Solar Panel Roof and Solar Roof Tiles – Taking Solar Energy to the Next Level

solar panel roofing

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Solar energy has become a popular option in Australia as a clean and renewable source of power. With the increase in demand, various solar products are now available in the market, including solar panels and solar roof tiles.

In this article, Energy Matters unpicks the hype and unpacks the headlines about Solar Roofs. You may not be thinking of going the distance quite yet, and forking out some hefty Aussie dollars to be an early solar roof adopter.

But it’s worth taking a closer look at the tech. Also, these big-shot ideas can spur other innovations and streamline prices, which we’ll look at too.

Solar tiles vs solar panels

Solar roof panels

What are solar panels as a roofing material?

Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are made up of photovoltaic cells, which are connected and mounted on a frame. When sunlight hits the cells, it creates a flow of electricity.

Solar panels are typically installed on the roofs of homes or businesses. They are connected to an inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, used to power appliances and devices in the building.

Why choose solar roof panels?

One of the primary benefits of solar panels is their ability to generate clean, renewable energy. This is important for those concerned about the environment who want to reduce their carbon footprint. In addition, solar panels can help to reduce energy bills by generating electricity that can be used to power a home or business.

Solar panels are also a low-maintenance option, as they do not have any moving parts and are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Installation and cost of solar roof panels

Installing solar panels can be a cost-effective option in the long run, as the savings on energy bills can offset the initial installation cost.

However, the cost of installation can vary depending on several factors, including the size and type of panels, the complexity of the installation, and the location of the building.

The installation process typically involves mounting the panels on the roof of the building and connecting them to the inverter. This process must be carried out by a professional with experience installing solar panels.

Solar roof tiles

What are solar roof tiles?

Solar roof tiles or are a newer type of solar product designed to integrate seamlessly into the roof of a building. They are individual solar panels designed to look like traditional roof tiles or shingles. Solar tiles are made up of photovoltaic cells that generate electricity from sunlight.

Why choose solar roof tiles?

One of the primary benefits of solar tiles is their aesthetic appeal. Unlike traditional solar panels, solar roof systems are designed to blend in seamlessly with the roofline. This can be an important factor for homeowners and businesses who want to maintain the visual appeal of their buildings.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, solar tiles offer the same benefits as traditional solar panels, including reduced energy bills and lower carbon emissions. They can also be a cost-effective option in the long run, as the savings on energy bills can offset the initial cost of installation.

Installation and cost of solar roof tiles

Installing solar panel roof tiles can be more expensive than installing traditional solar panels. However, the cost can be offset by savings on energy bills over time.

The installation process for roof replacement with solar tiles can be more complex than traditional solar panels, as they must be integrated directly into the roof structure. This means that the installation must be carried out by a professional with experience in installing solar roofing systems.

Alternative Building Integrated Photovoltaics

Solar roof tiles are also known as building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).

BIPVs are part of the roofing material, discreetly integrated with similar-looking non-solar tiles.

The canopy of the Chapter House Canopy, St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney is one of Australia’s BiPV projects.

The amorphous silicon building integrated photovoltaic (BiPV) medium transparency panels constructed over the courtyard between the Cathedral and the adjoining Chapter House building, thus offsetting the electricity used to power the air conditioner. And will lead to a nominal power of 2.3 kWp, while providing shade and shelter.

Alternative Building Integrated Photovoltaics Source&Image: Hume Building Products

What are Tesla solar roof tiles and how much do they cost?

Solar roofs are one of the latest ideas in solar technology. Spearheaded by Tesla, the concept is to have a link-up between your solar tiles on your roof, the  solar battery on the side of your house and, of course, your new electric car.

Tesla’s concept is that a whole roof will comprise of solar roof tiles. But what are solar roof tiles exactly?

Well, they work in the same way solar panels do, by turning sunlight into electricity. But they can be fitted onto your roof snugly to match the design you want, and they look like regular roofing tiles. Tesla offers a number of styles: Tuscan Glass Tiles, Slate Glass Tiles, Textured Glass Tiles and Smooth Glass Tiles.

Tesla solar roof tile still needs to be constructed in Australia, despite accepting bookings. However, installing a Tesla solar roof tile is expected to cost between $35,000 and $70,000, according to information published on the SolarReviews US website in January 2023.

Tesla does not let you select the complexity of your roof when using the estimator on their website, so you cannot see how Tesla is categorising the roof or what pricing they are using for the estimate. This leads to a general estimate of $20 per square foot for the entire roof area, however it may be somewhat higher or lower.

As Gizmodo reports, there are two types of tile – ones with solar cells, and ones without, and the price includes 35 per cent of the tiles as the active power generating type.

Remember that  there are two different kinds of tiles in the roof: solar and non-solar tiles. The ratio of solar tiles to non-solar tiles will affect the cost per square foot of the solar roof.

That means the Tesla solar roof is about 2.5 times more expensive than a comparable non-solar roof. The tiles have a 30-year warranty.

Check out our page to learn more about Tesla solar roof tiles cost.

tesla solar roof at night

Are Tesla solar roof tiles available in Australia yet?

According to Reuters, Tesla began manufacturing its solar roof tiles at the company’s New York factory in 2018 and has started surveying the homes of customers who made a deposit to reserve the product.

Tesla offers both solar and non-solar tiles. According to Elon Musk, customers could cover between 40 and 70 per cent of their roofs in solar tiles, depending on the size of their roof. In a press release Tesla explains that although the upfront cost of solar tiles are more expensive, it can be offset by the energy the tiles produce.

What is the market? Why is Tesla making solar roofs?

Right now, solar roofs are for high-end customers who have solar panels on their roofs but want a better aesthetic. This is likely to change in the longer term, when production increases and solar tile prices drop. At present, solar tiles are at the bottom of the list for environmental or financial return on the dollar.

So why is Tesla doing investing in them? It’s all  about brand positioning. Tesla is doing it to position the Tesla brand at the premium end of the market. Tesla gets lots of free advertising, and the product attracts people to their other products.

Most people will end up purchasing Tesla’s standard 60-cell framed modules, and put them on top of a tile roof. They will feel happier that they have bought the “almost best” product from the “best” brand.

Check out our page to learn more about Tesla solar roof tiles in Australia.

What are the advantages of solar roof tiles?

Solar tiles could be the go-to solution for solar energy generation if:

  • You value the aesthetic of clean roof lines.
  • You live in a heritage conservation area that prevents the installation of solar panels.
  • Your north-facing roof area faces the street.
  • Your sunny roof area is the wrong shape or size for conventional PV panels.

There’s no need to drill holes in the roof to install the tiles. They’re not bolted onto the roof, so there’s no extra strain from natural wind flow. They’re much more resistant to cyclonic winds than solar panels, and in strength and impact testing for hail damage, they often perform as well or better than conventional roofing materials.

Factors to consider when choosing solar tiles

  • The type of solar tile you need: Many roof tiles are available, so choosing one suitable for your climate and budget is important.
  • The quality of the solar tiles: Make sure that the solar roof systems you purchase are of high quality and that they are from a reputable manufacturer.
  • The price of solar tiles: Roof tiles can vary depending on the type, the quality, and the quantity you need.
  • Get quotes from multiple suppliers: This will help you to compare prices and find the best deal.
  • Ask for samples: This will allow you to see the tiles in person and ensure you are happy with the colour and the texture.
  • Read reviews: This will help you to get an idea of the quality of the tiles and the supplier’s customer service.
  • The warranty: Roof tiles should come with a warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship.

Other manufacturers of solar roof tiles

Apart from Tesla, other manufacturers of solar tiles are:

Tractile

Australian company Tractile has developed a patented, interlocking roofing tile. They provide an innovative combination of interlocking system, high performance composite materials, and solar technology to deliver a 4-in-1 solution for roofing, insulation, electricity, and heated water. There’s a 30 year product review.

Tractile

Monier

Monier has been putting roofs on Australian homes for 100 years. It launched its Solartile, made with monocrystalline cells. Monier claims these solar tiles were the first BIPV roofing product in Australia.

Monier

Leeson Group

The roof solar tile, called Volt, was launched globally and announced by Leeson Group, a diverse group of Australian renewable energy companies. 

According to Melbourne-based renewable energy business, Leeson Group and a subsidiary of Volt Solar Tile, the  Australian-designed building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) roof tile has the highest wattage of any solar tile on the global market with a maximum power output of 115 W. The Australian-engineered roof solar product has up to 19.3% solar or energy efficiency.

Visit our page to learn more about the Volt solar tile.

Leeson Group

Nulok

According to Nulok, their Nulok solar tiles are often referred to as “hidden energy” as they are fitted into the roof without compromising the roofline, unlike old fashioned solar racks that often ruin the appearance of the house.

Nulok

What are the drawbacks of solar roof tiles?

Component cost

For solar to work, each cell needs to be protected from corrosion, so it is encapsulated behind glass and plastic. These protected materials are “waste”; i.e. they do not add to the core function. A solar tile requires a lot of waste material for each cell.

Water ingress

Roofs are designed and built to keep out the rain. Modern sheet metal roofs do this by using large sheets of steel with few joins or overlaps. In contrast, tile roofs have many joins and gaps. Each gap is a failure point.

Lock in

Once the home owner has committed to a specific make and model of solar tile, they are locked in. Any upgrade, extension or repair has to use the same brand of components. In contrast, standardised 60 cell modules are a lot more interchangeable, especially if the system uses DC optimisers or micro inverters. In that case modules can be completely mixed and matched.

Efficiency & yield

To make best use of a roof area, it needs to be covered with solar cells. If the cells can only cover a small amount of the roof, owing to the wasted space between each tile, then the yield will be much lower. In contrast, standard modules can fit more cells onto a given roof area.

A future alternative to solar panels?

Oliver Koehler, CEO of solar shingle and tile company SunTegra, thinks the next generation of solar customers want a low-profile, more integrated solution that blends in with their home.

Interviewed by Greentech Media, Koehler said until now most customers didn’t know there was an alternative to solar panels.

A future alternative to solar panels?

                       Solar roofs and solar tiles could be the next big thing in renewables.

Are solar roof tiles worth it?

The questions of how much solar roof tiles cost and how solar roof tiles work have been answered in this post. Now, the question is, are they worth it?

Because of the stringent building and construction regulations in Australia, as well as the difficulties in teaching a broad industry (from the design through construction and operation phases) about product availability, standards, and affordable solutions, the adoption of BIPV has been slow.

Roofs that are not equipped with easily noticeable solar panels but still run on solar energy through BIPV help with the overall impression of the property. However, it doesn’t have a long-lasting effect, especially when the home is located in a neighbourhood with rooftop solar panels installed. This is because few people are likely to care whether you have rooftop solar panels or solar tiles on your roof. The main selling point will always be how power is generated throughout the home. 

To really make solar roof tiles worth your while and make the purchase as cost-effective as possible, get it whilst you’re constructing your home or replacing your roof.

The bottom line here is that if your top priority is how your home looks with solar, then solar tiles are worth every cent.


want to add panels? Need to upgrade quotation

Conclusion: Solar roofs replace solar panels?

The idea of solar roofs is getting traction, thanks to big announcements and launches from Tesla. It’s often the case that hyping new products brings the concept to people’s attention, then they buy one of the cheaper products.

It’s worth noting there is a lot of talk about prices and every installation is different. The main customers for roof tiles right now will be households and businesses who want an attractive roof with the benefits of renewable energy, and are willing to invest more to achieve this.

But for now, the Tesla Solar roof is not a solid investment compared to normal solar. It probably will be around the third generation, as prices are driven down by scale. So, for anyone looking at ditching those solar panels for tiles or splashing on a full solar roof, it’s worth looking at the economics and the options first. Or maybe, holding off for a while until prices are more reasonable.

Energy Matters has been a leader in the renewable energy industry since 2005 and has helped over 40,000 Australian households in their journey to energy independence. 

Let us discuss and choose the best quote that suits your needs and budget, and we can connect you with our trusted local solar installers in Melbourne, who will provide up to 3 FREE solar quotes for your home and business solar energy system. Get your free quotes today!


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