Solar roof tiles are seen as an innovative alternative to traditional solar panels. With traditional solar panels, you mount large panels on top of an existing roof structure, no matter the type of roof.
Solar tiles integrate solar cells directly into the roof’s surface. The concept first gained traction over a decade ago with Tesla and others pioneering commercial products. Since then, the market has been refined, improving the technology and solar panel efficiency.
One breakthrough came from Western Sydney University, where engineers developed tiles by embedding solar cells on the tile surface using a customized adhesive. Early testing showed promising results. With specific conditions, they produced roughly 19% more electricity than standard solar panels. Their design slows how quickly the tile heats under the sun, helping the cells stay cooler and operate more efficiently.
Comparing solar panels to solar roof tiles in cost
Cost remains one of the biggest challenges with regards to solar roof tiles. Currently, solar roof tiles can cost as much as $600 per square meter including installation and an inverter. This is a much higher cost than traditional rooftop solar panels. Keep in mind costs can vary, but in general it remains an issue.
Researchers at Western Sydney University are working to reduce this figure to $250/m² which would make solar roof tiles much more competitive, widening the potential market reach.
In terms of efficiency, most solar tiles fall within the 10–20% efficiency range like most basic solar roof panels. The difference seemed to be that when exposed to maintained sunshine, the tile would heat up more slowly due their thermal management advantage and operate at peak efficiency for longer periods.
How durable are solar roof tiles really?
Durability remains a main concern for any solar panel device. Usually there are big upfront costs for solar panels, meaning it only becomes feasible after a few years. The last thing you want is to replace solar panels often, whether tile or traditional.
Solar tiles have an expected lifetime of up to 25 years or more. However, since is still a relatively new product, more testing is needed. Life-cycle studies are being carried out to assess energy production and whether tiles might affect internal building temperatures. This could in return result in a greater need for air conditioning and negate much of the benefits of using solar panels in the first place, especially in Western Australia.
The university prototypes were made by modifying existing tile manufacturing machines and by using a custom adhesive to bond cells securely. Scaling up production could be feasible without a complete overhaul of manufacturing infrastructure which is promising. It is still somewhat uncertain whether these roof tiles can withstand harsh Australian conditions like extreme heat, hail, and high winds.
Pros and cons
Here is a brief overview of the pros and cons of solar roof tiles.
Pros
- Seamless design that blends with your roof.
- Can replace traditional roof tiles, saving space.
- Potential to perform better than panels in high-heat environments.
Cons
- Current cost is significantly higher than traditional panels.
- Technology is still emerging, with limited large-scale testing.
- May affect internal building temperature in unexpected ways.
- Repairs can be more complicated, as individual tiles are integrated into the roof.
The Bottom line
Solar roof tiles is an exciting step forward in renewable energy and can even have an influence on architectural design. They can make your home look aesthetically pleasing, while offering some benefits but the high upfront costs do little to convince homeowners of installation, which means wide option is scarce.
At IQ Construction, we know that choosing the right energy solution comes down to balancing cost, durability, and performance. Our team can help you design a home that does not only look good, but is energy efficient as well, no matter your budget.
Contact IQ Construction for all your custom and commercial construction needs today!