Everything you need to know about Solar Roof Tiles
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.
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
- 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.
The amount of energy produced over an average square metre.
The portion of energy in the form of sunlight that can be converted into electricity by the solar cell.
Total installation cost measured divided the total system capacity.
Average cost inclusive of technology, trades and other factors.
The time it will take for the savings generated by the system to equal and surpass the installation cost.
How long it takes for a system can be installed at your home.
How long the system will reliably produce energy before needing to be replaced.
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.
- 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 Roof Tile Experts in Birmingham
When most people choose a roof for their home, they want something that’s energy efficient, durable, and long-lasting all in one.
You can have it all with the help of our innovative, high-quality Nulok solar panel roofing solutions. Our Nulok roofing system is not just compatible with solar roofing – it also lends itself quite well to the use of solar inserts.
Knowing how to properly install a roofing system is a challenge in itself, but our experienced team of designers have taken it a step further by pioneering a unique, highly efficient process of installing solar panel roof tiles. Nulok solar inserts are implemented through our patented installation technique that has continually impressed and satisfied clients for the past decade.
Affordable Environmentally Friendly Roofing Options
Solar tiles don’t have to be ugly. Our staff of industry-leading professionals work to create designs that are sleek, smooth and affordable. We believe that solar panelling can be more than a great way to save energy and help the environment – it can be stylish, too.
Unlike traditional solar racks, our Nulok solar inserts adhere to the roof panelling. This helps them blend in with the rest of the roof and home.
Are You Looking For Solar Roof Tile Professionals Near You?
Because of our innovative installation and manufacturing techniques, we are able to provide some of the most high-quality solar roof tiles Birmingham has to offer. Our professional installation team draws upon years of industry experience installing solar panel roof tiles in order to ensure that every job is completed efficiently and properly from start to finish.
Selecting a roofing company, especially for solar roofing, can be an arduous process. A roof is not only essential to the function of a household, it is also a highly visible element of the home. Improper installation or solar roof tiles in Birmingham can make a huge difference in your home’s appearance.
But with the Nulok roofing system, you never have to worry about improper installation. Your satisfaction is always guaranteed!
Call Us Today!
Installing roofing with solar has never been easier, faster, or more cost-effective than it is with our talented designers and experienced installation team. Solar insert roofing options are versatile and customisable, and we make sure that every client we serve leaves satisfied with the final result.
We believe that every one of our clients deserves the very best, which is why we make sure that our Nulok installation and high-quality products and services are able to turn any house into a home. Call us today for more information on how we can help you create or upkeep the home of your dreams with our quality solar panel roofing options!
SunEdison brings Arka’s integrated solar roofs to Indian homes
SunEdison has partnered with Silicon Valley based startup Arka Energy to provide the Arka collection of solar roof and gazebo solutions in India. The collection is available in one hundred cities across the nation.
SunEdison Arka collection
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SunEdison has launched the Arka collection of solar roof and gazebo solutions in India. These integrated PV systems developed by Silicon Valley based startup Arka Energy turn roof and open spaces in most homes into an energy generating asset, without compromising on aesthetics.
Unlike conventional PV systems assembled with discrete components like modules, inverters and racking, the Arka collection offers an integrated solution with custom components and pretested systems.
Arka PowerRoof and PowerGazebo deliver pleasing aesthetics with glass-on-glass solar tiles built with advanced shingling technology and mounted on custom interlocking brackets for a lifetime weatherproof solution.
Arka solar tiles are tested and approved by the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) to the IEC 60215 standard. These can withstand wind speeds of up to 160 km/hour (equivalent to a category 2 hurricane). The Arka PowerRoof can be installed on a concrete roof facet or a hoisted metal truss. It offers a stylish integrated solar roof with a jet-black glass finish. It will soon be available in other conventional roofing tile colors like terracotta.
The PowerGazebo is suitable for villa terraces and gardens. It is a fully integrated weatherproof solution with a custom wooden finish, false ceiling, integrated LED lighting and power sockets –providing a great space for festivals or parties.
“SunEdison has adapted our solutions to the Indian market. Our aim is to develop elegant solar solutions because the customer should not have to choose between style and sustainability! The PowerGazebo expands the living space in a garden or a terrace, while PowerRoof in an integrated solar roof that functions as the normal roof and additionally generates solar energy thereby reducing energy costs and carbon footprint,” said Surya Potharaju, CEO of Arka Energy.
SunEdison has completed its first customer project in a luxury villa society in Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru and has also delivered PowerGazebo orders in Hyderabad. The system also comes with a 99% efficiency inverter and monitoring app Spotlight, which helps homeowners track energy generation and system performance. SunEdison’s advanced Cloud analytics detect any abnormal dip in production and send out a maintenance alert, indicating that it is time to clean the panels.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
Uma Gupta
Based in New Delhi, Uma reports on the latest PV market trends and projects in India. After gaining an MSc Physics (Electronics) and an MBA, she has gone on to accrue over a decade of experience in technology journalism.
What are solar roof tiles and how do they work?
Fact Checked
Not sure what a solar tile is or how it works? Canstar Blue’s energy experts breakdown all you need to know, from brands to pros and cons below.
Rooftop solar panels certainly aren’t fit for every property. Whether it’s due to the positioning of the roof, a heritage listed building or just simply the bulky, mounted panel design, some Aussies may miss out on the benefits of solar power. But there may be a solution and alternative many didn’t know existed. Enter solar tiles.
Sleek and compact with an aesthetically pleasing finish, solar tiles are causing a stir in the market, particularly as Tesla’s solar roof is about to hit Aussie shores. But, what is a solar roof tile and how does it work? In this Canstar Blue guide, we uncover the benefits of solar roof tiles as well as share some of the top brands that work with these products.
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What are solar roof tiles?
Solar roof tiles are like regular solar panels; however, they are much more compact and can be securely fitted within the roofline due to their tile-like design. Where a solar panel requires mounting and optimal positioning on the roof to be effective, solar tiles can be incorporated either on top of or among existing shingles on the roof.
Solar tiles are classified as building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) as they become a part of the roofing. There are two main types of solar roof designs that you can get: tiles or shingles.
How do solar roof tiles work?
Solar tiles work in a similar fashion to conventional photovoltaics (PV) panels in that they capture sunlight and convert it into electricity (with the help of a solar inverter ). The main difference between a solar panel and a solar roof tile however, is the appearance. Where a panel is mounted to a roof, the solar tile becomes a part of the roofing, potentially making it easier to cover a larger surface area. Solar tiles can also offer the same protections as regular roofing shingles, in addition to generating solar power. With a solar tile, you might also find that they have a more visually appealing finish than a regular panel.
What are the advantages of solar roof tiles?
There are few notable advantages to using solar roof tiles. These include:
- Can be used in hard-to-reach places: If you are unable to install solar panels on your property due to the positioning of your roof, you may be able to add some solar tiles to this area instead.
- Limited damage to roof: As the tiles act as part of the roofing, you don’t need to worry about drilling holes or mounting equipment on top of the roof.
- protective of the roof than panels: With panels, there is the additional concern of strain on the roof during storms and strong winds. Tiles, however, become a part of the roof and protect the house.
- Visually appealing: Roof tiles are a lot more aesthetically pleasing than mounted panels and can easily blend in with the design of the house.
Solar Plans Prices
Some energy plans are marketed towards customers with solar panels and offer a higher feed-in tariff (FiT) than standard plans. Below, we have listed a handful of these deals available in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. Keep in mind that a higher FiT may only benefit customers who export leftover power back into the grid, in exchange for a credit on their bills.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Top brands for solar roof tiles in Australia
While solar tiles are still an emerging renewable energy generation product within the industry, there are a few retailers who offer these solar solutions. Some solar tile brands include:
Monier claims to have launched the first integrated solar roofing system in Australia, with its product InlineSOLAR – which is recess-mounted within the roofline. These tiles, however, are a custom fit design and can only be used in conjunction with other tiles from the Monier range.
Tractile is another prominent Australian-owned company that offers solar tiles. It uses an interlocking design, which has the added benefit of thermal solar, meaning that these tiles can also create solar hot water to be used in the home. Tractile roof tiles are also claimed to be non-corrosive, hail-proof and rated to withstand extreme winds and cold, wet climates. Tractile’s solar tiles though will also need to be used alongside other Tractile non-solar tiles.
As for Tesla, its solar tiles have only recently become available to Australians and on a reservation basis only. Tesla’s solar tiles look to follow a similar design to those mentioned above, in that they are only interlock able with other non-solar tiles from Tesla. According to the Tesla Solar Australia website though, its solar tiles are more than three times stronger than standard roofing tiles and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Are there any disadvantages of solar roof tiles?
While there are some obvious benefits to using solar tiles over mounted panels, there are also a few potential drawbacks. Some things to consider include:
- Initial cost: Being a newer technology, solar tiles are significantly more expensive than regular solar panels to install. Not only this, but they also require compatible tiling to fit onto the roof, which could become costly, depending on how much of the roof you are tiling.
- Installations to roof: As solar tiles become a part of the roof, you may find that you will need to re-tile a large portion of the roof with both solar and non-solar tiles from the same company. This will require the work of both licensed electricians and roofing contractors.
- Repairs and maintenance: Where solar panels are quite an established product in the solar industry, solar tiles are still breaking their ground. This means that fewer installers and solar companies will have the products or knowledge to help service, repair or maintain your tiles.
- Efficiency dependent on surface area: The positioning and number of tiles added to a roof will very much influence the efficiency of the solar tiles. Where a solar panel mount can be re-adjusted to help improve performance, once these tiles have been placed, it will be a big effort to remove and re-lay them.
Should I install solar tiles over solar panels?
The choice between solar tiles or panels will ultimately depend on the circumstances of your property. For homeowners moving into an existing property, it may be financially viable to install a solar panel system over solar tiles, purely to avoid having to re-tile the roof. But, for those who are in the process of building a new home, it may be worthwhile considering a solar tile setup over a panel system, especially if you plan to stay at the property for a long period.
Either way, if you are keen to install solar on your rooftop, be sure to check out our ratings report below. This guide shows you which solar installation companies Aussies rate the best for customer service, set-up cost, overall satisfaction and more.
Kelseigh Wrigley covers Australia’s retail energy market, growing her industry specific expertise over the last 2 years. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism at the Queensland University of Technology and has contributed her skills to online publications Hunter Bligh and local radio station 4ZZZ.