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.
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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.
Image via Tesla.Just like traditional solar panels, solar roof tiles capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. As with any solar installation, there are other components required. A solar setup of any size needs these three components:
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.
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.
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.
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.
FactorSolar RoofJinko Solar Panel Avg. output per sq metreThe amount of energy produced over an average square metre.
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165 Watts 217 Watts Avg. efficiency ratingThe 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.
$8.00 less than $1.00 Typical installation fee (6KW system)Average cost inclusive of technology, trades and other factors.
$15,120 - $48,000The 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.
5-14 days 1-2 days LifespanHow long the system will reliably produce energy before needing
to be replaced.
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.
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.
Consumers have different financial options to select from when deciding to go solar. In general, a purchased solar system can be installed at a lower total cost than system installed using a solar loan, lease, or power purchase agreement (PPA).
If you prefer to buy your solar energy system, solar loans can lower the up-front costs of the system. In most cases, monthly loan payments are smaller than a typical energy bill, which will help you save money from the start. Solar loans function the same way as home improvement loans, and some jurisdictions will offer subsidized solar energy loans with below-market interest rates, making solar even more affordable. New homeowners can add solar as part of their mortgage with loans available through the Federal Housing Administration and Fannie Mae, which allow borrowers to include financing for home improvements in the home’s purchase price. Buying a solar energy system makes you eligible for the Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. In December 2020, Congress passed an extension of the ITC, which provides a 26% tax credit for systems installed in 2020-2022, and 22% for systems installed in 2023. The tax credit expires starting in 2024 unless Congress renews it. Learn more about the ITC.
Solar leases and PPAs allow consumers to host solar energy systems that are owned by solar companies and purchase back the electricity generated. Consumers enter into agreements that allow them to have lower electricity bills without monthly loan payments. In many cases, that means putting no money down to go solar. Solar leases entail fixed monthly payments that are calculated using the estimated amount of electricity the system will produce. With a solar PPA, consumers agree to purchase the power generated by the system at a set price per kilowatt-hour of electricity produced. With both of these options, though, you are not entitled to tax benefits since you don’t own the solar energy system.
Navigating the landscape of solar financing can be difficult. The Clean Energy States Alliance released a guide to help homeowners understand their options, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each. Download the guide.
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