The Appeal of

Frameless Solar

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Frameless solar tiles remove the visible border around the photovoltaic module. The result is a cleaner aesthetic with fewer visual breaks across the roofline. Architecturally, that is attractive. Particularly on contemporary builds where minimalism is the brief. From a marketing standpoint, it photographs beautifully. But roofing is not a marketing exercise. It is a 30–40 year building envelope decision.

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The Engineering

Trade-Off

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When you remove the frame from a photovoltaic module, you change how the system behaves under real-world conditions.

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A roof is exposed to:

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• Thermal expansion and contraction
• Wind uplift
• Heavy rain events
• Impact loads
• Maintenance access
• Serviceability over decades

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The frame in a solar module is not decorative. It contributes to structural integrity, sealing and long-term durability. In a roofing context, the frame also forms part of the waterproofing system. It creates defined watercourses that integrate with the paired roof tile profile and enables mechanical interlocks between rows. These interlocks help prevent wind-driven rain from tracking upward beneath the system during extreme weather events.

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Without a frame, those engineered overlaps and drainage pathways do not exist in the same way. The system becomes more reliant on tight installation tolerances and substrate sealing rather than mechanical water management. Over time, thermal movement and minor variances can compound.

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When designing a building-integrated photovoltaic system, you are not designing for year one. You are designing for year twenty.

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Supply Certainty

and Longevity

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Solar products that rely on specific cell technologies or proprietary manufacturing methods can create long-term supply constraints. If a component is discontinued or a technology shifts, can the system still be supported? Rather than pursue a frameless solution dependent on specific cell architecture, we chose a path that now prioritised supply certainty and long-term supportability. That decision is less visible on day one. But it matters significantly over decades.

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Aesthetics vs Performance

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This is not an argument against frameless systems in all contexts. It is an acknowledgment that aesthetic minimalism must be weighed against performance, durability and maintenance considerations. When designing Volt’s solar tile system, we prioritised:

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• Long-term structural integrity
• Serviceability
• Architectural integration
• Reliable supply chain support
• Engineered water management integrated with the surrounding roof tile system

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The goal was not simply to create a solar roof that looks good. It was to create one that performs reliably as part of the building envelope.

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For Homeowners

Building or Reroofing

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If you are planning a new home or reroof and considering an integrated solar roof, the decision should extend beyond appearance.

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Ask:

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• How does the system handle thermal movement?
• How is water management engineered?

• Does the system include mechanical interlocks and defined drainage paths, or does it rely primarily on sealing?
• What is the long-term service strategy?
• What happens if a tile needs replacement in ten years?

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Solar roofing is not just energy generation. It is roofing. Understanding the engineering behind it protects both your investment and your home.

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The Decision We

Didn’t Make

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Engineering discipline often shows up in what you choose not to build. We could have built a frameless solar tile.

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We chose not to.

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Watch the full video discussion here:
https://youtu.be/F9Iy9dDNX-c

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If you are building new or planning a reroof and want to understand whether an integrated solar roof is right for your project, begin your assessment here.

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