As more homeowners seek sustainable solutions for their homes, solar energy systems have gained widespread popularity as an effective means to reduce household CO2 emissions. However, the most readily available solar product in today’s market, the conventional solar panel, has a visually unappealing appearance with its clunky look and requires an unsightly mounting system, which often detracts from the overall aesthetic appeal of a home. Addressing this issue, Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) products have emerged as a compelling alternative for environmentally conscious individuals seeking an eco-friendly energy source without compromising on style.
BIPV products are available in various styles and sizes, encompassing solar tiles that are integrated into the roof to solar glass—a transparent material with photovoltaic cells integrated. However, among these options, solar tiles stand out due to their superior efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to other BIPV products.
Solar Tile 101: What is a Solar Tile?
Solar tiles represent a revolutionary advancement in solar technology, seamlessly blending renewable energy generation with architectural design. But what exactly is a solar tile, and how does it work?
At its core, a solar tile is a compact solar module designed to harmonise with the overall roofing system. Like solar modules, solar tiles consist of solar cells that absorb sunlight, which is then converted into usable electricity for daily consumption. However, unlike solar panels, solar tiles are designed to be compact, with a frame specifically engineered to seamlessly integrate the solar tile into the roofing system.
Different brands of solar tiles, too, have different specifications, for example, in their performances. Higher wattage and efficiency levels in a solar tile translate to a greater capacity to power a home, making them a preferable option for homeowners. Another important feature that differentiates solar tiles are their appearance. For instance, different solar tile brands are designed to fit with specific roof tiles, all with different profiles and colours.
How does Volt Solar Tile Stand Out?
According to the comparative analysis done by Pottinger, Volt stands out with its industry-leading performances and efficiency, boasting an impressive power output of 115W for its planum range and 19.5% for its Lodge range.
Aside from their performance and efficiency, Volt Solar Tiles are superior in aesthetics. While many solar tile brands rely on older cell technology, such as multi-busbar solar cells with a conductive strip for collecting electrical current from sunlight, Volt Solar Tiles have embraced cutting-edge MWT technology. This innovative approach relocates the conductive layer of a solar cell to the back of the module, resulting in an all-black look that seamlessly blends with the roof profile.
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Another, arguably the most crucial aspect of solar tiles is their integration with the roof. Solar tiles vary in forms and sizes; for instance, the Tesla Solar Roof is designed to cover the entire roof space, while some brands offer solar tiles with a large profile that doesn't mimic traditional roof tiles. Despite Tesla's appealing design, it has been linked to issues like roof leaks, which many users have experienced. Additionally, Tesla's solar roofs are not compliant for use in Australia due to their wiring system.
When compared to other solar roof tile brands that have large profiles, Volt also stands out with its compact design with a width that matches the width of a standard roof tile. This feature allows Volt tiles to seamlessly integrate into the roofing system, seamlessly becoming a part of the roofing system.
Customisation Options with Volt Solar Tiles
Volt solar tiles are compatible with both concrete and terracotta roof tiles, for each is known for its unique characteristics.
Terracotta Roof Tiles
Terracotta roof tiles, also known as ceramic roof tile, are premium roofing materials well-known for their durability, rust resistance, and corrosion resistance, with a proven lifespan of up to 100 years. Their density provides excellent insulation, effectively regulating indoor temperatures to keep homes cool in hot weather and warm in colder weather, thus contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions—ideal for pairing with solar tiles to significantly reduce carbon footprint.
Volt’s Planum range pairs with La Escandella’s Planum roof tiles for its terracotta roof tile pairing. This roof tile range is known for its clean, smooth surface profile, allowing for a streamlined look when paired with Volt Solar Tile. A variation of the Planum profile is its Blackstone range, which features a hint of textured surface for added detail.
In terms of colour options, Planum offers a diverse palette, including sought-after dark colours, such as Planum in the Caviar and Black Diamond, the timeless terracotta colour (Roja), and an array of other stunning shades. Notably, the ghost-white colour has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its heat-reflecting properties. The light roof's reflective nature contributes to cooling the underlying building during summer, thereby maintaining a cooler interior.
Concrete Roof Tiles
Concrete roof tiles present a cost-effective alternative to terracotta roof tiles, all while retaining key roof tile qualities, such as the capacity to reflect heat and superior aesthetics when compared to metal roofing. For concrete roof tile pairing, the Volt Lodge range is compatible with Bristile Roofing’s Prestige, Eton, and Premiere profiles, each offering exquisitely textured surfaces.
Prestige stands out with its smooth, stone-like appearance, creating an ideal complement for modern, minimalistic homes. Eton, on the other hand, features a ribbed texture that brings a creatively distinctive visual to the roof without excessive extravagance. Finally, Premiere offers a smooth finish with distinctive lines, collectively crafting a unique pattern that mimics the elegance of slate roofing but at a considerably lower cost.
In contrast to the planum variant, the colour palette of concrete tiles leans towards grayscale hues inspired by the Australian natural landscape. For instance, colours like Deep Shadow mimic Australian natural stones with their rich grey colour, while Aspen mimics a light Australian river stone with its Ash colour.
Concrete Roof Tile vs Terracotta Roof Tiles
While terracotta and concrete roof tiles share similar characteristics, several key differences set them apart. Terracotta roof tiles stand out for their durability due to their material composition which allows for a dense structure. Nonetheless, concrete tiles offer a cost-effective option with comparable longevity.
In terms of similarities, both roof tile selections provide an exceptional, premium appearance to your property. They also provide superior insulation when compared to metal or composite roofing systems, which aid in temperature regulation in a property and hence are excellent choices for reducing carbon footprint. When combined with Volt Solar Tiles' energy-generating capabilities, these roof tiles will provide the ultimate carbon-emitting system while preserving the beauty of the residential or business property.
For more information about Volt Solar Tiles system, submit your enquiry through our Enquiry Form