Solar tiles are an innovation in the field ofsolar energy, offering an aesthetic and functional alternative to traditional solar panels. The principle is to have tiles that act as photovoltaic panels and are designed to blend harmoniously into the roof of a house, transforming the roof into a source ofgreen electricity.
The benefits of solar tiles
The appeal of solar roof tiles lies primarily in their ability to produce green electricity while integrating aesthetically with the roof of a building. They offer a solution for homeowners who wish to benefit from solar energy without installing large, traditional solar panels on their roofs.
Because of their size and shape, solar roof tiles are generally slightly less efficient than conventional solar panels. Solar tiles have an efficiency of around 15% to 20%, while traditional solar panels have an efficiency of 15% to 22%. However, this difference in efficiency can be offset by installing solar tiles on a larger surface area of the roof.
Let’s take an example to illustrate the efficiency of solar tiles. Let’s imagine a house with a 100 m² roof, 80 m² of which is exposed to the sun and can be covered with solar tiles. If each solar tile has an output of 50 W, the roof could accommodate a total output of 1,600 W (80 m² x 50 W/m² = 4,000 W). Assuming an efficiency of 18% and an average sun exposure of 4 hours per day, daily electricity production would be around 11.52 kWh (4,000 W x 4 h x 0.18 = 11.52 kWh). This electricity production would cover a significant proportion of a household’s energy needs.
The development of solar tiles
In Europe, and particularly in France, financial assistance such as reduced VAT and subsidies can be granted for the installation of solar tiles. EDF, France’s main electricity supplier, also offers programs for the purchase of electricity generated by photovoltaic solar installations, making investment in solar roof tiles even more attractive.
The installation of solar roof tiles is subject to specific regulations, particularly with regard to buildings listed or protected by Bâtiments de France. In some regions, such as Perpignan, specific standards may be imposed to preserve architectural heritage.
In France, the installation of solar roof tiles has gained in popularity thanks to companies such as Tesla, SunPower and Eternit, which offer different types of solar roof tiles. The Tesla Solar Roof, for example, is a solution proposed by Elon Musk’s company for integrating solar energy into roofs without sacrificing aesthetics. Tesla solar roof tiles, as well as tiles from other manufacturers, are available in a range of styles to match conventional clay tiles and other roofing materials.
Solar tile companies
A number of companies are involved in the development and production of solar roof tiles. Here are a few of the best-known, with examples of their product prices:
- Tesla: Tesla, headed by Elon Musk, is one of the most iconic companies in the field of solar roof tiles. Their product, called “Solar Roof”, is designed to look like conventional roof tiles while generating electricity. Prices vary according to the size and complexity of the installation, but it’s generally estimated that the cost of the Solar Roof is around €21.85 per square foot (about €235 per square meter).
- SunPower: SunPower is an American company specializing in the production of solar panels and solar roof tiles. Their solar tiles are designed to integrate easily into traditional roofs. Prices for SunPower tiles vary according to project and specific needs, but are generally competitive with other options on the market.
- Eternit: Eternit is a European company that produces fiber-cement solar roof tiles. Their product range includes photovoltaic solar roof tiles that can be installed as replacements for traditional roof tiles. Prices for Eternit solar tiles also depend on the size and complexity of the project, but are generally between €200 and €300 per square meter.
- CertainTeed: CertainTeed is an American company offering a range of solar tiles called “Apollo II”. These solar tiles are designed to be installed as replacements for conventional tiles, and offer discreet aesthetics. Prices for CertainTeed solar tiles vary according to the project, but are generally competitive with other options on the market.