The difference between solar roof tiles and solar roof panels

Solar tiles work similarly to solar panels – they both absorb the sun’s rays and convert the light energy into heat or electricity. However, there are a few more differences you should be aware of when determining your home’s solar needs:

(1) size

Solar tiles are about the same size as traditional roof tiles, with an average size of about 12 inches wide by 86 inches long, and weigh about 13 pounds per square foot. Thin tiles are less than an inch thick. It takes approximately 350 tiles to complete a typical solar roof installation.

(2) Materials

Solar tiles are usually made of copper indium gallium selenide, which is what makes them so flexible and thin. This semiconductor is an ideal material because of its high conversion efficiency, averaging about 10% to 12%. Instead, some photovoltaic tiles use single crystal silicon, which is also used to make computer chips. While these are more expensive, they are worth the money because they are more efficient, around 15% to 20%.

(3) output

Since the main goal is to reduce energy costs, this is a major consideration for solar installations. Most photovoltaic watts produce between 13 and 63 watts. The number of tiles in a typical home roof installation can reduce utility bills by 40% to 70%.

(4) Appearance

Because solar shingles are integrated directly into the roofing material, such as concrete or asphalt, many people prefer this aesthetic over large black panels attached to the roof. Generally speaking, solar tiles are more stylish than bulky solar panels.

(5) Service life

Both solar panels and photovoltaic tiles have a long lifespan, typically more than 20 years. However, the lifespan of solar tiles varies by manufacturer and installation. Warranties also vary; it is important to be aware of the differences between power warranties when shopping for solar tiles. Depending on how well it was produced, warranties for solar tiles can last decades, while durability warranties covering the tiles themselves can span the life of the home.

(6) Efficiency

Solar tiles outperform panels in terms of efficiency for a number of reasons. While the solar panels can be adjusted as needed to achieve the optimum angle to catch the sun’s rays, the tiles remain in the same position as when they were originally installed.

(7) Installation

Installing solar shingles can take up to a week—provided your existing roof is in good condition. If you were building or redoing your roof before adding solar shingles, it may take longer.

(8) Durability

Solar tiles have one big advantage over panels: they are more durable. Unlike panels that sit on the roof, solar roof tiles are actually part of the roof. As a result, they are more resilient and can withstand harsh weather conditions and falling debris. In addition, solar tiles are fire-resistant, which is a feature that solar panels do not have. (However, it should be noted that the risk of a solar panel fire is very low.)

(9) cost

Solar tiles can be more expensive depending on how many square feet you need to cover and which type you want to get. It is very important to know your budget before choosing a solar tile project.

Solar tiles typically cost more than solar panels due to the amount of material required for installation.