual property owners looking to reduce energy bills while maintaining the kerb appeal of their building.
With the price and performance of integrated solar matching regular systems, architects and homeowners appreciated the aesthetics of integrated solar without the expense and inflexibility of solar tile systems.
In 2021 Viridian Solar was acquired by Marley Ltd, one of the largest and most respected names in the UK roofing sector, providing a solid foundation for further growth. In the same year, SOllOS became the exclusive distributor of Viridian roof-integrated in Australia with the stated mission of providing homeowners, architects and builders with an aesthetically pleasing and high-performance solar panel that is easy to install and a cost-effective alternative to conventional panel racking solutions.
What are the advantages of installing solar roof tiles and integrated panels?
The main advantages of solar roof tiles over other PV systems are:
- Appearance – solar tiles offer better aesthetics and are less intrusive than standard solar systems.
- Low maintenance – once the tiles are installed, they do not require ongoing maintenance. Heavy rains are enough to keep them clean.
- Easy to replace – in the rare instance a tile or panel fails, it can be replaced easily.
- Reduced load on the roof – as BIPV solar tiles and panels are replacing your current roof covering, there is no additional weight your building needs to accommodate.
Solar tiles are easy to install, and they are more durable than most roof tiles. If your area is prone to strong winds and cyclonic conditions, solar tiles are more resistant to these weather systems. Solar tiles can also absorb impacts from hail and heavy storms better than other roof coverings.
What are the disadvantages of solar roof tiles?
When you consider which solar system to install, you also need to consider the disadvantages of any system. Solar tiles are more expensive than integrated or regular solar panel systems, and they are expensive to install. However, if you are constructing a new building or replacing an existing roof, the total cost for an integrated panel system is competitive with traditional systems. Also, if you want to keep the look of your home and don’t mind the additional cost, you can add solar to your home and maintain the aesthetics of your residence.
Solar roof tiles are not considered modular, and it may not be possible to add more panels after your installation is completed. An easy way to counter this is to install the largest system possible, and then your system will support you as your energy needs grow.
The cost of solar shingles and tiles often excludes them from being used in large commercial installations. In a residential setting, however, the cost of integrated solar is often on par, especially when you factor in the install savings of not paying for standard roof tiles in new builds. If your current roof cannot host solar panels (e.g., due to deterioration), replacing it with solar tiles or integrated panels can be an excellent option.
Which is better: BIPV solar or solar panels?
Choosing between solar tiles and solar panels comes down to your personal preferences. If you’re concerned about cost and you don’t need to replace your existing roof, then solar panels will offer good value. In new construction or when renovating a property and replacing the roof, BIPV solar, tiles and integrated panels offer excellent value.
Both of these solar systems will provide you with over 25 years of clean energy production, and they will offer similar amounts of energy generation. You can contact SOllOS for detailed information on solar roof tiles and see if it is the right choice for your home.
How much energy can BIPV solar generate?
There are a lot of factors that go into determining how much energy your solar system will produce. When deciding on the size of your system, you’ll need to work out how much energy you use daily. An easy way to work this out is by looking at your current electricity bill and divide that number by the days covered in the bill. This calculation will give you daily electricity usage.
You need to consider how much light your roof is exposed to during the day to determine how much power your tiles can generate. Most homes in Australia can expect around 6-8 hours of sunlight suited for solar panels. If your home is in the shade for part of the day, it will affect the efficiency of your solar panels.
Generally speaking, solar tiles generate less energy per square metre than panels, but they can be extended across a larger portion of the roof. Integrated panels generate as much energy as regular panels.
At SOllOS, we have an expert team that can help calculate your energy needs and determine what size system is most effective for your needs.
What maintenance is required for solar systems?
There are very minimal maintenance requirements for solar systems. You can look at them once a month to check you don’t have any leaf litter covering them. If you have an excessive amount of dirt or bird mess covering them, you may like to wash it off with your garden hose, but a good dose of rain will often be enough to take care of this for you.
Solar tiles and panels are very durable and don’t require annual inspections, and they can withstand most weather events better than other roof coverings. With minimal maintenance, you can expect to get over 25 years of life from your solar tiles and panels.
What do you need to know before installing solar systems?
The key to making a good decision on which system is best suited for your home is to collect information and data. Here are some questions you can answer that will help tell you what system is best.
Is your roof structurally sound?
The age of your roof can be an excellent indicator of its stability. If your home is older than five years, it is good to get it inspected to make sure it can cope with the addition of solar panels. If your roof needs to be replaced, installing BIPV solar is an excellent choice as you get the benefits of a strong roof structure and solar power.
What angle is your roof?
Solar systems perform best when they are angled to collect the most amount of light. The way your home is oriented can factor in your ability to install the solar system of your choice. The pitch of your roof can also determine if your home is suitable. The team at SOllOS can provide a guide on what solar system is ideal for your home.
Is your roof shaded?
Shade is perfect for keeping your home on warm days, but when your roof is shaded, it can limit the efficiency of your solar panels. If the shade is from trees, you can contact an arborist to cut back some of the branches. When the shade is from a nearby building, it is best to orient the panels to avoid shade.
Can you add BIPV solar to any home?
The first stage to knowing if our team can install solar is to take measurements. In some instances, this can be done remotely, and other homes may require a visit from an installer. The installer will check your home and make sure it is a suitable candidate for solar BIPV panels or tiles. After your home is assessed, we’ll provide a quote based on your required system size.
When you accept the quote, we can book a time for installation and discuss terms for payment. As each home is different, the time your system takes to install will vary based on your location and the availability of the solar system you choose. We’ll provide an estimated installation date and update you if anything changes.
The future for BIPV solar roof tiles and panels
Solar panels and tiles are an excellent solution to generating free and clean energy from a renewable source. As more and more people look to help reduce Australia’s reliance on fossil fuels, solar systems will stay for the long term.
Homes are becoming increasingly energy-efficient, and people see the value in a home with installed solar systems. Some real estate agencies have reported that homes with an installed solar system will sell 20% faster than those that do not. This fact indicates that solar power is looked upon highly by most homeowners. In Australia, over 3 million homes have a solar system installed, and governments are continually looking at ways to encourage people to install new solar systems.
The future is challenging to predict, but with the popularity of solar panels as a method for reducing your power bills, BIPV solar roof tiles and panels will only become more common in Australia. If you’re thinking of installing solar on your home, you can contact the team at SOllOS, and we’ll take you through the best options available. Call today.
Photo credit: CertainTeed Apollo II.CertainTeed – Inverse.com – article writer Mike Brown – RAISE THE ROOF: 5 ALTERNATIVES TO TESLA’S CLEAN ENERGY TILES
SOLAR ROOF: 5 ALTERNATIVES TO TESLA’S CLEAN ENERGY TILES
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