In the United States, many people are switching to solar energy to save energy in their homes. The idea of using solar energy to power homes is increasingly attracting homeowners.
According to data from the Solar Energy Industry Association, over 3 million Americans have shifted to using solar energy due to cost reduction over time. The most common method of utilizing solar energy is to use solar panels.
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, have been a mature technology for many years and are common on southfacing roofs across the country. More than ever before, the company offers competitive prices and designed solar panels to meet the growing demand for power generation and aesthetics.
However, not many homeowners are satisfied with having solar panels cover their originally attractive roofs. Therefore, the new trend of solar tiles (or solar roof tiles) is becoming a viable choice for solar consumers.
If aesthetically pleasing solar tiles can be chosen to generate more electricity in less volume, is solar tiles worth investing in? How are they different from traditional solar panels? This is a comparison that can help you make wise decisions about the solar technology that is most suitable for your home.
What are solar photovoltaic tiles and how do they work?
Solar photovoltaic tiles, also known as solar roof shingles or photovoltaic shingles, are small solar panels designed to mimic and leverage the functions of traditional roof shingles. They are a relatively new solar energy solution, commonly seen as Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). This means that roof tiles can use solar energy to produce energy for your home.
In terms of power output, a solar tile can generate 13 to 63 watts of energy, depending on the brand. The output depends on the direction of the sun towards the roof tiles. In the northern hemisphere of the United States, it is best to place solar photovoltaic cells facing south to obtain the most direct sunlight.
Comparing solar tile with solar panels
Solar tiles and panels have the same function of converting solar energy into electricity. Nevertheless, these two technologies differ in some aspects, and we emphasize this point below:
(1) Installation
Solar tiles are easier to install than solar panels. Compared to solar panels that may take several days, setting up solar tiles takes an average of about 10 hours. The photovoltaic tiles are easily stuck together, making them faster to install and requiring fewer roof holes.
However, solar tiles have limited flexibility. Their installation matches the inclination of the roof, which means that if there is almost no sunlight on a part of the roof, the output will be affected.
In contrast, you can tilt the solar panel to maximize sunlight absorption, thereby increasing output. Another drawback of photovoltaics is their limited fluidity. Unlike solar panels that are easy to move when relocating a house, solar roof tiles are difficult to unload and move to new locations because they also serve as roofs.
(2) Efficiency
In terms of efficiency, the upper edge of the solar panel is higher than the roof tiles. As mentioned earlier, you can tilt the panel to absorb as much solar energy as possible, thereby increasing output.
On the other hand, solar tiles are limited by the angle of the roof, which affects their optimal conversion efficiency. Hanging trees or other obstacles can block sunlight and interfere with electricity production. Solar panels also have a conversion efficiency of about 22%, while the average efficiency of roof tiles is 15-20%.
(3) Durability
The service life of solar panels is between 25 and 30 years. The main manufacturer of solar roof tiles claims that their service life is about 30 years.
However, unlike the validated technology of solar panels, solar rooftop technology is still new. Therefore, its lifespan cannot be accurately determined.
(4) Aesthetics
Compared to photovoltaic panels, solar roof tiles have a smooth appearance. They are available in four different designs, including smooth glass tile styles, Tuscan glass tiles, textured glass tiles, and slate glass tiles. This makes them ideal choices for various architectural styles. When installed as a new roof or an existing asphalt tile roof, solar tiles also have an attractive appearance.
As for solar panels, they are mainly built for functionality. Therefore, many people do not like them because their aesthetic effect is poor. Their large size may mask the good features of the existing roof.
(5) Price
The idea of people switching to solar energy is mainly to save money. That is to say, solar tiles are more expensive than solar panels because they are still a new technology. Their cost is twice that of solar panels. The prices range from $60000 to $75000 depending on the size and wattage of the roof.
From a historical perspective, the high prices of solar tiles are attributed to a very small number of manufacturers in the market. However, with the influx of several manufacturers, this situation has recently changed, resulting in price competitiveness.
Overall, the high cost of solar tiles should not be a factor disrupting transactions. Compared to solar panels, they are cost-effective in the long run. If you need to install a new roof, solar tiles may be more cost-effective than solar panels because they can save labor and traditional roof materials.
Final idea: Is solar tiles the correct choice?
Both solar systems have their advantages and disadvantages. But it is clear why most homeowners still insist on using solar panels because they are more efficient and portable than solar roof tiles.
The transition from solar panels to solar tiles looks promising. With the increase in the number of solar roof tile suppliers and the decrease in prices, solar consumers have found it easier to convert.
