Solar Tiles - Solar Roof Tiles - Photovoltaics

Solar Roof Tiles operate on the same principle as Solar PV Panels. The advantage of Solar Roof Tiles is that they are manufactured to the same modular size as large format roof tiles. They can be integrated into a new roof at the time of construction or into an existing roof when the roof covering is being replaced

Solar Roof Tiles

Solar Roof Tiles convert photons of light into electrical energy using a semi-conductor material. When daylight shines onto a solar cell, electrons are released producing an electrical current. The volume of solar electricity produced depends on the intensity of the light received by the solar cell.

Benefits of Solar Roof Tiles

Solar Roof Tiles require only daylight, not sunlight, and are therefore capable of generating electricity on a cloudy day. Solar Roof Tiles are unobtrusive and there is no heat, noise or radiation produced. They can be installed on the roof of most homes and can be easily connected to the building’s electricity supply.

Each Solar Roof Tile is a solar photovoltaic assembly with a solar module and a glass laminate cover. Each module is supplied with electrical connectors which link it to adjacent modules.

Orientation and Tilt Angle of Solar Roof Tiles

The roof design and construction are the same as that for a normal roof and must comply with current Building Regulations. Solar Tiles operate at maximum efficiency if they are orientated towards the south. They are suitable for roof pitches from 17.5° to 60° from the horizontal.

Installation of Solar Roof Tiles

The installation must be carried out by a competent installer using standard roofing components. The roof installation process is similar to that of normal roof tiles but the Solar Roof Tiles must always be bordered by normal roofing tiles. As each base unit is fixed the electric cables are fitted into the weatherproof connectors. When the complete array of bases has been secured and the cable connections made then the laminate tops are fitted to each base.

Solar Roof Tiles Stand-Alone System

A stand-alone Solar Roof Tile system is useful where there is no connection to the local electricity network or where the mains power supply is prone to interruptions. If the installation is for a home that is not connected to the local electricity supply network, then the Solar Roof Tiles can be configured to directly charge a bank of batteries. The power flow from storage batteries is direct current (DC) that can be converted to alternating current (AC) mains power by the installation of an inverter.

Mains System - Green Energy from Solar Roof Tiles

Clean Energy Cashback is a UK government sponsored incentive scheme designed to encourage the introduction of renewable energy sources. Under Clean Energy Cashback, an obligation is imposed on regional or national electricity utility companies to buy renewable energy electricity. By purchasing the surplus electricity from a Solar Roof Tile system, energy suppliers are able to fulfill this requirement.

During daylight hours, the electricity generated by the Solar Roof Tiles will supply the home and any surplus will be sold to the electricity supplier, through an approved import/export meter. During periods of high energy use in the home, or when the Solar Roof Tiles are unproductive, electricity can be bought back from the network to guarantee continuity of supply.

A Home’s Energy Requirement

An average family in the UK uses between 3,000 and 4,000 kilowatt hours of mains electricity per year. An area of approximately 50 square metres of Solar Roof Tiles is required to meet this level of consumption. If there is insufficient south facing roof to achieve this target then a smaller area of Solar Roof Tiles can be fitted to supply some of the energy demand, with the remainder being provided by the local electricity network.

Planning Consent for Solar Roof Tiles

National planning guidance urges local planners to take into consideration the need to develop more renewable energy in their areas. Planning permission is usually only required for listed buildings or buildings in conservation areas. In all circumstances it is advisable to discuss the planning issues with the local authority before having a Solar Roof Tiles system installed.

Before considering a system of renewable energy, it is advisable to improve the energy efficiency of your house through improved insulation, draught proofing, low energy lights and heating controls