Australia is well and truly the sunburnt country, particularly here in Brisbane, with abundant clear skies perfect for solar. In fact, Queenslanders are leading the way in adopting solar technology, with 40% of homes in QLD and SA alone having solar. It’s this combination of plentiful sun and rising energy prices, that create a huge opportunity for Australians to continue embracing solar. If you’re looking to make the move to solar, you’ll know roof panels are long established and well known, but what about the newest technology - Solar Roof Tiles? If you’re looking for a non-obtrusive way to bring solar energy into your home then solar roof tiles could be for you. This blog will explore everything you need to know about this emerging technology.
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Solar roof tiles explained
What are solar roof tiles?
Put simply, they’re like traditional roof tiles, but capable of collecting solar energy. Dig a little deeper however, and you’ll see how clever they are. What makes them so smart is the fact that they don't require mounting on top of a roof, they actually integrate within a tiled roof giving them the technical classification of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). Functionally, this means you can cover more of your roof with solar panels, and aesthetically they fit in seamlessly with your home.
Now, contrary to what you might be thinking, solar roof tiles don’t need to take over your entire roof. The ingenious thing about the product is that by their nature they can slot in seamlessly to a tiled roof. As much or as little as needed. So, depending on your location, budget and energy goals you can create the perfect solar setup for your home.
How they work
How Solar Roof Tiles Work
Just like traditional solar panels, solar roof tiles capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. As with any solar installation, there are other components required. A solar setup of any size needs these three components:
- Solar Roof Tiles - to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.
- Solar Inverter - to convert the captured solar energy into usable electricity which can flow through your home. The Inverter you choose can have arguably the most significant impact on how well your system performs so choose wisely.
- Battery storage - does exactly what it says on the tin. A battery will store excess electricity for use later on.
When it comes to sunlight capture, not all roofs are made equal. Like any purchase, you will get what you pay for. Broadly speaking there are three types of solar panel technology to look out for - monocrystalline (efficient and expensive), polycrystalline (still efficient but less expensive) and thin film (inexpensive solution).
Most solar roof tile manufacturers use monocrystalline technology which is the most efficient of the three, but also the most expensive. Interestingly, Tesla recently launched a new solar roof tile which actually has the capability, via a thin coloured film on each tile, to blend in with the other tiles on a roof. If you’re willing to pay for the privilege of course. But, more on the cost of tiles later.
Water and weather resistance
Unlike solar roof panels that are installed on top of a roof, solar roof tiles integrate within a roof. But there’s a catch - almost every manufacturer requires you to install their own traditional tiles alongside the solar tiles. This is to ensure a snug and safe and watertight installation. Solar roof tile manufacturers will have their own specific set of installation requirements, so look at them closely when choosing. If installed correctly, water ingress should not be an issue.
On a side note, should you find yourself on the roof of your home, you can walk on the solar roof tiles. All solar roof tiles are rated for high weather performance and can withstand weight better than other roofing materials like Colourbond or traditional tiles.
Maintaining a solar roof for top performance
Cleaning and maintenance of your solar roof tiles
As with any solar technology, you’ll need to look after your investment to ensure it keeps producing electricity for your home. To maintain efficiency of your solar roof tiles, they should be kept clear of debris (fallen branches, dust etc) and kept moderately clean. The good news is, unless you’re in a dry, dusty environment, rain will usually be just fine to keep your tiles performing well. If you do need to clean them, we do not advise climbing on the roof - simply hose your roof down from the ground.
The second element is maintenance. As with most technology, solar systems benefit from servicing to make sure everything is performing well, so consider having your provider service your solar roof installation once every 5 years.
Take a closer look at living with solar roof tiles in this short video. YouTuber Alex Flack reviews Tesla Roof Tiles after one year and answers his most frequently asked questions.
Comparing your choices
Solar Roof Tiles versus Solar Panels
There’s a lot of information out there, so here’s a quick overview of the key differences between solar panels and solar roof tiles.
What to consider when choosing solar roof tiles.
There’s a lot to think about when deciding whether solar roof tiles are right for your home. Now, knowing the basics of what they are and how they work, you’re equipped to make a more informed decision. If you’re looking to explore further, these are the critical factors to consider to avoid common mistakes when looking at Solar Roof tiles.
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- Cost - it goes without saying the biggest factor is clearly the cost of installation. Solar tiles can cost more than double the price of traditional solar panels, which ultimately means they will take longer to deliver a return on investment.
- Aesthetics - traditional solar panels and solar roof tiles perform the same function, with very similar technology. The biggest difference is how they are integrated with your roof. Consider solar roof tiles if the visual appeal of your home is an important factor.
- Installation - solar roof tiles do take longer to install than panels, so set aside plenty of time for the installation. The other thing to consider is that in some instances a roof may not align to the sun correctly, or the roof may be the wrong shape size for traditional solar panels. Roof tiles can be a solution in such cases.
Durability - where solar panels are installed on top of a roof, solar tiles are integrated within the roof. This means the product is more durable in extreme weather conditions such as high wind, and shouldn’t experience water ingress issues. Consider your environment and weather conditions when deciding if solar roof tiles are the right option. - Comparative output - solar tiles due to their size and design don’t capture as much energy as a solar panel (think one single panel with no wasted space, versus several small tiles interlocking and overlapping). Solar panels can generate up to 30% more energy per square metre versus tiles. So, consider the balance between aesthetics, performance carefully - especially when looking at performance degradation over time.
Conclusions
Solar tiles are an exciting emerging technology, with the potential to transform the market. However, there are plenty of trade-offs to consider when comparing solar roof tiles against solar panels. While many benefits and performance measures are the same or similar, the critical difference to consider is cost and when you’ll see a return on your investment. With roof tiles costing as much as 4x the amount of traditional solar panels, you’ll need to decide if the aesthetic benefits outweigh the potentially prohibitive costs.
Nonetheless, with a basic understanding of what they are and how they work, you’re now equipped to investigate further and ask the right questions of providers. Our team has over a decades experience installing solar for homes across Brisbane, so If you’d like to explore solar further, get in touch. We’d love to help you on your journey.
Solar power is increasingly popular as a reliable and renewable energy source. Advances in technology have made solar energy conversion more accessible and affordable. With Hover, explore the unique features of solar shingles, their benefits and drawbacks, and the top brands available on the market today.
What are solar shingles?
Solar shingles, also known as Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), represent a cutting-edge innovation in the realm of renewable energy. They are designed to mimic the appearance of traditional roofing materials while simultaneously harnessing solar energy. Unlike conventional solar panels that are installed on top of existing roofing, solar shingles are integrated directly into the roof structure. This dual functionality means that they not only provide the same protective qualities as regular shingles but also generate electricity from sunlight.
Solar shingles come in various designs and materials, aiming to blend seamlessly with traditional roofing materials such as asphalt or slate. This integration helps maintain the aesthetic appeal of a home, making solar energy accessible without compromising on visual appearance. The design of solar shingles allows them to function as a part of the roofing system, contributing to a more cohesive look compared to the bulkier traditional solar panels.
Overall, solar shingles offer a modern approach to sustainable energy solutions, merging functionality with design to create an innovative roofing option.
How do solar shingles work?
Solar shingles operate on principles similar to those of traditional solar panels, but their integration into roofing materials offers a more streamlined solution. At the core of solar shingles are photovoltaic (PV) cells, which capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how solar shingles generate power:
- Sunlight absorption: The photovoltaic cells embedded in the shingles absorb sunlight. This light energy excites the electrons in the cells, creating an electric charge.
- Electricity production: As the electrons move, they create a flow of electric current. This process generates direct current (DC) electricity.
- Electricity conversion: The DC electricity generated by the solar shingles is then directed to an inverter. The inverter converts this DC power into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the type used by household appliances and the electrical grid.
- Distribution: Once converted to AC power, the electricity is either used directly by the home or fed into the grid, depending on the system’s configuration.
Solar shingles integrate these components into a single, unified roofing material. This design not only allows for energy generation but also maintains the protective and aesthetic functions of traditional roofing.
Solar shingles vs solar panels -- which is better?
When considering solar energy solutions, it’s essential to compare solar shingles and traditional solar panels. Each option has its unique features, benefits, and drawbacks:
What to consider between solar shingles and panels?
- Size: Solar panels are larger, covering a more extensive area of the roof, which can lead to higher energy output but also require more space. Solar shingles, being closer in size to traditional shingles, integrate more seamlessly with the roof's design.
- Cost: The higher cost of solar shingles is a significant consideration. Their installation is more expensive than traditional panels, which can impact the overall return on investment.
- Output: Solar panels generally offer higher energy output and efficiency compared to solar shingles. This difference is due to the larger surface area and the ability to angle panels for optimal sun exposure. Solar shingles, while aesthetically pleasing, may require more units to achieve the same energy production.
- Appearance: One of the main advantages of solar shingles is their appearance. They blend with the roof, providing a more uniform look compared to the distinct and sometimes bulky appearance of traditional solar panels.
Advantages of solar shingles
Solar shingles offer several advantages over traditional solar panels, making them an appealing option for some homeowners:
- Aesthetics: One of the most significant benefits of solar shingles is their appearance. They are designed to blend seamlessly with existing roofing materials, providing a sleek and uniform look. This design is especially beneficial for homeowners who want the benefits of solar energy without the visual impact of traditional panels.
- Functionality: Solar shingles serve a dual purpose—they function as both roofing material and a solar energy generator. This integration simplifies the installation process and reduces the need for additional structures or mounts, making it a practical solution for new constructions or roof replacements.
- Durability: Solar shingles are often more durable than traditional roofing materials. They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and high winds. Their durability can extend the lifespan of the roof compared to conventional shingles.
- Weather resistance: Being part of the roofing system, solar shingles are less likely to become dislodged or damaged during extreme weather events. This integration provides an added layer of protection for the home.
Disadvantages of solar shingles
While solar shingles offer various benefits, there are also notable disadvantages to consider:
- Expensive: One of the most significant drawbacks of solar shingles is their cost. They are generally more expensive than traditional solar panels, which can impact the overall return on investment. The higher installation cost can be a barrier for some homeowners.
- Lower efficiency: Solar shingles typically have lower efficiency compared to traditional solar panels. Their efficiency is often constrained by their fixed position on the roof and the inability to angle them for optimal sunlight exposure. As a result, more shingles may be needed to achieve the same energy output as panels.
- Installation limitations: Solar shingles are better suited for new constructions or complete roof replacements rather than retrofitting onto existing roofs. The integration process can be complex and may require additional modifications to the existing roofing structure.
Best solar shingle brands
CertainTeed
CertainTeed is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and high-quality building materials. Their Apollo II solar roof tiles are a testament to this commitment, designed to offer both functionality and durability. These solar shingles can withstand up to 250 pounds of pressure per square foot and are rated to endure winds of up to 150 miles per hour, making them a robust choice for homeowners in areas prone to extreme weather.
GAF
GAF is North America's largest roofing manufacturer and has made a significant entry into the solar shingle market with its DecoTech system. GAF's DecoTech offers a low-profile design that integrates seamlessly with existing roofing systems, providing a sleek and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Unlike traditional bulky solar panels, DecoTech solar shingles are installed in line with the roof, maintaining the home's original look while harnessing solar energy.
Tesla